“Triggers” are widely understood, but few people know about their opposite “glimmers”.
Ever heard the phrase… “you just need to tap into your glimmers.”?
Glimmers are small moments that spark joy or peace, which can help cue our nervous system to feel safe or calm.
Experts say this mindset shift can make a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
So, what are glimmers?
We’re not talking great, big, expansive experiences of joy or safety or connection. They are micro moments that begin to shape our system in very gentle ways.
Glimmers aren’t just tiny moments that bring joy or happiness, they can also spark ease, relaxation, safety, connection or a feeling that the world is OK even for a fleeting moment.
Glimmers can be found in different places and senses. Some examples include:
- In nature, admiring your garden or perhaps seeing the stars in a clear night sky.
- Noticing a stranger’s smile or the warmth of a loved one’s voice.
- Feeling comforted by our furry friends.
- Unexpected church bells or your favorite song playing.
You feel something happen inside. There’s an energy that happens around a glimmer, and then your brain then marks it.
The Science…
The concept of triggers and glimmers exists within Polyvagal theory, which was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (a behavioural neuroscientist) in the early 1990s. Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, and lecturer specialising in complex trauma established the concept of triggers and glimmers.
Trauma reshapes our system so that we are more prone to pathways of protection than pathways of connection. This keeps us in a survival state instead of a thriving state.
Triggers activate either the sympathetic nervous system or the dorsal vagal branch of the parasympathetic nervous system. This means that when trauma is trapped in our system, we go into a hyper-vigilant state, or our freeze response is activated, and we shut down. Neither is a healthy place to exist in for an extended period.
Glimmers are guided by our ventral vagal system. These make us feel safe, connected to ourselves and other people. Calling attention to our glimmers can bring a return to autonomic regulation, creating a meaningful shift in perspective.
Daily Glimmers…
You can now, we hope, recognise what a glimmer is, but how do you embrace them? Luckily, it doesn’t require a lot of practice and can be done daily.
If you are struggling, check out these 5 practical ways to implement glimmers daily:
- Grab the headphones. Make a playlist of music that evokes feelings of peacefulness.
- Assemble the “armomas” Collect a few of your favorite essential oils or candles and keep them nearby.
- Get in touch with nature. Go for a walk or try going to the beach or river to hear the sound of water and waves.
- Curate your social feeds. Follow accounts with calming, peaceful presences, and unfollow accounts with content that might be personally triggering.
- Plan around your interactions. Primarily connect with people who bring you peace. If you know you’ll connect with someone who triggers you, schedule a calming activity directly after.
Lastly, try to remember we can’t completely control the world around us. We cannot get rid of triggers and challenges in life; nor uncertainty nor negative stresses, but we can realise our own power, and the power of glimmers. It’s important that we help each other find pathways to a calmer life, happier and healthier life – surely? If we can do this, we might be able to all move to a place where we truly thrive and shine, more of the time!
For help achieving your goals, boosting your emotional wellbeing, or perhaps fine tuning that work life balance – check out our coaching programmes
Creating a culture of care can transform a workplace. Investing in employee wellbeing can lead to increased resilience, better employee engagement, reduced sickness absence and higher performance …Simply email us or call 0333 444 7 365 and speak with Becca to find out how Tonic Wellbeing can help you, your team and/or your organisation.
