Often our thoughts, words and actions are caused by unconscious, habitual, “lower” feelings, such as fear, hate, mistrust and possessiveness, and cause harm to ourselves and to others.
We can recognise that we have headed off the path and make an effort to head back in the right direction by interrupting our misguided thoughts, words and resultant harmful actions, and by considering the results of these.
Consideration and care towards others, and towards ourselves, combined with appropriate, committed spiritual practice supports us as we unwind these negatives.
Cultivating positive attitudes is more effective than struggling with negative ones.
References;
Yoga Sutras 02:33
“vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam”
“When oppressed by negative deliberation, cultivate the opposite side.”
(trans): Paul Harvey
“Conquer anger with non-anger
Conquer badness with goodness
Conquer meanness with generosity
Conquer dishonesty with truth"
Buddha Siddharta Gotama