Glimmers
“There are little gems all around us that can hold glimmers of inspiration.”
-Richelle Mead
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Nothing is too small to bring some joy or peace into your day. Think about how you feel when you see an adorable dog on your walk, when you take that first delicious sip of your morning coffee, or when you unexpectedly hear your favorite song while in your car. Welcome to the world of glimmers. glimmers are small moments that spark joy or peace, which can help cue our nervous system to feel safe or calm. They are the opposite of triggers (1,2).
On the other hand, triggers are signals or reminders of something that needs work, attention, or is even painful. They can stimulate negative emotions or traumatic memories (1)..
Glimmers are often referred to as the opposite of a trigger. While a trigger is a signal or a reminder of something that needs work, attention, or is even painful, glimmers are a signal of something that is running smoothly (2).
Coined by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in complex trauma, in her 2018 book “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy,” glimmers refer to small moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation, which cues our nervous system to feel safe or calm (1)
Noticing glimmers can be beneficial for everyone, but is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma. The thing about glimmers is that, working with trauma survivors, it’s so respectful of their suffering. It allows them to understand that their biology is wired in a way that we don’t discount the trauma or the crisis or the ongoing suffering, but we recognize that their biology is exquisitely set up to be able to also notice the micro moments of goodness (1).
Glimmers are small moments that spark joy or peace, which can help cue our nervous system to feel safe or calm 1. Here are some tips to help you find more glimmers in your life:
Set an intention: Make a conscious effort to look for glimmers in your daily life.
- Engage your senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you.
- Keep a journal: Write down the glimmers you notice throughout the day. This can help you remember them and appreciate them more.
For example, you could take a walk in nature and appreciate the beauty of the trees and flowers.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you become more aware of the glimmers in your life.
- Share your glimmers: Share your glimmers with others. This can help you connect with others and spread positivity.
These are all micro moments that begin to shape our system in very gentle ways (1). Glimmers can also help activate the parasympathetic relaxation response, which can lower stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure (4). Recognizing small, positive moments over and over can begin to shape our system in a positive way (1,4). Glimmers can improve your mood and desire for sex and increase your motivation to accomplish life goals (1).
Some examples of glimmers include:
- Noticing a stranger’s smile or the warmth of a loved one’s voice.
- Feeling comforted by furry friends, your dog or cat
- Notice the artwork or photography in your home or when out and consider if the images evoke a significant emotion in you
Wind chimes or your favorite song playing on the radio
In nature, admiring your garden or seeing the stars in the sky, listening to the birds
In conclusion, while triggers can initiate a trauma response within you, glimmers are something that can be helpful in soothing your nervous system by reinforcing feelings of safety and calmness. By recognizing small, positive moments over and over, we can begin to shape our system in a positive way (3).
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