So you’ve decided to start taking your wellness seriously. Time to start doing that yoga or meditation practice your therapist suggested. How familiar is this: You start with the best of intentions. You book a class. You set up your mat. You even get your cute outfit ready. And then…

Life gets in the way. Work calls. Social media distracts you. Or, it’s just too cold / early / rainy /[…insert excuse here…] to get out the door to class. Some days, it feels easier to hit the snooze button than to hit the yoga mat.

It happens. We’ve all been there. Probably more times than we’d like to admit.

I’ve found a little “hack” that helps me get unstuck when I fall into this rut. It's this: I remember that my practice is not just for me. I connect to my sankalpa to help me get in motion from my heartspace – not my headspace. 

What is a Sankalpa?

Never heard this term or wondering exactly what Sankalpa means? In Sanskrit, the act of setting an intention from the heart, a vow or a committed resolution is called Sankalpa. A sankalpa in yoga goes beyond mere goal setting. It’s about connecting to your heart’s highest and purest intention - a connection with something bigger than your own personal needs or desires.

So, on those days when my mind thinks that my warm blanket is a better option than my yoga mat, I tap inwards and set an intention to practice for something other than myself. The fact is, I always enjoy my asana practice. Whether is 10 minutes or a full hour, I always feel better when I’ve had my time on the mat. It’s getting on the mat that can be tricky sometimes. That’s when my sankalpa comes in.

This one goes out to…

Now that you know my reframe, I’ll share with you a few ways that I’ve applied it. This helps me keep my word to myself. Not just for the purpose of getting on the mat for asana practice, but also for keeping me rooted in what yoga is truly about - union of the mind, body and spirit. When I start by bringing my heartfelt intentions into the practice, I build my heart muscle in an energetic way. 

Start by taking a deep breath. Place your hands on your heart and listen for its guidance in setting your intention today. Overthinking is not required. Just listen and trust.

If you need some inspiration, here are 7 ideas for dedicating your practice.

1. Practice for a loved one

Dedicate your practice to someone special in your life. Your partner, your parents, a sibling, or cousin. I sometimes dedicate my practice to a dear friend I haven’t seen in ages. Sometimes I’m inspired to practice for my son. Other times I practice for my ancestors (hey grandma!).

2. Practice for the earth

If you’re like me, you may sometimes feel powerless to do anything meaningful to help mother nature. Try dedicating your practice to whatever areas of change you would like to support. While it may seem like only a small step, every step towards positive change counts. Remember, intention matters.

3. Set your sankalpa for someone unwell

When I wake up healthy and strong, I try to remember not to take that for granted. I set my intention to be in motion for those who simply cannot be, due to illness or incapacity for whatever reason.

4. Practice for a cause you believe in

As you move or breathe, imagine the energy you generate, positively impacting a cause or mission that deeply matters to you.

5. Practice for your future self

Connect to a future version of yourself that is thanking you for showing up and committing to your practice. Visualize the hug your future self would give you in gratitude for your consistency.

6. Commit your practice to a body part

Now I’ve already said a sankalpa is about more than just your own personal needs. However, there are times when choosing to practice for my heart, or my right knee or my ears was exactly what I needed to get focused and stay committed to being in action. Give it a try and see what insight your chosen body part offers during your practice.

7. Practice for a Higher Power you believe in

Your movement can be a meditation. It can also be a prayer. Set your sankalpa for your yoga or meditation practice to be a communion with the God / Allah / Buddah / Jah / The Universe - whatever life force you connect to.

Intention + action matters

The small but powerful act of setting a sankalpa reminds me that yoga is not just an exercise class. It’s a chance to deepen my connection to myself. When that happens, my capacity to more authentically connect with others, increases. It is an empowering experience.

Sometimes, the pathway to deeper self-connection is found in looking outwards and reminding ourselves of the bigger whole we are a part of. Dedicating your practice is a helpful way to stay committed and in action with your yoga. Better yet, it may also help to keep you connected to your higher self and to your capacity to be in service to others.