In the Light of Little Things – What Are Your Glimmers?

With the days growing darker, there’s that moment when you wake up, think ‘it must be 2 in the morning’, and then realise it’s actually 7 or so. It’s no wonder we can feel a bit more tired or low at this time of year.

I’m pretty sure we can all think of our triggers — those things that throw our nervous system off balance and activate a bunch of uncomfortable reactions.

But have you ever heard of glimmers? The term, in this sense, was created by clinician and international lecturer on Polyvagal Theory, Deb Dana. We can think of glimmers as the opposite of triggers — tiny moments that spark feelings of safety, calm, or joy.

You know that feeling of arriving somewhere you can finally rest after a long day? That sense of ‘ah, I’m okay now’. That’s a glimmer.

Noticing and cultivating glimmers can soothe our nervous system and enhance wellbeing. It’s something that becomes easier with practice, as we notice and look for those small, grounding moments. Over time, it helps reshape our nervous system’s responses towards feelings of regulation, safety, and connection. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

I thought it might be nice to share some of our glimmers here — to create a little library we can all return to when we need a moment of warmth or calm. I’ll start:

• The first sip of a good cup of coffee

• The warmth of the sun on your face, especially after a cold winter

• A belly laugh with a friend

  
  

In everyday English, a glimmer is a small, wavering light. I love the idea of something so little that can still offer light and warmth — and perhaps, as Deb Dana says, kindle a brighter and longer-lasting glow.