A Workshop to Set Your Sankalpa (Intention)
by Krishna Kumar Krishnan

Saturday 6th JAN 2024 at 16:00h (2 hours)

Have you already set your new year’s resolutions? You’re still on time!
But instead of choosing resolutions you most probably won’t follow through the whole year, why not give
them a “yogic” twist and set a Sankalpa (intention) instead. Dig deeper this year to find a genuine purpose!

What Is A Sankalpa?
A Sankalpa is a positive resolve usually made before a yoga practice or meditation. It’s a commitment you
make to yourself but the main difference with a New Year’s resolution is that a Sankalpa starts from the radical
premise that you already are who you need to be to be happy or to reach your Dharma.
On the other hand, the usual New Year’s resolution often starts with a negative perception of ourselves: Quit
smocking=I’m not healthy, lose weight=I’m too fat, etc. They are usually made from the ego and that is why
they don’t last.

How to set an Intention?
To discover your Sankalpa, you must listen and observe. Ask yourself what is essential that you become or
achieve to fulfil your highest purpose or what you want to bring to the world. Be present, look inward and
you will find your heartfelt desire. Once you know what your intention is, try to rephrase it so it’s short and
easy to remember. It should always be stated in the present tense.
Incorporate your Sankalpa in your daily life: Use it as a mantra during Pranayama, write it down in your
journal, stick it on your fridge, repeat it before going to sleep. Change doesn’t happen overnight but if you
stick to your resolve, you will soon see the benefits of this practice.

Some examples of Sankalpa

• I awaken my spiritual potential
• I am more aware and efficient
• Compassion is my true nature
• I have harmony in my life
• I find beauty everywhere
• I treat myself and others with kindness

Of course, a Sankalpa is deeply personal. Try and find your real heartfelt desire and make a resolve out of it.
Be also aware that your resolution might evolve over time. You can also step back and start over the process
to find a Sankalpa that is really meaningful now.
In this workshop, we will do an arrival / landing in the physical body, rejuvenate the body with some mobility
and kriya movements. After that we do some breathwork and pranayama practices to recharge the energetic
body and emotional body. Once the physical body and emotion/energies are harmonised, we will do a
contemplation by writing in words which the part of yourself to be purified and will be burnt afterwards.
Thereafter writing your Sankalpa that will be offered to river/ocean as water brings life and flows the energy
of your Sankalpa further.

Bring with you a pen to write and an empty white paper without any lines!

USC Members are Welcome! You can book the class for a reduced price and do a check in via QR-Code once you arrived in the studio. Please be careful booking the right ticket.