What is a glimmer?
First, the idea of looking for 'glimmers' in your day is gaining in popularity. It stems from work by therapist Dr. Deb Dana, where in her book, “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation,” she shares that glimmers are cues that can jumpstart an autonomic shift within your body through the nervous system and the vagus nerve, making a person feel more joyful, relaxed and at ease.
A glimmer doesn’t have to be a big notice, it can be small, Dana describes them as “micro-moments within your day. The sound of birds outside your window, the taste of your first sip of coffee, or the way the light hits a particular patch of grass. Noticing small moments of pleasure and joy are all examples of glimmers, and training your brain to look for things that uplift and support you throughout your day has profound effects on your mood.
A lot is going on in the world. We can’t always be positive and happy about what we see or experience, but we can do our best to fortify our nervous systems, seek out opportunities to be joyful and share these moments with our friends, family and colleagues in the world.
List of Glimmers to look out for:
admiring a particular tree on your way home from work
seeing the stars in the night sky.
noticing a stranger's smile
the warmth of a loved one's voice.
a cuddle with our furry friends.
your favourite song playing on the radio
the sound of the wind
the pattern of rain on your roof
the colour of a favourite piece of clothing
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