09/15/2025
Our bodies and minds were never meant to carry the weight of the entire world’s suffering on a daily basis. Yet today, through social media, we are constantly witnessing atrocities, violence, and tragedies, often in graphic detail. This has a profound effect on our energy, our digestion, and our nervous system.
Our Earth element (Spleen + Stomach system) is responsible for digesting not only the food we eat but also the information we take in through our eyes and ears. When we are bombarded with distressing images and stories, things completely outside of our control it is incredibly taxing on this system. Imagine expecting your stomach to process meal after meal without pause; the same goes for your mind when overwhelmed with unfiltered information.
It is not normal to watch something horrific and then carry on with your day as though nothing happened. Our nervous systems are not designed for this constant exposure. Over time, this leads to fatigue, worry, anxiety, digestive weakness, and mental exhaustion.
Ways to Support Your Mental Health & Digestion (Chinese Medicine Perspective):
* Curate your feeds thoughtfully, protect your mind the way you would protect your body.
* Limit screen time, especially before meals and before bed.
* Eat warm, nourishing foods that are gentle on digestion (think soups, stews, congee).
* Avoid multitasking while eating, give your Spleen + Stomach the chance to fully process.
* Practice grounding rituals, spending time in nature, journaling, or mindful breathing.
* Support the Earth element with foods like root vegetables, squash, and grains.
If you feel helpless about events outside of your control, remember: we were never meant to be exposed to far-off atrocities every day. We have no power to change them directly. Your true power lies in your daily life.
For me, my chosen path is Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture. By helping the people who sit in front of me, by supporting them in their health, helping them connect with their Dao, and encouraging them to resonate fully and freely in their lives, that is the ripple I send out.
Each person touched creates another ripple, spreading out into humanity. 🌊
Find where your power lies, and do that well. What you cultivate and embody ripples outward far more than you may realize.
Maria💚
