emotional support; spiritual anchor; mainstay
Refers to a person, belief, place, or thing that provides emotional stability or a sense of security. Often used in contexts of reliance and comfort.
My family is my emotional support.
Music was his spiritual anchor.
Common mixed kanji-kana spelling; clear and widely used.
Kanji-heavy spelling; 拠り所 is a valid but less common variant.
Compound of 心 (heart, mind) and よりどころ (something to rely on, basis). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is a natural extension of よりどころ into the emotional domain.