Why We Are Resolution-Free in 2018

We generally do three things on New Years Eve: get dressed up, drink champagne, and resolve to do something new, different, or “better” in the next year.

Interestingly, we usually do three things on Valentines Day (about 48 days later): get dressed up, drink champagne, and realize that we completed bailed on all the resolutions we set back on December 31st.

So this year, let’s change the game. Let’s pull on our coziest leggings, grab some kombucha (or stick with champagne #nojudgment) and set an intention instead.

And let’s relieve the pressure of setting ONE intention that somehow has to stick for the next 365 days. Because you know what? So much can change in a year. How could we possibly assume that the world we see right now will look the same in 525,600 minutes?

Don’t worry about a year. Don’t worry about 6 months, 3 months, or even 1 month. Don’t worry about a week, a weekend, tomorrow, or even tonight. Forget this hour. Let go, if you can, of the next 5 minutes.

Focus in on THIS moment. Right now. The inhale and the exhale.

Decide how you want to FEEL. Think about the people, places, things, moments, and emotions that light you up from the inside out. Why does that happen? What are the common denominators?

What makes you FEEL like your highest self?

Try finding your word.

Powerful. Courageous. Free. Abundant. Strong. Connected. Grateful. Nourished. Openhearted. Grounded. Ablaze. Vibrant. Worthy. Whimsical. Sexy. Peaceful. Creative. Loved.

It can be anything, as long as it is truly, deeply, organically, honestly yours.

Once you’ve found it, place it inside of you. Set it to the tune of your breath and the tempo of your heart. Let it warm your belly and calm your mind.

Allow yourself to just be present and remind yourself that everything that ever came before was completely necessary for you to exist just as you are in THIS blessed moment.

And it is a blessed moment, no matter what you might be thinking.

Why? Because you are here. You are breathing. And that’s a gift.

So let’s keep working.

You are ready to set a Sankalpa.

The Sanskrit word Sankalpa roughly translates to “will, purpose, or determination” and for many of us, it is best understood as an affirmation of intention. In the practice of yoga, working with a Sankalpa is incredibly powerful and utterly transformative because it is a dedication and reflection of the heart. Sankalpas generate POWER. The asana shifts from physical effort to prayerful art.

A few of our favorite NJ yogis and studios sent their Sankalpas so that we could share them with you as we sit here on the precipice of a new year. We hope they inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us!

Compassion, kindness, and non-attachment is my true nature – Adam Binder RYT200,  Founder of Apeiron Yoga

Trusting that I can’t control everything and that some things are not worth controlling. – May Louie

To have harmony in the community; moving and existing from a pure presence of Love and Truth. Dwelling amidst the Divine Goodness cultivating health in body and mind. – Hot or Not Yoga

To live and practice what I believe in, in the face of all challenges. – Susan Favale, Honor Yoga East Brunswick

To live simpler and to take more time to just be. To slow down a bit and practice some self care so that I will be more fully present and able to give more to the kids I worth with as well as to my family. – Maura Bradley, Bee You Yoga

I am free. I am confident, happy & successful. I will continue to be a positive force for the evolution of others. – Jodi Kobrin

May I continue to show up fully, every day, in every way my life calls me to.  May I devote energy and attention to the people, work and passions that enable me to give and receive love, joy and peace.  May I stay connected to my highest intentions for myself, and continue to open to grace. – Lauren Pappa