Psychology of Maa Shailaputri
Navratri Day 1 | Building a Strong Foundation Within
Have you ever noticed how a small problem can disturb your entire day when your mind is already unsettled?
A delayed response, an unexpected expense, a disagreement with someone close to us — sometimes, the situation itself is not as difficult as the state of mind with which we face it.
This brings us to an important question: How strong is the foundation on which we are building our lives?
On the first day of Navratri, we worship Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains. A mountain stands firm through changing seasons, strong winds and heavy rains. It does not need to control the weather to remain rooted.
There is a beautiful lesson here for our mental well-being.
Before We Grow, We Need to Feel Grounded
In psychology, emotional stability does not mean that we never experience fear, sadness, anger or uncertainty. It means that we gradually develop the ability to experience these emotions without allowing every passing situation to control our thoughts and actions.
Think about a tree. Its branches may reach towards the sky, but its strength also depends on what lies beneath the soil.
Similarly, our ambitions, relationships and achievements need a foundation of psychological safety, self-awareness and a sense of stability.
When we constantly worry about what others think, react to every criticism, or depend entirely on external approval, even small challenges can feel overwhelming.
But when we understand ourselves better, recognise what is within our control and learn to pause before reacting, we begin to respond to life with greater clarity.
This is not about becoming emotionless. It is about becoming more centred.
What Maa Shailaputri Can Teach Us
The name Shailaputri connects the Goddess with the mountains. In our spiritual reflection, the mountain becomes a symbol of groundedness, strength and steadiness.
We cannot always choose the circumstances around us. We cannot prevent every disappointment or guarantee that people will understand us.
But we can gradually build a stronger relationship with ourselves.
When life becomes uncertain, ask yourself:
What can I do right now to bring a little more stability into this situation?
Perhaps you need to take a breath before responding, spend time in nature, speak honestly with someone you trust, or focus on the one practical step that is possible today.
Small actions may not change everything around us, but they can help us meet our circumstances differently.
A Simple Practice for Today
Take three quiet minutes today and reflect on these questions:
- What is currently disturbing my peace of mind?
- Which part of this situation is within my control?
- What is one small action I can take to feel more grounded?
Do not force yourself to find immediate answers. Sometimes, simply recognising what is troubling us is the beginning of a more thoughtful response.
If you can, spend a few minutes outdoors. Notice the ground beneath your feet, the movement of the trees and the natural rhythm around you. Let this become a reminder to return your attention to the present moment.
Let the Journey Begin Within
We often begin a new journey by setting goals, making promises and planning what we want to achieve.
Perhaps this Navratri, we can begin differently.
Before asking how much more we can accomplish, let us ask how well we are standing within ourselves.
May Maa Shailaputri inspire us to cultivate inner steadiness, face uncertainty with greater awareness, and build a foundation that supports not only our success, but also our peace of mind.
A strong life is not one in which nothing ever shakes us. It is one in which we learn how to find our ground again.
With devotion and reflection,
Rakesh Babu
Psychologist | Faculty @ The Art Of Living