She Strengthens

Unlocking Resilience: Harnessing the Power of Glimmers

In today’s chaotic world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. The weight of systemic racism, police brutality, and climate change can be crushing. Yet, amidst the darkness, there’s hope. By tapping into our inner strength and harnessing the power of “glimmers,” we can cultivate resilience and calmness, even in the face of adversity.

The Science Behind Triggers and Glimmers

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how our nervous system responds to trauma and stress. Deb Dana, a clinician and expert in Polyvagal theory, has identified “triggers” as cues of danger that can disrupt our mental stability, and “glimmers” as cues of safety that bring us back to calmness. By understanding these concepts, we can learn to regulate our nervous system and shift from a state of survival to one of thriving.

Activating Glimmers for Daily Well-being

So, how can we incorporate glimmers into our daily lives? Here are some practical tips:

• Take a personal inventory: Identify your biggest triggers and glimmers using Deb Dana’s Triggers and Glimmers Template.
• Create a calming playlist: Listen to music that evokes feelings of peacefulness.
• Assemble a sensory toolkit: Collect essential oils, candles, or other calming scents.
• Connect with nature: Take walks or visit the beach to hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
• Curate your social feeds: Follow accounts with calming presences and unfollow triggering content.
• Plan around interactions: Primarily connect with people who bring you peace, and schedule calming activities after potentially triggering interactions.
• Evaluate and adjust: Regularly assess what’s working for you and make changes as needed.

The Power of Connection and Community

Coregulation, the process of forming connections of support in loving relationships, is key to our well-being. By self-regulating and working on coregulation, we can create a sense of safety and welcoming cues that can act as glimmers for others. This leaves us with a sense of responsibility, particularly in times of crisis.

Radiating Glimmers

Despite the challenges we face, we have the power to harness our ventral vagal system and use it to help others who are struggling. By activating our glimmers, we can create a ripple effect of calmness and connection. We can’t control the world around us, but we can realize our own agency and help each other find pathways to a more peaceful life.