In Sanskrit there is a word that is similar to "resolution".

That word is sankalpa.

It means a resolution, an intention, a purpose, an aim. But it also means to put the mind in the heart.

It is a solemn vow to perform an observance.

This year, instead of making a resolution I have decided to make a sankalpa. To be more conscious of where I place my mind and heart.

We all have things to do that we don’t really want to do. That’s part of being a responsible adult. But how about those things that we choose to do and then afterwards, we regret it?

One of my students asked if this was “FOMO” the Fear of Missing Out.

Making a sankalpa means to put your mind in the heart of the thing that you are doing and not worry about anything else.

Marie Kondo says in her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, if something doesn’t spark joy, you should get rid of it. She says that by only keeping things that you truly love you will find meaning and purpose in your life.

So, my sankalpa is, when I have a choice, to put my mind in my heart and to commit to the thing I have chosen to do and find joy and happiness in that moment.

How about you? Do you have a sankalpa for this new year?