Week 2 - Samskara + Sankalpa
How to benefit from week 2’s course: Please make sure you’ve completed the writing portion from week 1. Take a look at the different ways you can reset and regulate your nervous system and set aside time to do any of the suggested practices in Week 1.
Please have a yoga mat, 1-2 blocks, and a strap for the flow portion of our practice. For yoga nidra grab pillows, a yoga bolster (optional), blankets, eye mask and whatever else you need for support.
Samskara + Sankalpa
The term Samskara in yoga is used to describe subtle imprints/impressions of our past actions.
A great description of a Samskara is from the Himalayan Institute: “The prefix sam means well planned, well thought out, and kara means “the action under-taken.” Thus, “samskara” means “the impression of, the impact of, the action we perform with full awareness of its goals.” When we perform such an action, a subtle impression is deposited in our mindfield. Each time the action is repeated, the impression becomes stronger. This is how a habit is formed. The stronger the habit, the less mastery we have over our mind when we try to execute an action that is contrary to our habit patterns. We all have seen how our habit patterns subtly yet powerfully motivate our thoughts, speech, and actions.”
The good news is we can absolutely create new habits and patterns that serve our most Authentic Self through and with the help of a Sankalpa.
Sankalpa is described as an awareness of and commitment to a heartfelt desire that leads to your highest truth or a sacred vow that is already within you. A sankalpa unites our mind with those deeper parts of ourselves that can be hard to access. Conscious use of sankalpa is a compelling way of communicating what we want to our emotional and spiritual bodies.
To understand your samskaras and sankalpa is to commit and heal your nervous system.
“Your nervous system will always choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven”
Self Inquiry / Journaling:
What are some of your habitual patterns that no longer serve you and get in the way of you living your best life?
How is this old behavioral pattern or mindset shaping your life?
What does it mean to live in your highest truth?
What are 3 lessons you are tired of learning?