Setting a Sankalpa: How to Set Yoga Intentions That Actually Stick

Feb 10

As we move through the first quarter of the year, many of us find our initial "New Year's Resolutions" beginning to fade. In the hustle of Brooklyn life, a standard resolution often feels like another chore on an endless to-do list. At Yoga Tribe Brooklyn, we invite you to swap the pressure of resolutions for the ancient practice of Sankalpa.

A Sankalpa is more than a goal; it is a sacred vow and a tool for transformation that begins in the heart and manifests on the yoga mat.

What is a Sankalpa?

In Sanskrit, San means "a connection with the highest truth" and Kalpa means "vow." Unlike a resolution, which often stems from a feeling of lack (e.g., "I need to lose weight" or "I need to be more productive"), a Sankalpa starts from the premise that you are already enough. It is an affirmation that gives your practice direction and purpose.

It is a short, positive statement in the present tense, such as "I am at peace" or "I am strong and resilient."

Why the Yoga Mat is the Perfect Testing Ground

The hot room at YTB provides the perfect environment to cultivate your Sankalpa. When you are halfway through a challenging Standing Head to Knee pose and the heat is rising, your mind will naturally look for an escape. This is where your intention comes in.

By repeating your Sankalpa internally during moments of intensity, you train your brain to return to your "highest truth" rather than giving in to temporary discomfort. You aren't just stretching your hamstrings; you are rewiring your mindset.

How to Create Your Sankalpa

To find an intention that truly resonates, try these three steps:

Listen to Your Heart: During your next Savasana, ask yourself: What does my soul need right now? Is it courage? Stillness? Compassion?
Keep it Positive and Present: Instead of saying "I will not be stressed," try "I am calm and centered." Your subconscious mind responds more powerfully to positive, present-moment language.
Keep it Brief: Your Sankalpa should be a short phrase that you can easily remember and repeat with the rhythm of your breath.

Bringing Your Intention Into Brooklyn

The magic of yoga at Yoga Tribe Brooklyn is that it doesn’t stay in the studio. When you practice setting a Sankalpa on the mat, you become better at holding that intention when you’re navigating the G train or handling a high-pressure meeting at work.

Your practice becomes a moving meditation, and every class becomes an opportunity to reinforce the person you are becoming.

Start Your Practice with Purpose

Whether you are joining us for a Classic 26+2 or a Vinyasa Flow, we encourage you to take a moment at the start of class to set your intention. Let the heat of the room forge your vow into reality.

Ready to align your body and your intentions? Book your next class at yogatribebrooklyn.com.