This time of year we have gotten through the worst of the build up to Christmas and New Year, and although it still feels like we are in the darkness, the days have begun to lighten, tiny bit by tiny bit. The hope I feel often reminds me of a seed planted, that takes time to grow.
Planted seeds need nurturing; they need the right conditions to grow. But first we have to discover which seed needs bringing to fruition.
One of the deepest practices in yoga is to discover and nurture your intention or ‘sankalpa’.
Our intentions often becomes blurred and hidden over time. We concentrate on external events and try and navigate by them; life takes over.
A yogic intention or sankalpa is a seed of light that emerges from the darkness, deep within us. It can emerge into our consciousness when the conditions are right. At first it can be just a flicker, but once discovered and stated to oneself often, with positive intention, it starts to become real and embodied.
I recently read a posting on social media, credited to Dogen Zenji, the 13th Century Japanese Buddhist priest, writer, poet and philosopher:
“Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.”
To do anything other than this is to lose your way.
Yogic practice would have us hear and see more clearly, and work with what is on the inside. This is our first port of call. It will change our view of what’s on the outside, so that we then choose what it is we need to ‘do’ with conviction and strength.
Related Workshops & Courses:
Summer Yoga Weekend at Boggle Hole – Friday 17th – Sunday 19th June 2022
Women’s Yoga – 6-week Block – starts Friday 25th February 2022 7.30-9.30pm
Yoga & Affirmations Workshop – Sunday 10th April 2022 2.30-5.30pm