Cultivating More Glimmers
By Jenn Bovee, LCSW, CRADC, CCTP II, CCHt
EMDRIA Certified
EMDRIA Consultant In Training
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, challenges, and stressors. It’s even easier to get caught up in the stress, depression, and trauma of living this life. However, amidst the chaos, there are precious moments of joy, beauty, and positivity that can be easily overlooked if not consciously cultivated. These moments, often referred to as "glimmers," are like little sparks of happiness that can brighten our days and enrich our lives. In this blog, we'll explore some effective strategies to help you cultivate more glimmers and infuse your life with positivity.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, appreciating the beauty around you, and acknowledging your feelings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you create opportunities to notice and embrace the glimmers that often go unnoticed. Whether it's the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of birds chirping, or the taste of your morning coffee, grounding yourself in the present can enhance your awareness of life's small pleasures. Mindfulness can be particularly challenging for people with a history of experiencing trauma, however, it’s doable. Some ways to begin exploring mindfulness is to sip a carbonated beverage and notice how it feels as it enters your mouth. Notice the flavor, check out how your body responds.
2. Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude is often poo-pood by many people as being new age or cultishly positive. However, intentional gratitude helps to cultivate an overall increased sense of happiness and satisfaction and has been shown to increase the length of people’s lives. Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful tool to cultivate more glimmers in your life. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you're grateful for. This practice helps shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant, making you more attuned to positive experiences. Over time, this habit can rewire your brain to automatically seek out the good in every situation.
3. Seek Out New Experiences
Variety is the spice of life, and seeking out new experiences can lead to unexpected glimmers. Trying something new, whether it's exploring a new hiking trail, attempting a new recipe, or picking up a creative hobby, can introduce fresh sources of joy and satisfaction into your life. One of the best recommendations I can make for my clients is to try something new every day/week/month. And to keep a log of the experience.
4. Connect with Others
Human connections are fundamental to our well-being. Human beings are created for connection. Having that sense of connection allows us to feel safe. Spending quality time with loved ones, sharing laughter, and engaging in meaningful conversations can generate a plethora of glimmers. Social interactions provide a platform to create memories and experiences that can be cherished for years to come. Even something as simple as making eye contact and conversation with someone at the coffee shop helps establish a connection.
5. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Performing acts of kindness not only brightens someone else's day but also brings joy and positivity into your own life. Simple gestures like holding the door for a stranger, leaving a kind note for a coworker, or helping a neighbor can lead to heartwarming moments that serve as glimmers of compassion and goodwill. Engaging in random acts of kindness can also help shift your current mental status and give you something different to focus on.
6. Embrace Nature
Nature has a way of soothing the soul and inspiring feelings of awe and wonder. Spending time outdoors, whether it's taking a leisurely walk in the park or stargazing on a clear night, can create countless opportunities for glimmers. The beauty and serenity of nature can remind you of the grandeur of the world around you. If the weather is yucky or you can’t actually go spend time outside, go to a plant store. Google nature scenes. Play some nature sounds.
7. Cultivate a Compassionate Mindset
Your perspective plays a crucial role in how you perceive and experience life. Cultivating a compassionate mindset involves reframing challenges as opportunities, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on your strengths. By training your mind to adopt a compassionate outlook, you'll be more inclined to recognize and appreciate the glimmers that come your way. The most effective way to engage in compassion is to begin responding how you would to the person you love the most, to a small child, or your favorite pet. Give it a try!
Cultivating glimmers is about fostering a mindset of appreciation, wonder, and gratitude. In a world often dominated by negativity, intentionally seeking out and nurturing these small moments of positivity can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness, embracing gratitude, engaging in new experiences, connecting with others, spreading kindness, immersing yourself in nature, and fostering a compassionate mindset, you'll create a life rich with glimmers that illuminate even the darkest days. Remember, it's the accumulation of these glimmers that can lead to a life that is not just lived, but truly cherished.
If you need some help noticing or creating glimmers, please consider setting up an appointment with one of our therapists. Check them out here https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/providers If you are ready to go ahead and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please reach out to us at Info@TheMentalWellnessCenter.com or call us at 309-807-5077