You are what you digest.

Last week, during a yoga class, the instructor dropped a gem: "You are what you digest." While we're familiar with the saying "you are what you eat," this perspective adds depth to the concept. Growing up, I witnessed Popeye's transformative spinach-fueled strength, reinforcing the notion that food directly impacts our well-being.

However, digestion transcends mere consumption. It involves a complex process where nutrients are extracted and utilized. Fortunately, exercises like yoga enhance both nutrient assimilation and waste elimination, promoting digestive health.

Yet, digestion extends beyond food to encompass the daily barrage of information we encounter: news, social media, conversations. Each contributes to our mental and emotional landscape, shaping the energy we absorb. How we process these inputs influences our well-being, defining what truly nourishes us.

As someone in my 50s, I've learned firsthand how these inputs affect me differently now than in my younger years. A podcast by Jay Shetty can uplift me instantly, while a few hours on social media leaves me feeling drained and inadequate.

Consider Reader's Digest, a magazine brand that has flourished for a century by carefully selecting content designed to uplift and inspire. With its focus on themes like optimism, faith, and wellness, Reader's Digest resonates deeply, emphasizing the significance of thoughtful consumption.

Mindful consumption is a topic worthy of its own exploration, one that I'm still in the process of understanding fully. However, it's evident that mindfulness guides the decisions we make in various aspects of life. From our eating habits to our online purchases, the application of mindfulness has demonstrated its positive impact.

Consider the path your food takes as it nourishes your body. Reflect on how that glass of wine tonight might impact your well-being tomorrow, and whether the TV show you're watching truly enriches your mind.

Think, too, about the messages you absorb about yourself. Do you surround yourself with positivity or negativity? Is your inner dialogue supportive or critical?

Treasure each moment and seek experiences that bring you fulfillment. Embrace mindful intake, caring for your body and mind to the best of your ability. After all, you are what you digest.

“The trouble is, you think you have time.”

-Jack Kornfield, Buddha's Little Instruction Book