In this post, I’ll be diving in to answer: what is a glimmer? Plus sharing tips to help shift your mindset for a more positive and inspired life.
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If you’re familiar with triggers, you’ll understand that they are stimuli that cause a strong (often negative) emotional or physical reaction. Triggers can be anything from a particular scent, a sound, a word, or even a memory. However, have you ever heard of “glimmers”?
What is a glimmer?
Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. They are small moments or experiences that spark joy and evoke inner calm. A glimmer is an instant little mood boost, often found in random and unexpected moments throughout the day. They are tiny positive bursts in time that make you smile and feel at ease. It could even simply be a fleeting thought that sparks excitement.
Once you notice a few glimmers, they’ll start to appear everywhere and happen more often. Essentially training your brain to focus on the good.
This is often referred to as the “positivity bias”. Our brains have a natural tendency to focus on negative experiences and thoughts, as a survival mechanism. However, by intentionally seeking out and acknowledging positive experiences, we can rewire our brains to see the good in our lives. This can lead to increased happiness, improved relationships, and a more positive outlook on life. So next time you catch yourself repeating anxious thoughts or feeling a bit down, try to shift your focus and search for a glimmer, then watch as it becomes easier and more natural over time.
Here are some examples of glimmers:
- when a random lid fits perfectly on a box or jar that wasn’t its original pair
- when you pull out the exact amount of hanger needed to put away the laundry without counting
- when you’re sitting in the sun and get that tingly feeling on your skin for a second
- when the rest of your liquid soap refill fits perfectly into the dispenser
- turning to a new radio station at the exact moment your favorite song starts playing
How to train your brain to notice glimmers more often?
- Dive into mindfulness, your passport to the present moment. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day. With a never-ending to-do list, it’s hard to slow down and appreciate the small things. However, with mindfulness, we can learn to be present in the moment and enjoy the little things in life. Instead of jumping out of bed at the last minute, try waking up 30 minutes earlier and taking your time to make your coffee or morning routine. Being intentional with your time can help you notice the small moments of joy, like the way the sunlight shines through a window or a pretty creamer swirl in your cup of coffee.
- Write and record to rewire. Take a moment to jot down the small, positive moments of your day in a journal or digital notebook. This simple act of writing them down can give you the feeling of reliving the moment, while also training your brain to notice these instances more frequently. It’s a fast and healthy way to receive a burst of dopamine and enhance your overall mood.
- Indulge in creativity with compassion. For the creatively inclined, art is a powerful tool. Engaging in activities that stimulate your imagination can inspire moments of inspiration and brilliance. Allow colors, shapes, and creative activities to inspire you and let your feel-good energy flow freely. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “artsy” person, there’s no need to worry. There is no right or wrong way to tap into your creativity, and it’s a personal experience that doesn’t have to be shared. In a world of social media, it’s comforting to take time for yourself without feeling the need to share it with others.
Understanding the Science Behind Glimmers
While triggers can cause a spike in cortisol, resulting in negative outcomes, a glimmer produces the complete opposite. Noticing a glimmer can activate the ventral vagal energy, which leads to a range of physical responses, including reduced heart rate, relaxed breathing, and decreased stress hormones. Psychologically, it can help us feel a sense of ease, safety, joy, and mindfulness. In other words, activating the ventral vagal system can provide a sense of calmness and stability, helping to regulate the nervous system over time.
Another way to activate the ventral vagal system is through mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These practices allow us to focus on the present moment and calm our racing thoughts. Additionally, engaging in activities that bring us joy, such as spending time in nature or with loved ones, can also activate the ventral vagal system. By consciously incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can improve our overall well-being and build resilience to stressors. It’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health, and activating the ventral vagal system is one way to do that.
Being a glimmer-seeker means actively seeking out the positive aspects of life. It’s about looking for the joys in the everyday moments and focusing on the good that surrounds us. By doing this, we can find fulfillment and happiness in even the smallest things. Cheers to peace, and a life full of glimmers!
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This post was all about glimmers and how to shift your mindset for a more positive outlook on life. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
– How To Raise Your Vibration
– 23 Journal Prompts For Self-Reflection
– The Ultimate Life Reset Routine
Xx- Laura
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