Digesting Thoughts & Emotions

Nourishment, beyond food, extends to how we process thoughts and emotions. Just as the body can feel heavy when it takes in more than it can digest, the mind and heart can feel weighed down when we don’t pause to integrate what we’re experiencing. Worry, overthinking, or holding onto old emotions can create a kind of “mental indigestion.” Setting aside time for journaling, quiet reflection, or simply sitting in stillness allows the mind and heart to sort, assimilate, and release. In this way, we digest life itself—hopefully transforming experiences into wisdom and clarity.

Rumination of thought, meaning thinking the same thing over and over again, is a clear sign that we are experiencing mental indigestion. It indicates stagnancy and even interferes with our physical digestion. Holding on becomes the pattern, and instead of processing and moving through experiences, we get stuck replaying them. Just as the body needs movement and flow to stay healthy, so does the mind. When thoughts loop endlessly, they crowd out space for clarity, creativity, and presence. Releasing rumination doesn’t mean ignoring what matters—it means giving ourselves permission to let thoughts pass through, to metabolise them, and to make room for fresh insights.

One of the simplest ways to interrupt rumination is through movement—taking a walk, stretching, or practicing gentle breath-work can shift both the body and the mind. Journaling can also help by giving thoughts a place to land outside of ourselves, making them easier to sort through. Spending time in nature, even briefly, provides perspective and a reminder that life is always in motion. And sometimes the most effective practice is reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one; speaking our thoughts aloud often loosens their grip. In small but consistent ways, these practices help us digest our experiences, release what no longer serves us, and create space for clarity and ease.

Beyond food and movement, which you can learn more about in this post, this is a season to pause and honour transitions.

Here’s some questions to sparkle the curious mind:

What has ripened in my life this year so far?

What am I ready to harvest?

What am I ready to release?

Where in my life do I need more nourishment?

How can I root myself before the winds of autumn arrive?

…and some “Micro Practices”

1) Try sitting comfortably and practicing five rounds of cooling breath. Notice how your body softens and your mind grows quieter.

2) At your next meal, put down your fork between bites. Take a breath, notice the flavours, and let your body register fullness and gratitude before moving on.

3)  Place your left  hand over your heart and take three deep breaths. A short gratitude practice—can nourish the heart just as much as food nourishes the body.

May this season bring you steadiness, sweetness, and deep nourishment.