Setting an Intention for Your Fertility Journey
Setting an intention or Sankalpa in Yoga is often likened to goal setting, and while there are some similarities, setting an intention in its truest yogic sense is a much more gentle approach in the context of a fertility journey.
đ The Gentle Approach to Intention-Setting
I have always been very careful to point out to my clients that setting a goal to get pregnant, with all of the traditional âmeasurableâ attributes, is not always helpfulâparticularly if getting pregnant is something you have been hoping for for a while now.
This gentle, holistic approach can support your emotional wellness during your fertility journey.
đ§ââď¸ The Origins of Yoga and Its Relevance Today
The physical practice of yoga was actually designed as a way for the ancient yogis to get all of the kinks out of the body so they could sit for hours in meditation. Yes, thatâs right. The healthy body was more of a stepping stone to the main objective, which was actually a healthy mind.
That is why yoga is so effective at helping you feel more comfortable in your body, refreshed in the mind, and just in a better mood in general. What the ancient yogis didnât consider was that while they moved straight from their asana practice into hours of meditation, us more modern yoginis move from our yoga practice back into our busy lives, with little time to really soak in that luscious feeling of contentment on all levels.
Yoga is a powerful tool for fertility support, helping you manage stress and nurture your overall wellbeing.
⨠The Power of Intentional Living
However, like most things in life, the more intentional you are about somethingâthe more time you take to think about what you really want and how you can put your ducks in a row to achieve itâthe more likely you are to succeed.
So, that being said, I would invite you to carve out some time before your first yoga class of the year to think about what it is you really want from this New Year. The material things are great; the outward expressions of success are also great. But what really matters is how you want to feel.
â¤ď¸ Connecting with Your Heartâs Deepest Desire
We are all very good at the doing part of life, but we could all do with a bit of extra time in the being part.
The traditional way to set an intention (or, as the yogis refer to it, a Sankalpa) is to connect with your heartâs deepest desire. Deep down, I bet you know what this is already. But a lot of the time, it can be buried so deep that itâs difficult to give it a name or identify any tangible qualities.
Rather than overcomplicate it, maybe start with something really simple like:
âI want to prioritize my own wellbeing and say no to what doesnât serve me.â
âI make decisions from a place of self-love and self-respect.â
âI am worthy of relationships that support me and make me feel good.â
These are just some examples to get you thinking about what it is youâd like.
đą Turning Your Intention into an Affirmation
Once youâve thought of something, phrase it as an affirmationâa positive statement in the present tense, like the ones above.
đ¸ Nurturing Your Intention
Now youâve set your intention, youâll need to nurture it. Your intention is like a little seed that you plant in your heart, and your yoga practice is an excellent time to nourish this little seed, as youâre in a calm and mindful state while practicing.
However, your yoga practice isnât your only opportunity to nurture your intention. It can act as your foundation or home base for reaffirmation, but there are other ways to build on cultivating the feeling of what it is youâd like to have more of in your life. For example:
Pause and Breathe: đ§ If you feel the day getting away from you, pause. Take Mountain Pose, focus on your breath, and start repeating your intention in your mind. This can take only a minute and help reset your nervous system so you can think clearly and make decisions more aligned with how you really want to feel.
Journal: đ Another magical way to connect with your intention daily is by journaling, either in the morning or evening. This will help you work things out on paper so you can find solutions to blockages that may be standing in the way of achieving your intention.
Daily self-care practices like journaling and mindfulness can help maintain a positive fertility mindset.
đ You are the priorityâŚ
There are so many ways you can nourish your intention. And youâre already on to a winner if you simply show up for yoga every week and connect with it there.
Setting a Sankalpa is a deeply personal and empowering practice that allows you to align with your heartâs truest desires. By setting your Sankalpa and prioritizing your holistic health, you can create a supportive foundation for your fertility journey.
As you journey through this year, let your intention serve as a gentle compass, guiding your choices and actions. Trust in the process, nurture your Sankalpa with love and patience, and remember that every step you take is a meaningful part of your path. With consistency and care, your Sankalpa can bloom into a profound source of strength and transformation. đ
Let go of the heaviness of 2024 and step into 2025 with renewed hope and positivity. đ This course is designed to help you release the negativity around not becoming pregnant yet, honor your emotions, and realign your energy. Weâll focus on letting go of what no longer serves you and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. đą đ¸
