We have always looked at anchors as the device that holds a ship in place, to stop it from moving along with the current or tides. It keeps it grounded, despite what is going on in the water or sky around it. 

We also commonly use the word anchor as someone or something that gives support when needed, especially during difficult times. An anchor represents security, stability, and a feeling of safety. Anchors can be a permanent or a temporary fixture.  In Latin, the word Ancora means hope.

We are so used to the idea of an anchor keeping something in place, but what if we were to think of them as wanting to keep a moment in place? 

While we feel so distracted when our days are a crazy storm of thrashing wind and waves, what are the things that bring us back to the place in the moment we are in? 

It can be hard to find things that keep us grounded the entire time – and it isn’t supposed to be that way. We are meant to be moving with the flow of life; the waves and the calm in their own cycles whenever that may be. 

We need a moment each day, as tiny as a few seconds or half an hour, that brings us back to a grounded place and feeling. Something that gives us a big gulp of air before we dive in again. They are as much a momentary grounding as a momentary uplift. 

This practice is about incorporating mindfulness throughout your day, looking for the beauty in the world and savouring the little things and moments. When we start to notice what moments bring us joy, we can then create a ritual from them. 

Some of these anchors and rituals may only last a season, and some may become part of your everyday routine. 

Some of my favourite anchors are: 

• Feeling lucky when I see the clock strike repeated digits like 11:11 or 22:22.
• Waking up for the sunrise and having a slow and quiet start to the day. 
• Sitting on my balcony after dinner in summer.
• The mindful time each morning when I put on some make up. 
• Writing in my ‘gratitude and favourite moments of the day’ journal every night before bed.

Suggestions that may take your fancy are:

• Is there a place in your home that when you are walking past it, you stop and take a deep breath and take in the view for a moment?
• Is there a beautiful tree or spot in your neighbourhood that you mindfully admire? Watch it change through the seasons. 
• When your alarm goes off in the morning, take a minute to lie still and savour the warm comfortable bed before leaping out. The deep inhale before the day starts.
• The morning or afternoon cup of tea or coffee that you slowly savour it while it is hot without interruptions.

• Smile every time you turn your car into your street as you come home.
• Thinking about your favourite part of the day before you go to sleep.
• Watching the sun rise or set. 

We need these tiny anchors in our day to help us feel grounded in the moment. Not worrying about the future or going over what happened in the past, but being still in the present moment. 

Please leave a comment below if you have any anchors in your day – I would love to hear more suggestions! 

Take heart Readers, I’ll keep the light on.