We all know how immensely relaxing a Yoga Nidra session can be. But is yoga nidra just a technique for mind-body relaxation? No, there are tons of other benefits of yoga nidra among which in this article we shall dive deep and understand perhaps one of the most important stages of yoga nidra – Sankalpa, An inner resolve backed with the powerful willpower of the subconscious mind harnessing the power of the mind and universe to bring about changes in all dimensions of your life.

How many of us know what we want in life? we all have set goals in our mind, we dream about them, we talk about them and yet most of us are not able to achieve them. Because these are simply average thoughts in our mind which come and go. Just like the hundreds of thoughts we have every day. In order to work towards our goals, these thoughts have to be strong and very clear, not just consciously but subconsciously too. Your whole system must know that these goals are important for you. When this happens, a conscious and subconscious momentum starts to build in direction of achieving your heartfelt goals.

Sankalpa: The Architect of Destiny

We sit hours trying to find a solution to a problem, we sit in groups to brainstorm and yet we still fail to find an ideal solution. Suddenly in the middle of something else, like a flash, we have the perfect solution for which we have been toiling for hours together. How is this possible? This is the power of the subconscious mind, the subconscious mind keeps working in the background even in sleep and restructures our thoughts so that we have a clear solution.

Sankalpa uses the power of the subconscious mind to bring out the changes in our thoughts and lifestyle and thus pave the way to the fulfilment of our resolve. Along with the subconscious mind, the universe also plays a part in fulfilling our Sankalpa. We have the power within all of us to open doors to higher energy that operate through means of the mind. Whether we like it or not, we are constantly sending thoughts out into the universe and attracting the outcome be it negative or positive.

When conscious mind is taken away it becomes accessible to the deep roots of the mind

Sankalpa in Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a practice in total systematic conscious relaxation. This state is reached when we separate the external awareness of the physical body through various stages. It results in a state where you are asleep with a trace of awareness. Thus relaxing both the mind and the body deeply. Daily practice of yoga nidra can transform your life and personality.

Sankalpa or resolve is made at the initial and at the end of yoga nidra. Most of us make resolves in a very active intellectual state of mind, even though we very well craft the statement of the resolve the mind is in a scattered state and thus the resolve fades away with time. In Yoga Nidra, we make the Sankalpa in a very relaxed state of mind where the receptivity of the mind is maximum. The resolve must be made with strong willpower and feeling emanating from the heart and not from the lips.

Example

Let’s take an example, consider the resolves as seeds that should grow and reap its fruit. When we sow the seed in a conscious and intellectual state. We are doing so in a land filled with innumerable weeds and unwanted seeds of the mind. Therefore, such a space of the mind is not suitable and infertile in nature. And thus the chances of the seed to grow to its full potential is hampered by other seeds of the mind.

In yoga nidra, the seed is sowed in the depths of the mind and not just at the surface, thus when a resolution is made during yoga nidra it is placed in the depths of the subconscious mind. Thus it is able to harness all the powers of the subconscious mind and bring out changes in the conscious level. Any change can be brought about by the wise use of Sankalpa, be it the personality that needs to be reformed, habits cultivated or removed even if it is deeply rooted in you.

Sankalpa made during yoga nidra or other practices should be practiced over a period of time with willpower and feeling. The effect of the Sankalpa slowly starts effecting and restructuring the conscious will of the mind. Attracts to itself the right resources towards it, and the right conditions for the fulfilment of the Sankalpa.

Careful What You Wish For

Sankalpa can be very powerful. Therefore, should not be used for worldly desires and fulfilment. Sankalpa is to be used to bring about changes in your mind and personality and to achieve something you so wish for in life. Using Sankalpa for small desires of the mind can get you entangled as it has the potential for creating a whole new dimension and direction in your life. Sankalpa is like Law of attraction on steroids, so be wise and as they say with great power comes great responsibility.

Sankalpa Examples

The choice of the Sankalpa statement must be very clear and carefully crafted. Find for yourself a Sankalpa, if not tell yourself “I will find my Sankalpa”. Here are a few examples of Sankalpa taken from the best book on Yoga Nidra.

I will awaken my spiritual potential.
I will be a positive force for the evolution of others.
I will be successful in all that I undertake.
I will be more aware and efficient.
I will achieve total health.

After careful introspection, stick to the chosen Sankalpa until you see its effect manifest in your life. Do not be in a hurry to change the Sankalpa time after time. The results vary according to the depth of your practice and commitment towards the Sankalpa made.

Ideas for a Powerful Sankalpa

Here are a few tips to make the Sankalpa more powerful and to sow it deep within your subconscious mind.

Maintain a strict routine of daily practice, either yoga nidra or other practices of meditation. Note that consistency and commitment are of utmost importance.
Carry with you a small notebook everywhere, within the book write down every day the Sankalpa multiple times.
Have a clear vision of yourself in possession of the achieved Sankalpa.
While you make the resolve, make sure it isn’t just a verbal recitation. Attach with it the heartfelt feeling and willpower.