Beyond Triggers - The Power of Glimmers
Beyond Triggers - The Power of Glimmers by Elaine Rumboll
Intro: In an age of "Triggers," a counter-impulse known as "Glimmers" emerges, offering an accessible means of fostering joy and peace.
In Patrick Rothfuss' captivating novels, "Glamours" are enchanting spells that project an illusion of wealth, beauty, and well-being to enhance the appearance of people and objects. While these illusions may be fleeting, there is a way to build your own version of Glamours through "Glimmers." Researcher Deborah Dana has identified micro-moments that can have a lasting impact on our happiness. In a world full of "triggers," it's not surprising that "Glimmers" are gaining recognition. These brief moments can evoke feelings of joy or tranquillity, signalling to our nervous system that it's safe to relax.
Deb Dana, a licensed clinician social worker specialising in complex trauma, first coined the term "Glimmers" in her 2018 book, "The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy." Glimmers are fleeting moments that incrementally transform our systems. They can be found in nature's beauty, the company of animals, and the warmth of a stranger's smile. These Glimmers resonate with our minds due to the energy they emit. While everyone can benefit from acknowledging Glimmers, those who have experienced trauma may find them particularly valuable for fostering compassion and resilience. Our minds are wired to detect and solve problems, keeping us physically safe but potentially draining our emotional and psychological resources. By consistently recognising and appreciating minor, positive experiences, we can reshape our systems to foster mental and physical well-being. In this way, "Glimmers" evoke feelings of relaxation and hope, contrasting sharply with "triggers," which can activate stress responses.
Glimmers manifest in various forms, such as transient moments of natural splendour, a stranger’s kindness, or brief sensory experiences bringing inner calm or delight. Glimmers are tiny, often private moments that serve to lift the corners of your mouth for an instant. It could be as small as experiencing the texture of a fabric, the smell of jasmine on the wind, a birdcall in the early morning, a smile from a stranger in traffic.
Glimmer hunting can also include:
An intentional Awe walk immersing oneself in nature's grandeur, whether through strolls in the park, lakeside relaxation, or sunrise and sunset viewings.
Listening to uplifting or soothing music to improve mood and calm nerves.
Engaging in acts of kindness for oneself or others to elevate collective spirits.
Practising meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety.
Cultivating gratitude by reflecting on blessings or maintaining a gratitude journal
To embrace Glimmers, set an intention for yourself, such as seeking out one Glimmer before lunch. A Glimmer journal can serve as a repository for daily reflections and discoveries, and sharing your Glimmer journey with loved ones can foster deeper connections. By granting ourselves permission to pursue positive feelings and experience these ephemeral Glimmers, we signal to our bodies a state of well-being and ease. The more we practise Glimmer-hunting, the more likely we are to uncover a wealth of Glimmers that anchor, protect, and soothe us. By consciously attending to these moments and intentionally seeking them out, we can create our own lasting enchantments and ultimately attain a more sustainable sense of ease, contentment and calm. In a world focused on triggers, Glimmers provide a vital counterbalance, reminding us to cherish the small moments of joy and serenity that fill our days.
Building Your Own Glimmer WorkSheet
Set aside an hour for this exercise. Find a comfortable position to sit in. Put a heavy shawl around your shoulders as you do this exercise. Do three rounds of breathing in through your nose for 4, holding for 6 and breathing out through your nose for a count of 8. Drop into your body and stay there. Repeat the breathwork when you feel like you are going back into your head.
1. Explore what makes you happy, what makes you feel peaceful and comfortable, and what sparks pleasant feelings for you. The following suggestions could serve as prompts for you:
What activities in your free time bring you joy?
Which sensations (sights, sounds, smells, textures, movements) do you find the most calming or enjoyable?
When you think back on your life, what small moments or experiences have made you the happiest?
Make a list of all these things and don’t self-edit yourself.
2. Once you have a list of possibilities, pick one or two that you want to actively pursue and enjoy in the days ahead.
3. Make it your mission during the following three days to actively pursue and enjoy the glimmers of happiness that most appeal to you. Planning a specific activity or just keeping an eye out for happy moments in your daily routine can help.
4. Pay close attention to the physical and mental effects of your chosen glimmers as you seek them out and experience them. How do they make you feel? How does your body react when you go through these things? Have you noticed a shift in your disposition, vitality, or perspective?
5. Finally, think about how your glimpses have strengthened your hope and resilience. How did actively seeking out and enjoying these joyful times aid you in weathering times of difficulty or stress? What did you learn about your emotional needs and how to meet them?
Remember, the goal of exploring Glimmers is to cultivate a habit of seeking out and appreciating the small moments of joy and connection in your daily life. By intentionally cultivating positive experiences and emotions, you can build emotional resilience and promote well-being even in the face of stress and adversity. It’s time to Get Your Glimmer On!