Glimmers: Finding Light in the Darkness
In the world of trauma and healing, you may have come across the term triggers - those sights, sounds, or experiences that send us spiralling into stress, fear, or pain. But have you heard of their counterpart, glimmers? Glimmers are tiny moments of joy, safety, or connection that can shift our nervous system toward calm and regulate our emotions. They’re the subtle sparks of positivity that help us find our footing, even in the toughest times.
Understanding glimmers isn’t just comforting; it’s rooted in neuroscience. Here’s what the science says about why glimmers matter and how we can use them in our daily lives.
The Science Behind Glimmers
The term ‘glimmers’ comes from the work of Deb Dana, a clinical social worker who specialises in the Polyvagal Theory. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory explains how our nervous system responds to safety and danger.
At its core, the Polyvagal Theory describes three states of the nervous system:
Ventral vagal state: A sense of safety and connection.
Sympathetic state: Fight-or-flight mode, triggered by stress or danger.
Dorsal vagal state: Shut-down mode, linked to feelings of hopelessness or disconnection.
Glimmers activate the ventral vagal state. When we notice something comforting - a friend’s smile, a beautiful sunset, or the sound of the birds singing on a walk - our nervous system begins to relax. These moments signal safety to the body and help us build resilience over time.
Why Glimmers Are Powerful
The beauty of glimmers is their accessibility. They’re not grand, life-changing events. Instead, they’re tiny, fleeting moments of goodness. Research shows that focusing on these small positives can rewire the brain over time through a process called neuroplasticity.
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that practising gratitude—essentially looking for glimmers - can increase overall well-being. Similarly, mindfulness practices, which involve noticing and savouring the present moment, have been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional health.
When we notice glimmers, we shift our attention away from danger cues and focus instead on safety and connection. This doesn’t erase the challenges we face, but it gives us moments of reprieve and hope.
How to Spot Your Glimmers
Glimmers are deeply personal; what sparks one person’s joy might not resonate with someone else. The key is learning to recognise what soothes and uplifts you. Here are some steps to get started:
Pause and notice: Take a moment each day to pause and scan your environment for something positive - a colour, a sound, a sensation.
Tune into your senses: Glimmers often come through sensory experiences. Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, or feel.
Keep a glimmer journal: At the end of the day, jot down any small, positive moments you noticed. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and learn what resonates most with you.
Be intentional: Seek out environments or activities that naturally bring glimmers into your life, like spending time in nature, listening to music, or connecting with loved ones.
My Personal Experience with Glimmers
In my own journey through grief and healing, glimmers have become a lifeline. There were days when everything felt dark and heavy, but then a small moment - a kind word, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or my son’s laughter - would remind me that life still held beauty.
Those tiny sparks didn’t erase my pain, but they anchored me. They gave me the strength to keep going. Glimmers became a way to find light in the darkest corners of life.
Why Glimmers Are Worth Cultivating
Life can feel overwhelming, especially during times of grief, stress, or uncertainty. But glimmers remind us that even in the midst of difficulty, moments of connection and joy exist. They don’t have to be big or dramatic; they just need to be noticed.
By intentionally seeking out glimmers, we begin to retrain our brains and our bodies to notice the good. Over time, this practice builds resilience, helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
So look out for your glimmers - a tiny spark of light in the darkness. Let them remind you that there’s beauty even in the hardest moments.
Why not be someone’s glimmer today? Browse our range of bright and beautiful cards to send a little light to someone who might need it - the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.