Glimmers: Finding Hope in the Chaos

When the world feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming, it's easy to spiral into fear, exhaustion, or numbness. During these times, it may feel like everything is falling apart—but what if healing begins by paying attention to what’s quietly holding you together?

At Total Health Concepts, we encourage clients to explore glimmers—those tiny, often fleeting moments that bring a sense of safety, connection, or joy. Unlike triggers, which activate the stress response, glimmers activate the ventral vagal system—the part of the nervous system responsible for feelings of safety, openness, and ease.

In chaotic times, glimmers become lifelines.

What Are Glimmers?

The term “glimmers” was introduced by Deb Dana, a clinician who works with Polyvagal Theory. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers: they’re the subtle signs that your body and nervous system are safe.

You might not always notice them—but they’re there.

Examples of glimmers:

• Sunlight filtering through the trees

• The sound of a loved one’s voice

• A deep belly laugh

• Your pet curling up beside you

• A kind smile from a stranger

• A piece of music that moves you

• The weight of a warm blanket

• The smell of fresh coffee or rain

These aren’t just “feel-good” moments. They’re small but powerful signals to your body that say: You are safe. You are here. You are okay.

Why Glimmers Matter—Especially During Hard Times

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, it can begin to scan for threat automatically. You might find yourself bracing for bad news, overconsuming media, or expecting the worst. This is a survival response—and it makes sense.

But healing happens when we teach the body that it’s also safe to notice beauty, kindness, and connection. When we begin to attune to glimmers, we create more opportunities for regulation and resilience.

This doesn’t mean bypassing pain. It means expanding your capacity to also notice what’s good, even in the storm.

How to Start Noticing Glimmers

1. Slow down

Glimmers live in the present moment. Begin to build in pauses during your day to check in with your senses. What do you see, feel, hear, or smell right now that feels comforting?

2. Keep a glimmer log

At the end of each day, write down 1–3 glimmers you noticed. They don’t have to be profound. “My tea was the perfect temperature” counts.

3. Look for glimmers in connection

Who in your life helps you feel seen or calm? What conversations or environments help your body soften?

4. Revisit old glimmers

Think back to times when you felt at peace or hopeful. Is there music, imagery, or memory that still brings that feeling back?

Glimmers Don’t Solve Everything—but They Shift Something

We don’t use glimmers to pretend things aren’t hard. We use them to remind our bodies and minds that hope is still available, even in the smallest moments.

This is nervous system work. This is emotional resilience. And it’s available to all of us, right here, right now.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often demands we stay alert and guarded, noticing glimmers is an act of rebellion—and restoration. It’s saying: Even now, I choose to feel something gentle. I choose to notice what helps me come alive.

At Total Health Concepts, we support individuals in finding their way back to safety, presence, and healing. We believe that every nervous system deserves moments of peace—and that glimmers are where the light begins.

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