How Does Yoga Teach Us the True Meaning of the Glass Half Full?

Now I love being in a good stinking mood every now and again but have you ever caught yourself stuck in a cycle of negative thinking?

Pratipaksha Bhavana—a concept from the Yoga Sutras (2.33)—is all about shifting perspective. It’s the ultimate “glass half full” mindset, helping us reframe challenges and replace unhelpful thoughts with more constructive ones.

But this isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. It’s about noticing negative patterns and gently redirecting them in a way that feels more balanced and supportive.

Science backs this up. Studies show that cognitive reframing, a technique used in psychology, can help reduce stress and anxiety. When we intentionally shift our thoughts, our brain starts forming new neural pathways—over time, this can improve resilience and emotional well-being.

Think about how often our thoughts set the tone for our experience. Instead of “Ugh, I have to be up early for yoga,” shifting to “I always feel better after going” can completely change the way we approach the day.

The same applies to everyday moments: “I can’t believe it’s raining again” can become “The rain sounds so cosy on the roof.” A stressful workload might turn into an opportunity: “I have so much to do” reframed as “I have a chance to make progress today.”

It’s not about ignoring struggles, but rather finding a different angle—one that helps rather than hinders. Yoga teaches us this on the mat, and with practice, we can bring the same mindset into daily life.

So is Pratipaksha Bhavana yogas best kept secret and what’s one small shift you can try it on today?