Have You Noticed Your Glimmers Lately?

Last Wednesday, I was getting ready for a workshop I was hosting. I was organizing my notes, choosing the music, and thinking through the flow of the evening.

Then I paused.

Out of nowhere, I noticed how much joy I felt in my heart.

Joy that I get to do what I do.

Joy that I get to spend time with incredible people. Joy that I have the privilege of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to slow down, relax, be themselves, and reconnect with the truth of who they are.

It felt pure. Like child-like innocence.

And something beautiful happened.

The moment I noticed the joy... it grew.

There was more joy.

Simply pausing to acknowledge it made the feeling even richer.

Later that evening, I took out my journal and wrote about how grateful I am for this work and for the incredible people I get to meet. It was such a simple moment, and yet it felt deeply meaningful.

The following evening, I looked out the window and saw a rainbow stretching across the sky.

I immediately went outside.

As I stood there taking in all the colours, I could feel my whole body light up.

I hurried back inside to grab my phone to take a picture of it.

When I stepped outside again...

There were two rainbows.

I could feel myself smiling.

It was still raining, but I didn't even think about getting a coat. I just wanted to soak it all in, and I took more photos to capture the moment.

It felt like a little gift from the Divine.

I texted a friend the photo, and she quickly ran outside to see it too. She sent me her photo of the double rainbow. We were both filled with gratitude.

And my week ended so beautifully. As I drove home after co-hosting a women's day retreat, my heart was once again filled with joy and gratitude.

After these experiences, I found myself reflecting on something called glimmers.

What Is a Glimmer?

Have you ever paused to watch a sunset that took your breath away? Found joy in being creative? Savoured the sweetness of your favourite fruit? Felt touched by a meaningful connection? Or found yourself captivated by - a flower in bloom or nature?

If so, you've experienced a glimmer.

The term glimmer was coined by Deb Dana, a therapist who specializes in trauma and the nervous system regulation. She describes glimmers as tiny, everyday moments that bring a sense of joy, peace, wonder, or safety.

They gently signal to our nervous system:

"You are safe. You can relax."

Glimmers are the opposite of triggers.

While triggers activate our stress response, glimmers gently invite us back into connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the present moment.

Presence Is the Doorway.

As I reflected on my week, I realized something. All of these glimmers happened because I was present enough to notice them.

If I had been completely caught up in my to-do list or rushing through my day, I could have easily missed them.

And what creates a glimmer is unique to each of us.

For one person it might be the smell of coffee brewing in the morning.

For another, it's hearing a favorite song, feeling the warmth of the sun on their face, or receiving an unexpected hug.

Why Glimmers Matter

When we pause and truly savour these moments, something shifts.

Our nervous system settles.

Our breathing softens.

Our minds become quieter.

We feel more connected—to ourselves, to others, and to life.

We're often waiting for something big to happen before we allow ourselves to feel peaceful or happy.

A vacation.

A promotion.

A partner.

The perfect circumstances.

But glimmers remind us that joy isn't waiting somewhere in the future.

It is already here.

Hidden inside ordinary moments.

For me, noticing glimmers also awakens something wonderfully childlike.

A sense of awe. Wonder. Curiosity.

Life becomes more colourful.

More alive.

And I think we could all use a little more of that.

So today, I have a simple invitation.

Slow down.

Take one conscious breath.

Look around.

Notice what is beautiful.

Notice what makes your heart smile.

You just might discover a glimmer waiting for you.

I'd love to hear...

What was your glimmer today?

Blessings of joy,

Diane