As we approach the new year, yogic philosophy offers us a very different approach to growth and transformation through the ancient practice of Sankalpa. The word San means "connection with highest truth," and Kalpa means "vow" or "sacred promise." Sankalpa is a promise to connect with your highest truth. A Sankalpa is not a resolution to become someone you're not. It's a remembering of who you already are at your deepest core. 

For thousands of years, humans have understood something profound: we are not just flesh and bone, but vibration and frequency. Every cell in our body responds to and resonates with sound—both the sounds we create internally and those we receive from our environment. When we fall out of harmony—whether through stress, trauma, illness, or simply the demands of modern life—we can return to balance through the ancient art of sound healing.

“And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

This powerful quote is most often attributed to Anaïs Nin, though some research suggests it may have been written by Elizabeth Appell. These words carry a profound truth that resonates deeply, especially during our spring and summer months when nature herself demonstrates this very principle in living color.

Continuing from Part 1, where we explored the meaning and foundational principles of Sadhana, the discipline that develops inner strength, and the transformative power of committed practice periods like the traditional 40-day sadhana.

While Sadhana might begin with formal practices—meditation, pranayama, asana, chanting—its influence extends far beyond these structured activities. The beauty of spiritual practice is that it can happen anywhere: on a yoga mat, in a meditation hall, or sitting quietly beside a tree. True Sadhana transforms how we approach every aspect of life, whether we're practicing indoors or connecting with the natural world outside.

In our fast-paced, distraction-filled world, the ancient concept of Sadhana—daily spiritual practice—offers a profound antidote to the chaos of modern living. Derived from the Sanskrit root "sadh," meaning "to accomplish" or "to achieve," Sadhana represents more than just routine; it is the deliberate cultivation of our highest potential through consistent, disciplined practice.

I've been wanting to share my experience with Kundalini yoga to a wider audience than just those that attend my classes. If you're like me, you've probably tried different yoga styles with various teachers and wondered what makes Kundalini unique. I'm excited to share why I've fallen in love with this practice.