Rumination is the birthplace of depression and creativity. Poison and wine, again. Rumination (slang - chewing the cud) is derived from the word rumen (cows second stomach). Cows, in order to digest their food, throw it up and chew it again. This is helpful and according to design.
We have one stomach but seemingly two minds. Our brain moves quickly from thought to thought and mostly operates well. It gets stuck when certain thoughts dominate (usually fear based) and kinda like an old needle on a turntable it doesn't move along the vinyl any longer - it keeps playing the same note. This is helpful when attempting to create something novel and new. You must sit in it and keep the mind focused and then suddenly (or so it seems) the insight appears. This isn't helpful when the mind is stuck in fear. Chewing negative thoughts over and over does us zero good. Nothing moves well. Legs feel like logs. Obstacles look insurmountable. Opportunities are missed.
How does one ruminate to their advantage?
Awareness. Tune into your body, especially your gut. Listen for the drunk in your head starting to get louder and louder (almost always negatively so). Practice Seligman's ABC's. Identify the adversity. Note the beliefs you hold about it. Understand consequences. Write 'em down whenever possible. Now, dispute them. Look for evidence to support your case. Your brain loves logic to rule the day. Practice this when negative chew starts - you'll soon be better and back on your feet. Good.
When creating, chew the cud. This will be anything but depressing. You will enjoy being stuck on the same note. It will energize you breaking down the nuances of the note. The longer you focus, the more you will love it. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Feel yourself filling with inspiration. An insight is coming. Wait for it. Your mind is a beautiful thing. Rumination is the birthplace to creativity and depression. Maybe this is why so many creatives suffer with depression so much. I hope this is helpful. It just came to me, you know.
Live hard. Love 
harder. Chew on this, please…
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