do i need a sankalpa

It’s essentially an intention. I love how Swami Satyananda Saraswati, author of Yoga Nidra describes a Sankalpa. He calls this part of the practice "Sowing the Seed of Change". He says your Sankalpa, your intention, is an effective way to train your mind.

You are creating the pathway of ‘choice’ by choosing your intention. They are not to fulfill your desires. They “create strength in the structure of the mind.” You can create an intention or Sankalpa to help give you a direction or to guide you in changing your mindset. Sankalpa’s deepen your experience and practice.

There are guidelines, but keep in mind, I’m a ‘do what’s right for your body’ kinda person. I recommend that you create a short, concise, present-tense statement. My Nidra / NSDRs begin with the pronoun “You”. I got this technique from Emily Hightower and her Neuro Nidras I, II & II courses by Shift Adapt. Using “You” speaks to your limbic brain, where most of your patterning resides.

You want your Sankalpa to come from your heart, something your Soul is searching for. Examples given are “You are Whole” or “You are Safe” or “You are Loved”. Whatever you choose, don't think too hard about it. This is an intuitional pick. I also believe in the power of symbols. Sometimes my Sankalpa is this drawing I have stuck in my head. Braddah’s new mythical, superpower after-life form. No words. Just that. I visualize that symbol, or mandala, when asked to bring forth my intention or Sankalpa.

Let it have personal meaning for you. It's ok to be silly & light-hearted too. “You are A Lion” is another one of mine. **Your intention or Sankalpa must be ‘felt’ to be effective.**

*Note: When I’m working on something that I do not currently feel, I sometimes use a technique personal to me. Instead of saying “You are…” while my mind also claims ‘bullshit’, I’ll shift the sentence. I believe that when I ask “How can you…”, I’m priming my brain to look for that path and/or solution. For example, “How can you feel Whole” or “How can you feel Safe” or “How can you feel Loved”. Do what’s right for you. This is a personal technique I use when I don’t believe what I am saying. How you choose your Sankalpa or intention is up to you. It’s also ok to not have one at all.

Like a good meal, it takes time. Some things will be easy for you while others will be a lifelong journey. Having a Sankalpa without having the goal of accomplishing your Sankalpa is important. Practice enjoying the process and decide what works best for you at any given moment. (pssst… your body will tell you)