Pratipaksha bhavana means “cultivating the opposite.” Practically this looks like making a different choice when habitual patterns no longer serve us. Of course, we first have to realize that something we are or aren’t doing is not serving us anymore!
This idea of pratipaksha bhavana is given in the Yogasūtra of Patañjali, the first text to gather and codify the teachings of yoga. In that text, this concept is aimed at our thoughts. If you have depressing thoughts, cultivate the opposite by choosing joyful thoughts. If you have judgmental thoughts (relatable), cultivate the opposite by choosing compassionate thoughts. Easy enough, in theory.
Sutra 2.33: vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam
When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite (positive) ones should be thought of. This is pratipaksha bhavana (Swami Satchidananda translation).
Pratipaksha means “opposite” and bhavana literally means “bringing into being.” This practice brings the opposite into being. In order to do this, we have to first be aware of what is present. This is the practice. Notice what’s not serving you, and make a different choice.
In the modern application of this practice, at least in the world of yoga therapy, it goes beyond thought into word and deed. The world of science would refer to this practice as neural repatterning or retraining. You are literally training your brain to make the choice that serves you. Small shifts, practiced consistently, change everything.