What’s a touchstone? It is different things to different people. It could be a meaningful keepsake , like a stone picked up on a special hike, a memento of some kind, or a piece of jewelry. Perhaps when we feel we are about to face a large moment in our life, we seek out that touchstone to wear or carry with us to give us strength and help ground us.

The word touchstone originally meant a stone that represented the standard or quality in which others things were measured. A more current meaning for touchstone is a special item we keep with us to touch, see or hold as needed. It could be most anything if we feel it is special. A touchstone could be something we buy on purpose to have with us like a polished stone, or maybe a watch we inherited. Our touchstone may offer a feeling of connection to ourselves, or the person who gave it to us, or even to a physical place that holds meaning.

Presumably a touchstone contains good energy for us, the holder, something we want to emphasize. It might feel sacred, meaningful, or have a sense of comfort associated with it. Rose quartz is said to have healing properties for our hearts and emotions. When going through a tough time we might make sure we have our rose quartz touchstone with us for a sense of calm and added emotional support. We might even have a quartz crystal on a window sill or hanging from our car rearview mirror as a reminder or protector of some sort. Maybe it is a patron saint medal, or a piece of fabric or figurine that we hold dear. It could be a special rock we picked up on a particular walk or place, and now we have it as a significant keepsake.

Having tangible reminders with us can be grounding in times when we might feel wobbly. A touchstone can also be a sweet gift to give another person, in their time of need. To touch a stone, a touchstone, it is a comforting item we can hold onto to help us feel supported and connected.