Words can change our lives!
Words are not just tools for communication. Words have the power to uplift, hurt, unite, divide, bless, curse, empower, transform and so much more. The words that we choose and the stories that we tell ourselves matter more than most of us could ever imagine. Our actions, behaviors and decisions are basically the sum of our conscious and unconscious thoughts… our words.
There is a practice, called Sankalpa, in which you use a short phrase or sentence, that you create specifically for you, that you repeat often to bring about a positive change in your life. A Sankalpa practice is like the gentle nudge, or the words of encouragement from a significant other that you gift to yourself throughout your day. A Sankalpa can be defined or described as a chosen internal resolution or intention that helps to positively reshape and influence your direction and purpose.
Here is how you can create your own Sankalpa phrase
Your Sankalpa will come from within and will address something about yourself that you would like to strengthen, maintain or change.
- Begin by inquiring into your typical thoughts to find a belief that you carry that leads to negative outcomes in your yoga practice, meditation practice or more importantly in your life.
- Take a moment to write that belief down so you can see exactly what it is.
- Now create an empowering message that counteracts or diminishes the power of the that negative belief .
There is no need to struggle to or force a sankalpa, it can take time to find the right sankalpa, there is no rush, let it come intuitively to you, this is what gives it power and strength. - Once you have the Sankalpa that speaks to you write it in your journal, on sticky notes that you post on your wall and everywhere else that you may look at on a regular basis.
- Repeat this beautiful statement out loud whenever possible and notice how the words make you feel.
Repeat your life altering statement during your yoga and meditation practices. Repeat them before you go to be and as soon as you wake up in the morning. - Be patient, don‘t expect changes overnight, stick with your Sankalpa until it brings results, then when you feel it has been firmly rooted and transformed that aspect of you, go ahead and plant a new one.
Here are a few examples of a Sankalpa (you can use one of these until you create, mold and shape your own)
- I am enough. I do enough. I have enough.
- I am a student of my body
- My body heals itself
- I am guided on my path and have faith in my journey
- I am loveable, I loving, I am love
Enjoy the process, the practice and how it makes you feel!