Sutra Response

2.33 When improper thoughts disturb the mind, there should be constant pondering over the opposites.
2.34 Improper thoughts and emotions such as those of violence- whether done, caused to be done, or even approved of- indeed, any thought originating in desire, anger or delusion, whether mild medium or intense- do all result in endless pain and misery. Overcome such distractions by pondering on the opposites.

It's easy to let improper thoughts fester and sit, but it is important to challenge them head on.

Let me explicate with a real life example (and a lot of vulnerability - get ready). I really love sweets. I know we are genetically dispositioned to enjoy desserts, fruit, and the like, but I tend to be gluttonous about my love for ice cream, cookies, cookie cake, etc. Thankfully, suppressing that flaw is a work in progress. A lot of people give me flak for thinking this way since I'm both petite and slender. For me, the problem is not a weight issue, but (potentially surprisingly) a dental one. My teeth look good now, but that's because they had spacers, fillings, sealants, braces, and a retainer. Aside from a genetically weak enamel covering my teeth, a large amount of my dental issues (namely the cavities) came as a result of my insatiable desire for sweets.

Thoughts about sweets (specifically dessert-type things such as doughnuts or cookies) plague me multiple times a day. Let's call these improper thoughts. There isn't anything wrong with wanting or having a brownie, but having a brownie and an ice cream sandwich everyday, for example, is not an appropriately balanced diet. I walk into Collins Cafe and have a cookie. Yay! Now I want at least one more. Instead of hopelessly dwelling on my desire for more than is necessary, the sutras wisely suggest thinking about the opposite. Thus, I can eat my cookie slowly, savoring it with milk or a little bit of soft serve instead of mindlessly pounding several cookies. Or I could plan ahead and eat a meal heavy in protein and whole grains, filling myself up with delicious wholesome foods that I enjoy, such as tomatoes (they're the best!). Then, when it comes to dessert time at the end of my meal, I won't want dessert, or won't want much because I'll have eaten my fill. A final alternative might be to consider the consequences of my actions before making a decision. Instead of hushing my conscience, I would do well to listen to it, "Tyler, if you want your body, especially your teeth to be at their best, you should bypass that platter of cake balls."

Even simply pondering these thoughts too intently could be dangerous. If I think about how I'm "depriving" myself, I'll feel even more upset. It's important that I remind myself of the good that doing the opposite of what my flesh wants is truly for the best...even when it's hard and peers try to pressure.