What Do You Really Want?

Before you read any further, take a moment to consider that question....

If stories came up or you got sidetracked somehow, go back, read the question again and simply pause for an answer. 

Did a word or feeling come to mind or can one word describe what you want? Go with that. Or...

Give Yourself a Gift

When asking students to set an Intention for their practice, I will often say, "What gift would you like to give to yourself through your practice? Choose a word that describes what you'd like to receive."

Choosing a specific word gives the mind something to land on or come back to and can prove the saying, "whatever you put your mind to." This can be very powerful. You'll see.

Make sure you have your word before reading on. We're going to wrap it up all nice and pretty to give to someone special... You!

Resolve - Sankalpa

In the practice of Yoga Nidra, an Intention is typically called the Resolve or Sankalpa. It's often defined as a desire. It's also been called a "heartfelt prayer" (Richard Miller). Go with whatever description fits you best and makes it palpable. It is simply something that you want to see manifest or show up more in your life.

Here is where we start to wrap it up. Now, take the word (the gift or desire) and turn it into an affirmation. State it as something that is already true. For instance, if my wish is Peace, I may say, "I am peaceful" or "I am at peace." Take a moment to wrap it up to your liking.

Now you have your gift to yourself. Whenever you practice, keep this statement (or simply the word) as your Mantra (repeated phrase) until you see it as your reality. Then you can choose a new one or change it to suit you better in that moment.

My Gift to You

With your gift in hand (mind or heart), let's put it into practice ASAP. Below, you'll find a recording that I made in class of a short Yoga Nidra practice. If you have 16 minutes right now, lay down (if possible), get comfortable and press play. 

If you want to know more about Yoga Nidra, check out this post or join me for a workshop. I'll also be running workshops regularly.... for more info, check here

Please feel free to comment below or contact me to offer feedback (much appreciated), ask any questions or request a private session.

Enjoy,

Alissa