Anchoring Life: Navigating Life's Ebbs and Flows with Wisdom

Life is a journey where, at times, we lose control. Life drifts us along its unpredictable flow, and while this might be a good strategy for short-term survival, it is not sustainable for long-term growth and fulfillment. To truly strive in the long-term, we must have an anchor—a sense of purpose or values—that allows us to pause, reflect, and decide the direction in which we wish to proceed.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and anchoring oneself in dharma (righteous duty). He says, “One’s own duty, though devoid of merit, is preferable to the duty of another well performed” (Chapter 3, Verse 35). This teaches us that our anchor should be deeply personal and aligned with our inner calling, not borrowed from the expectations or achievements of others.

It is okay to stop for a while and recalibrate. Just as a bowstring must be drawn back for the arrow to fly forward, we sometimes need to retreat before leaping ahead. During these moments, the people who truly care for us become our support system. They offer us strength, reminding us of our worth when we might forget it ourselves. The Gita also teaches the value of relationships and mutual support, as Krishna tells Arjuna, “The wise should act for the welfare of the world” (Chapter 3, Verse 20). When we are at our peak, we must give back to the world, so that when we face our lows, the world is there to support us.

However, what if we find ourselves alone in our struggles? What if, at our lowest point, no one stands by us? In such moments, it is crucial to introspect and ask, “Have I been there for others when I was thriving?” If not, perhaps this solitude is a chance to learn and grow. Yet even in loneliness, we are not truly alone. Faith becomes our guiding light. Lord Krishna reassures us, “For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends” (Chapter 6, Verse 6). Faith in ourselves and in a higher power can bring us back to life when all else fails.

God’s grace shines brightest in our darkest hours. When human help seems distant, divine guidance is ever-present. The Gita reminds us that surrendering to the divine is not a sign of weakness but of immense strength. Krishna promises, “Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear” (Chapter 18, Verse 66). This assurance teaches us that faith can rebuild what seems irreparably broken.

Therefore, while striving to rise, let us also spread the message of faith and kindness. Share the wisdom and strength that you find in your connection with the divine, so that others may also discover their own anchor. Life’s ups and downs are inevitable, but with an anchor, a support system, and unshakable faith, we can navigate them with grace and purpose.