5 Tips on How to Choose a Sankalpa for Yoga Nidra. If you’ve ever attended a Yoga class, you may have heard of the word “Sankalpa.”

What is a Sankalpa?

It refers to a resolve or intention that you make specifically during the practice of Yoga Nidra, consisting of a short phrase or sentence that you express clearly, focusing on a chosen goal. By using the same words each time, you can bring about positive change in your life. Choosing the right Sankalpa is crucial as its aim is to bring out the best in you, nurturing the Sankalpa at a deep level like a seed that is planted.

Here are 5 tips on how to choose a Sankalpa that resonates with you:

1. Choose a Sankalpa that helps you reform a habit.
2. Pick a Sankalpa that improves the quality of your life.
3. Something that creates changes in your personality or behaviour.
4. A Sanakalpa to help you realise what you want to achieve in life.
5. You can also visualize your Sankalpa.

Typically, four stages are described for a Sankalpa: reforming habits, improving the quality of life and living, creating a real change within our personality, and realising what we are trying to achieve in this life. It is said that the Sankalpa would not change until it is realised and comes to fruition. There is no need to struggle or force a Sankalpa; it can take time to find the right one, and there is no rush. Let it come intuitively to you. Remember, if you don’t have a Sankalpa, the beginning and end of Yoga Nidra are the perfect times to reflect on what your Sankalpa could be.

It is worth noting that during a physical Yoga class, you may be asked about the Sankalpa/intention for the class and to create or think of an intention or a Sankalpa for your 60-minute or 90-minute class. This may be a good way to start thinking of one slowly.

Our Director and Psychologist Jasminder Bahia lead Yoga Nidra Teacher Training either in-person or online. During our Yoga Teacher Training Programmes, Yoga teacher trainees will have the opportunity to practice Yoga Nidra led by Jasminder Bahia.