Faith as a steroid

My late grandmother who moved to a new place in the past had faced many challenges in life. However, she believed firmly that her krishna, the hindu deity, would never let go of her. This simple belief made her keep going even as a cheerleader of and with the faithful in the tambrahm (tamilian brahmin) community in Delhi, though she was new to that region.

Everyone in that region knew her as a lady who would give guidance to all in times of confusion, challenges and travails. Though she spoke only a smattering of Hindi, word about her spread and even non Tamilians came to our house for the same reason very often. Our house then became a kind of ashram of sorts. This could even have been made into a soap opera, I think as the counselling was deep, spiritual and most of all, effective.

This experience still makes me feel that faith is indeed something one should never give up in the journey of our lives. Nowadays, with every small jerk, we lose faith whereas the people of those days used it as a steroid for facing anything in life. This is actually the purpose of faith, giving us strength when we need it the most.

 Maintaining faith, especially in challenging times, is a deeply personal journey. We suggest certain tips that might help.

1. Understand Your Faith: Spend time reflecting on what your faith means to you. Understanding its core principles and the reasons behind your beliefs can strengthen your foundation.

2. Practice Regularly: Whether through prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts, regular practice helps to reinforce faith. Consistency can build a habit that sustains you through tough times.

3. Connect with a Community: Engaging with others who share your beliefs can offer support and encouragement. A faith community can provide a sense of belonging and remind you that you’re not alone.

4. Seek Guidance: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a spiritual leader, counselor, or mentor. They can offer wisdom and perspective that you might not see on your own.

5. Focus on Positive Examples: Look for stories of others who have maintained their faith through adversity. Their experiences can serve as inspiration and remind you of the strength faith can provide.

6. Embrace Doubt: It's normal to have doubts. Instead of pushing them away, explore them. Sometimes, questioning can lead to a deeper understanding and a stronger faith.

7. Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help keep your faith strong. Regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for can shift your perspective during difficult times.

8. Be Patient with Yourself: Faith isn’t always a steady, unwavering force. It’s okay to have moments of uncertainty. What matters is your commitment to returning to your faith and nurturing it over time.

9. Find Purpose in Adversity: Sometimes, challenging situations can deepen faith. Try to find meaning or growth opportunities in your struggles, which can reinforce your beliefs.

10. Stay Hopeful: Faith and hope often go hand in hand. Keeping a hopeful outlook, even in tough times, can help you maintain your faith.

By Jamuna Rangachari