Why intentions invite new beginnings and outshine resolutions

Taking a step back into the traditional resolutions. Speaking from the I,  for me resolutions felt like ultimatums. A classic is “Stop eating sugar” and, having worked in the Health & Fitness industry for many years, the “Exercise three times per week” is a keeper every year.

I think we do this in well-meaning, hoping to spark change but we also focus on what we perceive as our shortcomings, adding pressure on ourselves to change or fix something. But what is missing is self-compassion and the pressure might even have the opposite effect to what you are trying to achieve.

Before I step into the San Kalpa process, I always find it key to pause and reflect. As a member of our Hyper Island community, you are well aware of this key component of learning and growth. My colleague

Pernilla Hallberg wrote a beautiful blog post about the value of end-of-year reflections, which can ground you in gratitude and self-awareness as you look forward. She beautifully reminds us that "Energy follows attention” meaning where and to what we choose to put our attention, energy will flow. You can read her full insights in the blog post here.

By taking time to reflect on the past, you might get a better understanding of what you genuinely need in the future.

San Kalpa is Sanskrit, a language stemming from Eastern culture and thousands of years back in time. There are many translations and I will give you one, San meaning “Connection with the highest truth” and Kalpa “vow or intention” and I choose the translation of the word “a heartfelt intention.”

Unlike resolutions, which often focus on external achievements, San Kalpa emphasizes aligning with your deeper values and inner needs. It’s a practice of connecting with your authentic self and allowing that connection to guide your choices.

My journey with San Kalpa began when I discovered my yoga practice and deepened during a year-long yoga teacher training some years later. Over the course of that program, I explored what it means to set an intention, not just as a temporary goal but as a long-lasting anchor for how I want to live.

How can we anchor back to our intention in everyday life? I learned that every choice I make can be influenced by this intention, supporting me in life and finding a direction that feels more aligned and fulfilling. Is it easy, not always, but it works as an anchor.

When I do my end-of-year reflection, I usually let the holidays pass and even New Year’s. It’s because this is a time with so much activity and family time and way too intense for me to ground and focus. In mid-January or when I have dedicated time to spend, I go into the San Kalpa process, sometimes in a facilitated group setting, sometimes by myself. I do recommend a group setting where you are guided in the process, but I will give an example of my own practice below.

Some years, I actually end up keeping my San Kalpa because it still resonates strongest with me. And that is okay. This practice is about inner alignment and authenticity, not feeling you have to constantly reinvent yourself.

I want to share my San Kalpa for 2023 and 2024 as inspiration. It is  “I am Light” and this intention has many layers. I will share some with you below:

• Keeping my heart and mind light: When faced with challenges in everyday life, I remind myself to choose a more positive and lighter state of mind. That can mean staying in my circle of influence and letting go of things that are outside of my control. It can support my actions and reactions.
• Choosing relationships that bring lightness: I seek connections that bring joy, positivity, and exciting adventures and I have worked on gently letting go of those that feel heavy or draining. While I recognize that I can not let go of all relationships, I can change my expectations of the counterpart.
• Feeding the "white wolf": If you know the story about the two wolves, I consciously choose to nurture the qualities of love, kindness, and hope, meaning feeding the "white wolf" instead of fear, anger, or negativity that will feed the "black wolf". Bringing more light into my life. 

My San Kalpa is a compass I return to when I need to, sometimes daily but more often when I am faced with a challenge. It is a reminder to make decisions that feel light and to embrace positivity. 

If you feel inspired to set an intention for 2025, here are a few steps I encourage you to take.

Reflect on the past year
This is truly key and I do recommend this previous blog post. Based on your reflection on the past year, what are your chosen truths you need to let go of?

Meaningful guiding questions
What are the qualities or feelings you want more of in the coming year? How do you want to show up for yourself and in the world? What do you have to believe in to make this happen? For each question, you write down five to ten words.

Finding your San Kalpa
Narrow the list down to 3 words, let your heart guide you. Now sit with each word and really feel how this word could guide your heart, mind, actions, and reactions. How would this word ease your life and our being? Take your time and do not stress, but then choose one word. Your intention should resonate deeply with you. It might be a single word, a phrase, or an idea that holds personal meaning.

Keep it simple and affirmative
It can be easy to fall into the trap and express a desire as “I want”, “I will” or “I won’t”. But instead, use “I am” sending the message to your brain that you are already where you need to be.

Plant your intention
Find something you like, from nature, from your home and I recommend a beautiful stone or crystal in the size so you can put it in your pocket. You either write your intention on the object or you plant it symbolically.

Let it guide you. Use your intention as a reminder for everyday decisions. Maybe, you let it be the first thing you speak out loud in the morning. If you meditate, bring it into meditation. If you have other daily rituals, find a way to integrate your intention.

Setting an intention isn’t about perfection or achieving a specific outcome. It’s about creating a guiding star, something that inspires you to live with intention and alignment.

Maybe you feel inspired to explore the process of San Kalpa or you found or will find another practice that resonates. I do hope that the practice you choose will bring you a sense of clarity, lightness, and purpose in the year ahead.

At Hyper Island, we believe in lifelong learning and self-leadership. Setting intentions is a powerful way to practice both. Here’s to a bright and intentional 2025 and may your guiding star lead the way.