Glimmers
Micro-moments of comfort and connection
A ray of sunshine on your face. The smile of a stranger. The scent of spring in the air.
Sometimes all it takes is a moment and we suddenly feel calm, safe and connected. The #polyvagal theory calls such small, often incidental experiences glimmers.
Glimmers are micro-moments in which our nervous system receives the signal: Everything is fine. You are okay. You belong.
They are like the positive counterpart to triggers. While triggers catapult us into stress and excessive demands, glimmers lead us back to a state of connectedness and serenity. Just like that, in the middle of everyday life.
From a neurobiological point of view, the vagus nerve is the mediator between brain and body behind these moments. This nerve plays a key role in whether we enter a stress and survival mode or a state of inner calm.
A spring weekend in Berlin gave me numerous glimmers:
- The scent and colors of the flowers in the park
- Laughing together with friends
- Fruity mango ice cream in the sun
- Friendly service in a breakfast café
These are all seemingly banal experiences. And yet - from a neurobiological perspective - they activate our social engagement system. In this state, we have full access to connection, creativity and compassion.
In terms of evolutionary biology, our nervous system is programmed to perceive danger immediately and with particular intensity. Signals of safety, on the other hand, are more subtle and fleeting - and require our conscious attention.
This is precisely why it is worth keeping a targeted eye out for glimmer moments.
We can also consciously experience and promote glimmers in our professional environment:
- the first mindful sip of coffee in the morning
- small gestures of appreciation in stressful everyday project work
- a vacation photo or your favorite plant on your desk
No major interventions are needed. Sometimes a song, a familiar scent or brief eye contact is enough. We all have our own individual glimmers that calm us down and bring us into harmony with ourselves.
Glimmers can even be collected consciously: in a notebook or as a glimmering morning intention that starts the day with a feeling of connection and grounding.
Learning to perceive these subtle signals gradually strengthens your own sense of security, trust and inner peace.
Glimmers are the language of our nervous system. They remind us that our system is geared towards connection: towards togetherness and humanity.
Especially in a noisy, fast-paced world, these seemingly inconspicuous moments become powerful resources.
✨What glimmers have you come across today?
I'm delighted if the topic has piqued your curiosity. Let's bring a little more glimmer into the world together.
