Winter balance reminds us to FLOW. In contrast, Spring Balance invites us to GROW.
Through Winter we aim to manage how + when we spend our energy. We recharge + go with the flow without resistance in maximum ease + minimum effort. This process is a valuable introspective time to build a better relationship with our FEARS + build SELF ESTEEM. To identify better WITH ourselves, ACCEPT ourselves so we can be better at BEING ourselves. The more familiar we are with ourselves (physically, mentally + emotionally) the less affected we are by the external factors that pull us + shake us off balance.
If we have used our Winter wisely + aligned to the slow, soothing rhythm + pace of Winter, we may by March + April feel recharged + driven to improve ourselves, change our habits, start new projects + make personal goals to shift up the gears for the year ahead! (See more about Winter balance, reflection, self inquiry and meditation in the BLOG)
Spring energy brings with it an uprising that requires us to move beyond our comforts + reach beyond our pre-conceived limitations with renewed hope + imagination. Spring Balance meets this upsurge in purposeful determination + with conscious intention ~ this is known as ‘Sankalpa’.
Sankalpa
“Sankalpa” is the sanskrit word for a determined promise or vow to do or become something purposeful or worthwhile.
It takes the form of a short positive statement or affirmation in the present tense – It is a motto or catch phrase that highlights what’s most important to you or reflects what you want to stand for or the general shift needed to enable your potential.
The statement should be one that supports our authenticity, integrity, core values, health & survival, passions, hearts longings + our unique personal gifts. The statement should become your mantra or your North Star for the year ahead. From this Sankalpa statement, more specific goals + intentions will grow.
Make a meaningful Sankalpa in the form of a statement or a mantra or a catch phrase.
Make a statement that reflects the overall feeling or change that you want to bring to life.
Write it down and stick it around your home as reminders.
Say it to yourself on waking, before sleeping, during yoga, meditation + relaxation to imprint them in your subconscious.
Attune to how you want to grow or what qualities you want to enhance.
The idea is to establish an overall flavour of how we want to grow this year. Without rushing into goal setting + making specific resolutions ~ first make a Sankalpa statement with an aim that drives you towards your values, talents + personal integrity rather than outward achievements + material desires.
What if I just don’t know what or how to GROW this year ~ What if I am struggling to make a Sankalpa statement?
It can be helpful to take insights from our winter reflections + self inquiry to help you understand what you want to bring to light.
Or perhaps ask yourself:
- What recurring behaviours, emotions or thought patterns have emerged on or off the mat in the past few months?
- What insight, ideas or motivations arose from the winter season?
- Are there recurring signs, feelings, thoughts or emotions that may point to what you want or need?
- Are there recurring signs, feelings, thoughts or emotions or a sense of knowing as to what’s holding you back from aligning with your core values?
It can also be helpful to take intuitive guidance from your Birth Chart (Astrology) or Numerology ~ Contact Bec for a Conscious Flow session.
Here are some examples to help prompt an intuitive response in you:
‘I am trusting – I let life unfold’ This is a great one if you know you have issues around not being in control, or inability to process worries & anxiety for the future, or if you’re pushing hard for something that is not materialising.
‘I know my worth’ This is a good one if you are suffering because you feel undervalued or often put others needs before your own.
‘I respect myself’ or ‘I care for my health + happiness’ This is a great one if you have bad habits or excess weight to lose – rather than saying ‘I will quit [xyz]’ the Sankalpa drives healthier choices + more peace with ourselves
‘I express my feelings directly + openly’ this is great to overcome self doubt + emotional sensitivity, or if you tend to keep your cool + surpress your feelings
‘I am proactive + seize the opportunity to act’ This is a great one if you feel left behind or lacking in self esteem.
‘Everything I do, I do it with a kind heart’ This is great if you feel you could benefit from being more patient, tolerant, forgiving or if you’re feeling upset, hurt or angry + it overwhelms you.
‘I accept that nothing is perfect’ ‘I see the bigger picture’ this is great if the ways of the world are getting you down or you have high ideals or issues of perfectionism.
‘I listen’
‘I am creative + confident’
‘I am open to learn new things’
‘I am patient’
‘I am brave + courageous’
‘I am compassionate to myself + others’
‘I am enough’