Rumination and circular thoughts

Image by @astraltruth

Circular thoughts weigh us down, robbing us of energy for other areas of our life and health.  When we stop dwelling on an incident or argument, a real load slips from our shoulders and we feel re-energised and ready to get on with our lives.

There has been an advert on UK television recently advising people to consult their doctor if they are worried they might have cancer.  It features someone carrying a musical box and constantly hearing its tune go round and round in their head.  When they eventually go and see the doctor, the box is found to be empty – the repetition of the theme was all in the patient’s mind.

This is an example of where White Chestnut would be helpful.  The same worries or arguments play in a continuous loop in our heads, and, like winding a musical box, we actively keep the loop going. It becomes almost addictive, as we feel unable to free ourselves.  White Chestnut – like the doctor opening the box – breaks the spell and shows us ‘there is nothing there.’ We have been like a bee buzzing at a window, unable to stop and look for a way out.

The obsessive thinking which White Chestnut alleviates is always circular, the same concern repeating itself.  But if our minds are oppressed with thoughts relating to the past or anxiety for the future then other flower essences such as Star of Bethlehem or Mimulus, Honeysuckle or Gorse may be appropriate. Or if you keep catastrophising about your loved ones then take Red Chestnut to prevent you from worrying unhealthily about their whereabouts or safety.