From Triggers to Glimmers: how to change your outlook
When we hear the word "trigger," it's often tied to memories of trauma or distress. In mental health conversations, much attention is placed on identifying and managing negative triggers — and rightly so. But what if we shifted some of that focus toward glimmers?
Glimmers are small moments that spark a sense of safety, connection, and joy. They’re like tiny emotional green lights, signaling to our nervous system that we're okay — that we’re safe, loved, and connected to something greater than ourselves.
By intentionally seeking and recognizing glimmers, we can train our brains to not just survive — but thrive.
Here’s how you can start cultivating a life filled with more glimmers:
1. Notice the Good, No Matter How Small
Start by paying closer attention to the little moments: the warmth of the sun on your skin, a favorite song playing in a café, the smell of fresh bread, the way your pet looks at you. These are glimmers. They often happen naturally, but we can miss them if we’re too focused on stress or negativity.
Practice Tip: At the end of each day, jot down 3 glimmers you noticed. Over time, your brain becomes better at spotting them in real-time.
2. Curate Your Environment for Glimmers
Just like we try to minimize exposure to negative triggers, we can actively build environments rich in positive sensory experiences. Soft lighting, nature sounds, cozy blankets, or even a special mug for your tea can create micro-moments of peace and happiness.
A cosy reading nook, with a mug of tea
Practice Tip: Dedicate a corner of your home to "glimmer energy" — somewhere you feel safe, inspired, or at ease.
3. Engage Your Senses Intentionally
Glimmers are often sensory-based. By consciously activating your senses, you can tap into that feeling of wellbeing. Aromatherapy, grounding yourself barefoot in the grass, savoring a beautiful meal, or feeling cool water on your skin are simple ways to invite glimmers in.
Practice Tip: Create a "glimmer menu" — a list of sensory activities you can choose from when you need a reset.
4. Connect with Safe People
Humans are wired for connection. A warm smile, a meaningful conversation, a shared laugh — these social glimmers can be deeply healing. Spend more time with those who uplift you and minimize interactions that leave you feeling drained or unsafe.
Practice Tip: After each social interaction, ask yourself, "Did that person feel like a glimmer or a trigger?" Adjust your boundaries accordingly.
5. Reframe Your Mindset
Rather than always scanning for danger (which trauma trains us to do), we can start scanning for safety. It's not about ignoring problems — it's about balancing your emotional lens to notice the full spectrum of experience.
Practice Tip: Start your day by setting the intention: "Today, I am open to noticing glimmers."
Final Thoughts:
Healing doesn’t just mean avoiding pain — it means making space for joy, wonder, connection, and peace. Glimmers remind us that even in hard times, life offers moments of beauty if we choose to see them.
At Equinox, we believe in nurturing those small sparks until they light up your life. 🌱✨
