I recently had the chance to visit a good friend, a fellow business owner, who’s been navigating a challenging journey with her health. She’d taken a leave from work to fully focus on her recovery, and it had been nearly three months since her healing process began. When we sat down together, I could see the strength in her spirit and the resilience she was building. As she gently touched her head—her hair just beginning to grow back after a medical procedure—she looked at me and said with a quiet smile, “I feel good. I feel grateful.”
As she shared her experiences from the past few months, one phrase truly stood out: “Let it go.” Those words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of how often I hold on to past mistakes and choices, even those that bring frustration or regret. “Let it go.” Such simple words, yet such profound wisdom.
My friend explained that clinging to negative thoughts and experiences can weigh down every part of life—our minds, bodies, and spirits. I was reminded of the concept of rumination, which I studied in my Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing course a few semesters ago. In psychology, rumination refers to the repetitive focus on negative feelings or events. This mental cycle can trap us, making it difficult to heal and move forward.
Rumination, defined as the constant replay of the same sad or dark thoughts, can intensify depression and delay emotional processing (Baer, 2017). When we ruminate, we tend to focus on what went wrong instead of seeking solutions, creating a cycle of negativity that’s hard to escape. This cycle not only impacts mental health but can also have physical consequences. Studies suggest that prolonged rumination is linked to chronic stress, which increases inflammation, compromises immunity, and raises the risk of conditions like anxiety and substance use disorders (Cirino, 2024). Ultimately, unchecked rumination can become a way of life, affecting every facet of our well-being.
But not all rumination is inherently harmful. When approached with a positive mindset, rumination can even contribute to spiritual growth. Those who engage in positive reflection—thinking about uplifting moments, expressing gratitude, and focusing on positive affirmations—use their thoughts as tools for healing. This form of "positive rumination" fosters a hopeful outlook and can pave the way for a brighter, more meaningful life.
Focusing on positive memories and affirmations doesn’t erase past difficulties, but it shifts the focus toward resilience and gratitude. By actively choosing to dwell on positive experiences and growth, we can turn habitual negativity into a practice of healing reflection. This shift from harmful to positive rumination is not just a mental exercise; it’s a way to foster a more balanced, spiritually connected life.
So, if you’re feeling weighed down by past mistakes, remember that letting go can be freeing. Like my friend, we can choose to release the grip of negativity and make space for healing thoughts. Embracing positive rumination invites a mindset that not only supports our mental health but also nourishes our soul, helping us move forward with renewed strength and gratitude. References
Baer, D. (2017). How Psychologists Treat The Kind Of Thinking That Leads To Depression. Retrieved from Thrive Global
Cirino, E. (2024). 12 Tips to Help You Stop Ruminating. Retrieved from Healthline
Photo by Severin Demchuk on Unsplash
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