Thought Cultivation

What do we do when frustrated with destructive and distracting thoughts? 

The Yoga Sutra (pratipaksha bhavanam) encourages changing your mind by changing your thoughts.

We do not always have the chance to catch ourselves before we think, speak, or act. With effort and  attention, we can discover ways to catch ourselves more frequently. 

If we slow down thoughts and speech, we become more intuitive.

When you feel a negative thought coming in, go for the opposite thought or feeling.


Example:

"Why didn't that car stop rather than zooming by me in the cross walk?"  

Quickly find a response, "Here's a chance to throw my smile."  

The process of considering opposite perspectives may feel unnatural and false. Even if you don't believe it, your effort to change your thinking calms and assists when dealing with stress. It might even inspire a feeling of compassion.

The next time a negative response floods your mind, try positive thought cultivation.

Add a smile and a laugh.