New Year is the time of year when many of us feel compelled to strengthen our resolve – often with the practice of setting new years’ resolutions.

The word ‘resolution’ comes from the Latin resolvō (to loosen, thaw, melt again), in English vernacular “resolution” is used to describe such terms such as: new years’ resolutions, conflict resolution, legislative resolutions etc…. Resolutions often reflect an individual’s aspirations and priorities: whether it’s improving physical health, cultivating mindfulness, or enhancing relationships, resolutions tend to be aligned with personal values and their external expressions.

In Vedic philosophy this concept speaks to our inherent wilful nature, developing determination known as “sankalpa” The word sankalpa is derived from the root kalpa meaning “to bring about/determination” with the prefix san which means ”to become whole with” it refers to a sacred resolve or intention that serves as the compass directing the course of our actions and thoughts.

Saṅkalpa is tied to the yogi’s spiritual aspirations. It is also a conscious commitment, but the main difference from a resolution is that a sankalpa starts from the radical premise that you already are who you need to be to be happy or to reach your dharma. Determination does not take root suddenly; it is the revelation of a deep-rooted desire to achieve alignment with our cosmic Self, the Ātman. Much like a seed carrying the potential of a mighty tree, our sankalpa has the capacity to germinate and reveal our greatest purpose.

The current scale of conflict in the world magnifies the impetus for our rooted determination. Suffering has always existed and Mother Earth, with her inhabitants of all species, colours and faiths are struggling with conflicts of life and death and all the seasons in between as she always has. However, humans create rules, religions, laws, resolutions etc. to control and protect what is ours – moving us further away from our dharma. Master Patanjali describes these obstacles to our Self-realization as 5 kleshas: ávidyā (misknowing), asmitā (ego), rāga (passion), dveṣa (aversion), & abhiniveśāḥ (fear of death). These obstacles are the root of our internal conflicts preventing us from knowing our purpose.

Sankalpa is not confined to the serene setting of a yoga studio or the beginning of a calendar year. It is forged amongst life’s challenges, conflicting duties and moral dilemmas.

What principles do we hold dear? What higher purpose guides our actions in the face of life’s challenges?  The power of sankalpa is a force that propels our actions. In this realm, sankalpa is not merely a resolution to do or not do a certain thing, it is a deep, unwavering commitment that emerges as our most innate will.

Like the asana practice, life’s dance is full of dualities, joy and sorrow, success and failure, conflict and resolution. Developing sankalpa invites us to move gracefully through these dualities without being ensnared by attachment or aversion.

The yogi learns to move through life’s challenges with resilience, wisdom and an open heart. This becomes the thread that connects the beads of breath, movement, and awareness, creating a mala of mindfulness.

Sankalpa is not an idea but a living, breathing force that propels us forward on the path of enlightenment. With each breath, we can renew our commitment to be present and awake.

So, what are your resolutions for 2024?

I am listing mine here:

• Practice more physical activities like walking and cycling
• Meditate more often
• Read more
• Make time to engage in creative activities (such as dot painting)
• Look after myself and my partner Mark more

Happy New Year!

Namaste

Christel 🙏