Cultivate the Opposite

We arrange conditions in our mind conductive to success by changing any thought patterns that are not consistent with thriving. When we notice negativity pervading our thoughts, we can pause, consider what the opposite would be, and then introduce that opposite as a new, more useful thought into the mental field.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian

This method of opposites is one of the most powerful tools articulated in the classic Yoga text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The verse states that "when the mind is disturbed by negative thoughts, one should dwell on their opposites." Our daily meditation practice brings awareness of the quality of thoughts in the mind and gives us the opportunity to change them. If we can move from the heat of anger for example and cultivate loving kindness, we can avoid the unhealthy effects of anger. This practice not only helps all those around us but also opens the path to our own mental, emotional and spiritual freedom.