In Yoga Sutra 2.33, author Nischala Joy Devi loosely translates this as “When presented with disquieting thoughts or feelings, cultivate an opposite, elevated attitude. This is pratipaksha bhavana.” .
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Life comes with so many frustrations and challenges. How often does someone or some incident disturb your calm? Many of us naturally let our emotions take control and we most likely react in an unfavorable manner. Pratipaksha Bhavana is a simple way to redirect our minds toward calm and our hearts toward love. Simply change the story. Change your mind. Change your attitude. React from a place of compassion. .
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Turn fear into opportunity. Turn challenges into blessings. Turn pain into joy. Use whatever you can inside and around you to reframe where you are in life. Barriers will always present themselves in ways we may not expect. But if we train the system to be ok with those times, thrive within them, and grow from them, you will discover that you are much stronger and more capable than you could ever imagine. Find your best self.

In order to learn and grow, we must commit to the practice—no matter what you practice. Yoga. Music lessons. Martial Arts. LIFE.

Once you choose to fully commit to the journey and trust in the process, the results show. And it’s not about developing a talent. It’s about developing a skill.

For me, practicing yoga has taught me how to skillfully walk through life with compassion and patience. There are many life moments that challenge me and my reactions, but Life, as in yoga, is a constant, committed practice for me to live my best self.