Healing our nervous system with ‘Glimmers’
Whilst ‘Triggers’ are widely understood, few people know about their opposite: Glimmers. Small moments when our nervous system is in a position of connection and regulation. When we feel a sense of ease, joy, peace, safety, relaxation, calm or wonder - even if for a fleeting moment. Our brains have a natural tendency to look for the bad. Being intentional about looking for glimmers can begin to shape our system and have a beneficial impact on our mind and health.
In a recent Creative Wellbeing Session we ran for IWD, we heard from participants that this concept really resonated with them. As one participant shared: “I loved seeing [how] the small things that make us feel positive emotions have a contagious impact on others around you”
This concept was coined by Deb Dana, a clinical social worker who specialises in complex trauma. “When you discover glimmers you begin to look for more” she says. “That's your nervous system beginning to shape towards the patterns of connection that are inherently waiting in there to be deepened and brought alive.”
Glimmers can be found in different places and senses. Some examples include:
In nature, admiring your garden or seeing the stars in the night sky
Noticing a stranger's smile or the warmth of a loved one's voice
Discovering a new song or artist on Spotify
The wag of your dogs tail when you get home
Seeing your 3 year old son dance with total delight
Here are some of the recent Glimmers I have had and shared with participants during the session. There were so many beautiful examples shared, just hearing others moments was uplifting and supported finding more in your own life too.
Taking note of each of the glimmers you have experienced recently is a great way to prime your mind, especially if you can connect this through drawing and noticing how your body experiences glimmers through your senses (smell, touch, taste, sight) and throughout your body (hands, feet, heart, tummy).
If you are interested in this and the wider topic of Creative Wellbeing, we’d love to welcome you to our next free session end of April - follow the link here for more info and to register.