GLIMMERS

While walking up the path through my front garden a few days ago, I was arrested by the sight of a butterfly hovering over an aster.  I took this picture, and then just stood and gazed at the tableau until the butterfly moved on.

This got me thinking about glimmers. If you have never heard of glimmers, allow me to explain.  I can't remember who introduced me to the concept, but, as I understand it, a glimmer is more or less the opposite of a trigger.  A quick Google search tells me that glimmers and triggers have to do with polyvagal theory and the reactions of our autonomic nervous systems to cues in the environment. 

But I'm not interested in getting all scientific here.  I'm just going to tell you what a glimmer is for me.  It is something that slows me down and brings me pleasure. 

Here are a few more  recent glimmers of mine.  No words are required.

I see glimmers as tiny gifts in troubling times.  I think the important thing is to really stop and take in the glimmer.  While, it is difficult to avoid being upset by a trigger, I think we often glance at a glimmer and move on.  

Let's stay with them.

What if we had "glimmer alerts" as well as "trigger warnings"?  What if a college professor walked into a classroom and said, Before we get started, please walk to the window and take in that amazing tree.? What if a podcast host began a podcast with these words: The following program might bring you tears of joy.  Please invite your children to listen with you.? 

This morning, as I left the building where I swim, I was greeted by beautiful autumn weather -- 75 degrees and sunny, with a slight breeze rustling the leaves of surrounding maple trees.   As far as I am concerned, any such day during my favorite season is an all-day glimmer. 

And you?  What are your glimmers?