We tend to confuse Resolve, Sankalp that we make in Yoga Nidra with affirmations. I have always had a problem with affirmations. I will speak about myself and I do not wish to include you all as that would be me being judgmental find affirmation insincere.

Affirmations are positive statements that help one deal with negative feelings, thoughts and situations. Research has shown that positive thinking can rewire one’s brain, changing the way one feels about things.

A Resolve is made in the beginning of the practice of Yoga Nidra and is repeated at the end of the practice. When one makes the resolve, one has relaxed oneself through lying in shava asana and becoming aware of one’s breath. This process takes a couple of minutes. One selects a resolve which is like a seed, repeats it three times and then one goes deeper into the practice. At the end of the practice, the resolve is repeated again.

Now what has happened here

The selection of the resolve is on the basis of its overall influence on one’s life. An example can be peace, wellbeing, or gratitude. The extraordinary part is that the resolve encompasses one’s whole life and by its repetition three times again at the end of the practice, the germination process has started.

I have explained both the processes to you, dear ones. It is essential for one to be comparatively free of one’s thoughts. When one makes an affirmation, one tends to repeat it to oneself and believe that it will bring about change. How is it possible? One remains in the same situation; one has the negative and contrary thoughts being reinforced and there is no neutralizing effect. The resolve made during Yoga Nidra, was said in a neutral space. The result is that the after effects remain and there is a subtle influence on one’s perceptions. Since breath awareness is very much a part of all Yoga, the anxiety and hostility is reduced.

It is complicated, however the breath awareness which one learns in Yoga enables one to be effective in fulfilling the resolve which impacts on every aspect of one’s life. It is with you all the time.

I will quote from the Astavakra Gita, Chapter 15: Verse 19. Knowledge of the Self.

O pure intelligence, do not disturb your mind with affirmation and negation. Be calm and abide happily in your own self which is Bliss itself.

Be free from affirmations and negations such a I will do this or I shall not do this. To gain knowledge of the self, one has to start with breath awareness.

Aim Hrim Klim