Gratitude as a Compass

by Lis McAllister

As the growing season winds down and life naturally slows, we gather with others, share meals,
and reflect on what—and who—matters most. Gratitude, like a vine heavy with fruit, thrives
when shared and sustains us through leaner times. Though we’re wired to focus on what’s
missing, gratitude redirects our attention to what’s present and supportive. It becomes a
practical compass, guiding us from fear to trust, from isolation to connection, and helping us see
that even in uncertainty, something steady and life-giving remains.

In today’s fast-moving world, our brains are wired to notice when our resources feel threatened.
A gratitude practice can help us to switch the script. By consciously noting what is present and
then recalling what you are grateful for, you gradually rewire your automatic thoughts to keep
awareness on abundance instead of lack. When we leave our brain to its own devices, it
defaults to fear by nature. It’s going to look for the scary things first. In fear mode, we forget
about what is present. Then, when resources are low, and we're tired, hungry, sick, lonely, it’s
harder to pull ourselves out of a funk. 

Challenging times eventually swing around to all of us, and gratitude is the compass we have at
our disposal. When you’ve been delivered bad news, when you fight with your best friend, break
up with your lover, receive a medical diagnosis the size of a mountain - when you feel
disconnected and without resources and when everything just seems to have gone to hell in a
hand basket, a gratitude practice is the thing that will carry you through. 

It reminds you to look for what is right in front of you in the present moment. Maybe it’s people
you love, the roof over your head, the food in your cupboard. And maybe it is simply the will
inside you, the compassion you bring to your own soul for having traversed a difficult path and
made it this far. You may not know - and may never know - that you are the inspiration for
someone else who has quietly been monitoring your progression on a daunting path, and
helping to shine a light for them too. Your kindness, your gentle ear, your easy smile - these are
your resources. Sharing a connection multiplies the bounty, and halves the burdens.

By cultivating a daily gratitude practice, we take stock of what is immediately present. In this
way, we take turns leading each other along a road that sometimes falls into shadow and
eventually leads back to light. Gratitude and connection walk hand in hand.