I learned a new word today. The Sanskrit word sankalpa. It means resolve, intention, will, purpose, and/or determination.
From the Sanskrit Glossary ~ Sankalpa: “Will; purpose; determination.” A solemn vow or declaration of purpose to perform any ritual observance. Most commonly, sankalpa names the mental and verbal preparation made by a temple priest as he begins rites of worship. During the sankalpa, he proclaims to the three worlds what he is about to do. He intones the name of the Deity, the type of ritual he is about to perform and the present time and place according to precise astrological notations. Once the sankalpa is made, he is bound to complete the ceremony.
From the Yoga Journal ~ POSITIVE POWER A Sanskrit word, sankalpa means "will, purpose, or determination." To make a sankalpa is to set an intention—it's like a New Year's resolution with a yogic twist. While a resolution often zeros in on a perceived negative aspect of ourselves (as in, "I want to lose weight, so no more chocolate chip cookies or ice cream or cheese"), a sankalpa explores what's behind the thought or feeling ("I crave chocolate chip cookies or ice cream or cheese when I'm feeling stressed or sad. I will set an intention to become conscious of this craving and allow my feelings to arise and pass, rather than fill up on fats"). ~ check out the link the full post on this topic is great.
This post at 5 Seed was the inspiration for this post. Check out her other blog A Green Spell.
P.S. When I started this blog my intent was to post at least once a week. Its now been a bit over two since my last post. There is no excuse . . . just a seemingly ongoing quest to find Balance between the things I "have" to do and the things I "want" to do. If you all have any tips on finding Balance I'd love to hear them.
