the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > idea, notion, or concept > come to mind, occur [verb (intransitive)] > persistently (3)
figurative. intransitive. Of a thought, emotion, etc.: to come to mind; to pass through the mind, often repetitively; to be deliberated over. Also…
intransitive. Of a thought, idea, sensation, etc.: to be persistently or recurrently present in the mind or memory. Also with through.
figurative. Of an idea: To present itself persistently to one's mind as matter of debate; to be in agitation.