It Only Takes a Glimmer: Healing in the Smallest Moments

You’ve probably heard of triggers, those moments that send your body into fight, flight, or freeze. But have you heard of glimmers? Because if triggers are what activate your survival system, glimmers are what awaken your sense of safety. And in a world that constantly feels overwhelming, noticing the glimmers might be one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health.

What Is a Glimmer?

The term glimmer was introduced by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in Polyvagal Theory, a model that helps us understand how our nervous system responds to safety and threat.

A glimmer is a micro-moment where your body feels safe, calm, connected, or hopeful. It might be subtle, a warm breeze on your face, a song that stirs something good, a kind smile from a stranger, or the way sunlight dances on your wall in the morning.

It doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. “Glimmers are cues of safety, small moments that shape our biology and remind us that we are okay.”
— Deb Dana, LCSW

Our brains are hardwired to look for danger, not delight. It’s called the negativity bias, and it’s an evolutionary survival mechanism. But while that was helpful for escaping predators, it’s not so helpful when you’re trying to move through trauma, anxiety, or burnout in the modern world.

That’s where glimmers come in. They help train your nervous system to notice safety, not just threat.

When you learn to spot glimmers—however small—you begin to:

• Regulate your nervous system

• Decrease chronic stress

• Improve emotional resilience

• Build inner safety

• Increase capacity for joy

"What fires together, wires together."— Hebbian theory of neuroplasticity

In other words, the more you notice moments of safety, the more your brain learns to expect them.

What a Glimmer Might Look Like

Glimmers are deeply personal. What calms you may not calm someone else. But here are a few common examples:

• Watching your child belly laugh

• The smell of fresh coffee in the morning

• Your dog resting their head on your lap

• A song from your childhood

• Gentle rain while you’re safe inside

• A friend remembering something small but meaningful

• Clean sheets and soft lighting

• Worship music that reminds you God is close

• A verse that hits right when you need it

These moments don’t erase the hard stuff. But they anchor you.
They remind your body: You’re safe now. You’re not alone. You’re still here.

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, tells us that our vagus nerve—the largest cranial nerve in the body, is constantly scanning our environment for cues of safety or threat.

Triggers activate our sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight), but glimmers activate our ventral vagal state, the part of the nervous system responsible for connection, calm, and social engagement.

This isn’t just emotional. It’s neurological. And it means that your healing doesn’t have to be one huge breakthrough. Sometimes, it’s just learning to pause long enough to feel the softness of a moment. To stay grounded. To stay open. To stay present.

If you’re not used to noticing glimmers, don’t worry. This isn’t about “good vibes only” or pretending life is perfect. It’s about building a habit of paying attention to what brings you peace, even for five seconds.

Here’s how you can begin:

1. Slow down enough to notice

Busy brains miss beautiful things. Take a walk without your phone. Breathe slowly. Sit in stillness.

2. Name what you feel

Say it out loud or write it down: “That made me feel calm.” “That moment felt good.”

3. Create space for glimmers

Keep a corner of your home peaceful. Light a candle. Revisit that song or place that soothes you. Schedule less. Protect quiet.

4. Use your five senses

What looks beautiful? What smells comforting? What textures feel grounding? Engaging the senses helps the body settle.

5. Keep a glimmer journal

Each night, jot down one glimmer from your day. Over time, this retrains your brain to spot safety more than stress.

We often talk about trauma like it’s the only thing that shapes us. But what if healing isn’t just about what we survive, but also about what we learn to see?

Glimmers won’t fix everything. But they fortify you. They teach your body that not every moment is dangerous. That good things are still happening. That peace is possible, even here. Even now.

So here’s your invitation: Notice the light. Name the calm. Hold the moment.
Because healing isn’t always big and dramatic. Sometimes, it’s subtle.
Sometimes, it’s sacred. Sometimes, it starts with a glimmer.

Disclaimer: The resources provided on this site are for educational purposes only and are not intended as a replacement for professional therapy, counselling, or medical care. Please consult with a licensed mental health clinician for any personal concerns or questions. In case of a crisis, contact emergency services immediately.