The New Year is a perfect time for a fresh start and to reflect on what it is we truly want in life. Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word that means 'heartfelt desire' or your 'spiritual longing.' It's that thing that you want most in your deepest heart of hearts. It is important to listen to that longing because it was put there for a reason—to help you grow toward your unique purpose, growth, and fulfillment.

Your Sankalpa is not about your material desires or hopes that all of your stressors and feelings of lack will go away. It goes deeper than that. It's about tapping into your heart's longing that knows what you need to grow toward your spirit and your purpose.

In the Netflix series The Crown, there is an episode where the Queen, in mid-life, has an opportunity to travel and explore her love of horse racing and breeding. She is energized by the trip but also realizes the life she missed because of her duty to the country and crown, which leaves her feeling regretful and saddened.

We are each born with unique gifts and purpose. If we don't express them in our lifetime, we are left with the feeling that life has passed us by. But in expressing them, we feel energized, creative, alive, and excited. Life is precious—how do we make the most of the time we have?

Here are some steps to take when considering your Sankalpa:

  1. Reflect. The New Year is the perfect time to identify what your Sankalpa is. A deeper relationship? Satisfying work? Feeling more abundant? You will know that you have hit on it when you feel a sense of excitement when you think about it.
  2. Imagine. Dream and explore in full detail what you want. Imagine how it would feel to have your Sankalpa come into full fruition. Engaging the emotions and nervous system makes it more solid.
  3. Blocks. It is very common for us to be blocking our deepest wish from coming to us. Sit with the feelings of unworthiness or fear that come up—understand them, make peace with them, and let them heal.
  4. Let it go. We can do our part to envision and feel our heart's desire and clear our blocks, but in the end it isn't up to us to make it happen. The universe will set things in motion in the perfect time and in the perfect way. Surrender and trust are what's needed.
  5. Love the life you have right now. We only attract a future we love when we can embrace the present, even with all its shortcomings. Eckhart Tolle says, 'Say yes to the now.'

Living our Sankalpa makes life feel more purposeful and joyful. It will continue to grow and change as we do. Check in with yourself periodically to keep yourself on track through the year.