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New Year's Resolution Yoga Style

Posted on Dec 31st, 2008 by Allison : Dreamweaver Allison
First posted on my blog http://iallison.blogspot.com

Yesterday, I was writing the e-newsletter for the yoga studio where I teach.  As I sat down to compose the message, I began thinking of my yoga training and the influence of my dear teacher Pam Schap (owner of the studio) and my teacher who trained me as a yoga instructor, Sandy Carden.  Both have influenced me greatly through their words, actions and their being. And it was from their great teachings, and a quick google search that the following ideas came together.

So often we set out to make a New Year's Resolution. The trouble with this practice is that so often our resolutions are guided by negative feelings we hold about ourselves.  Needing to loose weight because we are unhappy with how we look, stopping some habit that stems from our self-loathing, etc.

As a part of the training I did for yoga teacher certification was an intense study of the ancient yogic practice of Yoga Nidra.  Yoga nidra is a meditation technique that guides you to such a deep level of relaxation, you are incredibly open and receptive.  Nidra actually means sleep.  If you can ever find an opportunity to participate in the practice of yoga nidra, I would highly recommend it.  When you begin the practice of yoga nidra you state your sankalpa.  A sankalpa is an affirmation, intention, or prayer stated in the present tense.  Popular sankalpas include, I am peace, I am happy, healthy, and whole.
"The sankalpa is a chosen resolution made during the practice of yoga nidra. It could be said that the main purpose of yoga nidra is to realize one’s sankalpa. Whether this is true or not, sankalpa has the potential to release tremendous power by clearly defining and focusing on a chosen goal. Its effect is to awaken the willpower within by uniting the conscious awareness with the unconscious forces lying dormant. It takes the form of a short phrase or sentence, clearly and concisely expressed, using the same wording each time, to bring about a positive change in one’s life. Now the important question arises: How to choose the appropriate sankalpa?"*

*Read more of this text here.

This New Years I invite you to take some time to identify your sankalpa.  Rather than creating a resolve to be different for a whole year, create a positive intention for how to be in the present moment.  It is ludicrous to try to change your behavior for a whole year, by beginning with a self-deprecating style.  So this year, I invite you to see yourself in your most positive true light and to let that light shine in this present moment and for many more to come.

Namaste!
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Tagged with: Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Sankalpa, New Years, New Year's Resolution, Intention, Positive

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