Sankalpa - Intention
In yoga, sankalpa means a one-pointed intention or resolve to focus on a specific goal. It is an invaluable tool for deciding what you would like to have happen. I like this intention setting exercise with surrender that Tosha Silver recommends. Simply say with heart-felt emotion:
“I offer this journey fully to grace (or love or God - whatever word resonates best for you). May everything that’s ready to open, open, May everything that’s ready to leave, leave. I long for the Highest to occur. May I be abundance.”
Start to Declutter your Space
An important part of allowing and inviting is to clear your physical space especially if you have a lot of clutter. Since December 26th, I’ve been getting rid of clutter. My space is pretty organised and tidy, however, like most people, I’ve accumulated a lot of things. So, with much glee, I’ve been letting go of lots of possessions, clothes, books, technology and it’s been very cathartic. I’m still working on my office and the paperwork there, so my clearing out is still in progress. The important thing is to start. You can start with something small. I actually started with my car and then shifted to my wardrobes and now the office.
This clearing is connected to the practice of saucha, which means “cleanliness” or “purity” (Yoga Sutra). I found that as I picked things up, I had a sense of whether it needed to stay or go. Common sense and logic was also involved. If I’d not used it, remembered that I had it, disliked it was on its way out. Four huge bags have already been delivered to the charity shop. I’m just loving clearing out and making space for the new to come in. The key thing is to make it fun.
Make a Statement of Gratitude
As 2019 is about to close its door on the last decade, what are you grateful for in the days that have gone by (“auld lang syne”)? What have you loved, achieved, felt blessed about, received, gifted? Write them down.
There’s no need to make a huge list. Just write down what has mattered to you. And why not take the practice into 2020 by each day finding just one thing that you’ve really appreciated. It could be someone smiling at you, being offered a cup of tea, having a few moments to put your feet up during a busy day...
This practice changes neurotransmitters in your brain so that the ones associated with appreciation and thank you become more active and the ones that complain are diminished.
