08/31/2026
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali offers us a solution to negative thoughts and emotions: pratipaksha bhavana.
In pratipaksha bhavana, we cultivate the opposite feeling. If one feels jealous, the focus on their gratitude. If we feel anger, we cultivate loving compassion.
Through this, we cultivate equanimity.
Sutra 2.33 — वितर्कबाधने प्रतिपक्षभावनम्
"Vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam"
"When disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite."
Western psychology, with its love of renaming and claiming ancient Eastern philosophy, calls this "reframing".
Yet, in Pratipaksha Bhavana, nothing is limited by a frame; rather, we recognize that this approach is limitless, and that there is no thought too dark to be met with a boundless, elevated perspective.
Today, in my work as a substance use disorder clinician, I will offer folks an opportunity to reframe their worries, doubts, and judgments of themselves and others.
If you've joined me for a yoga practice, you have also joined me in releasing these into the ground, calling in their opposites, and praying for peace in thoughts, words, and the heart.
On this Monday, the last in August, I invite you to practice the Metta Meditation and release the animosity you hold towards yourself and others, in favor of loving-kindness.
🙏 Hari Om.
