How to Trigger Positive Vibes
GLIMMER WARNING
Have you heard of glimmers? You’ve likely heard of triggers. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. They’re moments when you feel calm and happy. They’re moments that can act as a catalyst for positive change. Just as a glimmer of light breaks through the darkness, these small moments of inspiration and insight can illuminate our path toward positive change. Let's explore more on what glimmers are, why they're so powerful, and how you can cultivate more of them in your life.
Glimmers are those tiny sparks of insight, motivation, or inspiration that can suddenly appear in our lives. They are like flickers of light that guide us toward new possibilities, fresh perspectives, or actionable steps. When we experience a glimmer, physiological changes happen in the body, including lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
They have the potential to get us out of our comfort zones and put us in positions of growth. Experiencing glimmers is also helpful because they introduce novelty and excitement into our lives in the simplest ways and reignite our sense of curiosity and ambition. They remind us that change is not only possible but also invigorating.
Some examples of glimmers are:
Making a new connection
Being in and experiencing nature
Having a kind interaction with a stranger
Feeling the sun
Having a stimulating or inspiring conversation
Experiencing a special moment with someone you love (including a pet!)
Hearing your favorite song
It’s possible to teach our body and mind to have more glimmers. As we continue to practice, we become more aware of them and more comfortable experiencing them. Our body and mind need to know that it’s safe to experience them and, just like anything, the more we do it, the better we’ll be at this.
Here are five ways you can practice experiencing glimmers:
Stay curious and grateful. Be open to these experiences, search for them, and soak them in. Taking moments to be grateful in the glimmer and for the glimmer is key. If you’re taking a walk and feeling the sun on your skin, hear the birds chirping, and see someone wave at you- accept it and take it in. Maybe even close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and be thankful for the experience
Get in tune with your senses. Tune in to how it feels when you experience a glimmer. What happens with your body? How do you feel? Maybe you feel calm, your shoulders drop, your jaw unclenches, and your body feels more at ease.
Try new things. Expose yourself to different ideas, people, activities, and environments. Attend workshops, read different genres of books, talk to new people, try out a new fitness class, or join a new club.
Connect and share. Discuss your thoughts, challenges, and aspirations with friends, family, coaches, and mentors (or random people you connect with!). Sharing your journey and being open to their insights can lead to eye-opening moments and glimmers.
Plan unplugged moments. Glimmers are truly only experienced when we’re truly present. Distractions like your phone and the tv can be significant barriers. You may plan a walk in your day, morning coffee on the patio, or a time block at night with your loved ones as unplugged moments in your day or week.
As you continue on your journey, remember that these glimmer possibilities are all around you. You create your life, and moments like this can make your life one that’s filled with moments of positivity, joy, gratitude, and opportunity. Be open to growth, and it will light the way.