Glimmers are the small, everyday moments that remind us we are safe, connected, and okay. They’re the opposite of “triggers,” which can send us into stress or fear. Instead, glimmers act like gentle signals to the nervous system, nudging us toward calm, rest, and connection.
Where the Idea Comes From
The word glimmers was introduced by therapist Deb Dana, whose work expands on Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. This theory explains how our nervous system is always scanning the environment for cues of safety or danger. Glimmers are those cues of safety—tiny sparks that tell the body, you can settle here.
Why Glimmers Matter
Noticing glimmers can have a big impact, especially for people managing stress, anxiety, ADHD, or simply the overwhelm of daily life:
- Supports Regulation – Glimmers help the body shift into a calmer state, making it easier to return to balance when stress arises.
- Eases Stress and Anxiety – Savoring these moments can counterbalance the nervous system’s pull toward worry or tension.
- Fosters Connection – Sharing glimmers with others strengthens bonds and reminds us we’re not alone.
- Encourages Mindfulness – Looking for glimmers is a simple, present-moment practice that opens us to joy in small ways.
How to Notice and Cultivate Them
Glimmers don’t have to be big. They might be the warmth of sunlight, a kind text from a friend, a song that makes you smile, or the smell of fresh coffee. What feels like a glimmer for you may not for someone else—and that’s the beauty of it.
You can practice by pausing once or twice a day to ask:
- What feels safe, good, or comforting right now?
- Can I stay with that feeling for a few seconds longer?
Over time, this gentle noticing builds a habit of turning toward what steadies and restores you.
A Gentle Reminder
Glimmers aren’t about ignoring struggles or forcing positivity. They’re about collecting the small, real moments of light that exist alongside the hard ones. The more we notice them, the more they show up—and the more our bodies learn that safety and joy are possible, even in small doses.