Episode 3: Think Good Thoughts

This week's podcast is focused on Yoga Sutra II:33, "When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite (positive) ones should be thought of. This is pratipaksha bhavana."
Pratipaksha bhavana translates as: 'opposite thoughts should be thought of.'
It is the art of identifying where we are blocking our own highest potential with negative thoughts and actions, and subsequently cultivating the inner strength and power of emotional awareness to decide consciously how we want to feel, think, act and relate.
We dive into reactivity vs. responsiveness and the three phases of shifting a negative pattern into a neutral state. From this neutral state, we can re-program our thoughts by thinking and doing quite literally the exact opposite of the negative tendency.
Reactivity can be broken down as 're-en-act-ment' and is referring to a triggered, emotionally projectile state that replays itself over and over in the form of an automated reaction based on past reference points.
Responsiveness can be broken down as 'response-ability' and is referring to a present, neutral state that allows us to respond based on present moment awareness and discernment to think and act in alignment with the Highest Good for ourselves and others.
Shifting from a habitual reactive state to a present moment-based responsive state implies the practice of pratipaksha bhavana (doing the opposite of the negative reaction) and has the power to transform our emotional well-being, relationships and reality as we know it.

Special outro music produced by Karishtan of his new release 'Trust' feat. Mitch Brady.