I trust you have all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Christmas for most is a busy time and it certainly was for me, unpacking my grandparents house and cooking Christmas dinner. Although a little mad, it has been wonderful to spend lots of time with family and friends.
January is traditionally a time for fresh starts. New Year, New You. A time to look at yourself and set a resolution, a change for the better ‘stop eating chocolate’, ‘lose weight’, ‘stop drinking caffeine’ or whatever it may be for you. If you have set yourself a resolution already take a look at the language. A resolution tends to have a negative affect on your subconscious and if you fail tends to leave you feeling angry at yourself or guilty.
In Yoga we use positive language. It is more of an intention rather than a resolution. In Yoga we call this a Sankalpa. Sankalpa is Sanskrit which means ‘will, purpose or determination’. It is a short positive phrase. So rather than a resolution of ‘I will stop smoking’ that reaffirms the negative how about the Sankalpa ‘I will lead a healthier lifestyle more and more each day’ or instead of ‘I will not lose my temper and be angry anymore’ change it for the gentler Sankalpa ‘I will remain calm and positive no matter what is put in front of me’
How to make it work... Remember change does not happen overnight. If you stray from your Sankalpa do not berate yourself instead gently remind yourself of your intention. Set triggers for yourself, incorporate your Sankalpa into your daily routine. Use it as a mantra during pranayama or meditation. Change your screensaver at work or on your phone to remind you, wear a piece of Jewellery that you have set as a reminder of your intention so whenever you see it you can gently remind yourself. Let go of the outcome, and especially let go of the “how”. Just by setting a positive intention, and spending a little time with it each day, you are already helping to shift negative thought patterns in the mind. Remember that you are embarking upon a journey, if you hit some bumps along your path, accept them for what they are: challenges to learn from.
A Sankalpa should be a short positive statement in the present tense that occurs naturally. Take some time out before your next class and see if you can change your resolutions for a more gentler, kinder positive statement or Sankalpa.
Classes start tomorrow!
General Yoga Classes
Monday: Inner Space 7:30pm
Wednesday: Old Catton 9:30am
Pregnancy Yoga
Wednesday: Silver Road 7pm
Baby Yoga
Thursday: Silver Road 1:30pm
Yoga is traditionally taught one to one. Have you considered fine tuning your practice? Want to practice in the comfort of your own home? I have a private session that has become available on Thursday afternoon. Please contact Jessica on 07501 303 546 or Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk for further information.
Look forward to seeing you on the mat! xxx
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