Nourishment can be food, nutriment, and sustenance.
But In this digital age, most people consume information as their primary nourishment.
From the endless scroll of social media to 24-hour news cycles, we’re constantly bombarded by information through our screens and devices.
Some of us consciously choose this information overload to fuel our busy minds, while others use it as a shield, a way to avoid difficult conversations or uncomfortable silences.
Just as we carefully consider what foods we put into our bodies, we must examine how different types of information affect our well-being.
Some information nourishes our minds and souls, while other types can be detrimental to our mental and physical health.
The key lies in paying attention to how we feel after these interactions.
Think of it this way: if certain foods give us acid reflux, we recognize them as poor nourishment for our bodies.
Similarly, if consuming certain types of information disrupts our sleep, triggers anxiety, or leaves us feeling drained, it’s likely not serving us positively.
I experienced this firsthand when I noticed that watching intense movies and TV shows was disrupting my Shen (心神) – what Chinese Medicine considers our mind and spirit – leading to restless nights. The solution was simple. I significantly reduced my consumption.
Most of us are taking in far more information than we can properly process. We need time to ruminate, assimilate, and distribute.
Based on my observations, most people are paralyzed by information overload and cannot take actions applying information learned, myself included.
This pattern mirrors many people’s eating habits – consuming more than we can digest, leading to discomfort and disease.
To better nourish ourselves, we need to be more selective about our information diet.
Consider eliminating or minimizing information sources that don’t contribute to your well-being.
Instead, create space for experiences that truly feed your soul: joyous memories with loved ones, relationships that align with your values, and activities that support your higher purpose.
In Chinese Medicine, there’s a fundamental concept called Yang Shen (養生), which means “nourishing life.”
This practice emphasizes cultivating our wellbeing until our final days. It begins with conscious choices about what we allow into our bodies and minds.
Action Plan:
- Audit your information intake: Track what you read, watch, and listen to for one day
- Notice how different types of information affect your energy and mood
- Choose one information source to eliminate or reduce this week
The path to better health starts with mindful choices about all forms of nourishment.
Much love to you on your journey to better well-being.
-Anthony
Beacon, NY 2/23/25