Introduction to Glimmers

The term “glimmer” was introduced to the wellness community by clinical social worker Debra Dana in her book, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy. Dana explains that humans are naturally wired to respond more strongly to negative experiences than to positive ones. Because of this tendency, she emphasizes the importance of actively seeking out, noticing, and keeping track of moments—micro-moments—of safety and connection, which she calls glimmers. Without intentional awareness, these subtle moments can easily pass us by unnoticed.

What Are Glimmers?

Glimmers are small instances of awareness that offer us peace, happiness, connectedness, and gratitude. They are simple and not pursued; rather, they occur naturally in daily life. Glimmers can involve any of our five senses or arise from situations that promote wellbeing, simply by paying attention to the experience. These moments are accessible, and we can encounter them daily when we pause to be present.

Personal Experiences with Glimmers

One example of a glimmer occurred this morning when I took a moment to enjoy the warmth of a hot cup of coffee in my hands. By allowing myself to pause and truly feel the cup’s warmth, I experienced happiness and was fully present in that moment. My thoughts were not occupied by the workday ahead, household chores, or the chaos of the outside world.

Another glimmer appeared as I took time to appreciate the Johnny Jump-Up flowers that continue to bloom in the cracks of my upstairs patio, even though it is November in Montana. Despite my efforts to remove these little volunteers two months ago, they persevered and kept blooming. Taking a few moments to admire their vibrant colors and reflect on their resilience filled me with warmth. Although I pass by these flowers every day, I often overlook them. Today, I allowed the Johnny Jump-Ups to be a source of joy—a glimmer.

Recognizing Glimmers in Daily Life

Glimmers are free and surround us each day. We can enjoy them simply by recognizing them and embracing the emotions they evoke. The key is to notice these moments and allow ourselves to be fully present with them. To help you begin, consider the following list of everyday events that you can turn into a week of glimmers for yourself.

Day 1 — The taste of your first drink of the morning

Day 2 — A comfortable spot to sit for a moment

Day 3 — Noticing natural light in a room

Day 4 — Someone holding a door or making space for you

Day 5 — Hearing someone laugh nearby

Day 6 — A moment where nothing is expected of you

Day 7 — Fresh air on your face, even for a few seconds

Glimmer on!