For most of us, those New Year’s Resolutions will have fallen by the wayside. New Year’s Resolutions are a kind of outside-in approach to changing what you don’t like about yourself.
Sankalpa means “resolution or resolve”, from the Sanskrit word – ‘san’, a concept or idea formed in the heart, and ‘kalpa’, way of proceeding. It is our deepest intention and desires, born in our heart and soul. When we know our heart’s purpose and live from it, it becomes the motivation behind everything we do, and then we live with sustained joy and a deep sense of peace and fulfilment. It helps us access our deep inner resources.
Through meditation and prayer, we can rest in the stillness of our true nature, we let go of expectations of what we think we might need andwe are more likely to be in a place of peace, harmony and intuition. From this place we can begin to form a positive intention – a simple, clear, present time statement. It should not be a statement of willpower, not about saying for example “I am going to give up all sweet things”, rather “I eat foods that are nourishing to my body”. Focus on the results you want, rather than the thing that you don’t want, then step back to let the winds of grace take it.
I run a gentle chair/standing yoga based class at Litton village Hall on Friday afternoons, 2 – 3pm. All welcome. For information call 01629 815168 or email michelelamu@aol.com.
Michele Abercrombie-Riv