A glimmer is the exact opposite of a trigger. It's a kind of cue, either internal or external that brings one back to a sense of joy or safety. It can be anything from catching a view of the skyline of your favorite city, to seeing a picture of your pet.
The term glimmer was introduced in 2018 in the book The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation by licensed clinical social worker Deb Dana. It was popularized by a viral TikTok video in 2022 by psychologist Dr. Justine Grosso.
Put simply, glimmers are great for our mental health. On a bad day, or when we're moving through a more difficult chapter, glimmers can offer you a reset button. And from there, a healthier headspace gives you more energy and inspiration to do the things that might otherwise feel hard.
They're micro-moments that make us feel happier, hopeful, safe, and connected. And the best thing is, we can easily access them by looking for them.
Seek out more glimmers in your day for a happier, calmer, and more connected life.
