How even brief moments can foster our well-being
Deb Dana, LCSW on nervous system health
The term Glimmer "was coined by Deb Dana, a Maine-based licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on complex trauma."
“Glimmers are these micro-moments of safety, connection, regulation,” she said.
From HuffPost article (source of the image): "Glimmers Are The Opposite Of Triggers. Here's How To Find Them In Your Life."
Deb Dana, cofounder of the Polyvagal Institute, goes into more detail in an article of her own (see below), and in a course.
As an introduction to her teaching, here is an excerpt of an interview:
» Click the ‘Watch on YouTube button for details about the video, and links to others.
» Related course: Creating a Sanctuary Within with therapist and author Deb Dana. -"A Guided Polyvagal Immersion to Calm, Regulate, and Strengthen Your Nervous System. Begins May 14, 2025. (All sessions will be recorded; you can join whenever.)
Publisher Sounds True: "This program consists of six prerecorded video sessions, released weekly. Each is designed to guide you through two practices from the The Nervous System Workbook. For two of the six sessions, Deb Dana will also be joining us for live Q&A discussions and additional learning."
Deb Dana notes: "In my work as a therapist and teacher, I often hear people share experiences like:
'My heart was racing, but I didn’t know why or what to do about it. Or, when I’m feeling stressed, I turn to my phone and just can’t stop scrolling.'
"If this sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. I still catch myself tuning out my nervous system’s messages when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
"Yet, I also know that when we befriend our nervous systems, we can return to regulation and readiness, even if it seems impossible right now."
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Excerpts from What is a Glimmer? by Deb Dana:
Glimmers are micro-moments of regulation that foster feelings of well-being. A glimmer could be as simple as seeing a friendly face, hearing a soothing sound, or noticing something in the environment that brings a smile.
They are personal to each of us and one person’s glimmer may be another person’s trigger.
Glimmers are a cue in the day, either internal or external, that sparks a sense of wellbeing.
These tiny moments gently yet significantly shape your system toward well-being. They help you become regulated and ready for connection.
Glimmers routinely appear in everyday life, yet frequently go unnoticed. They are easily overlooked because, to help you survive, the human brain is wired to pay more attention to negative events than positive ones.
It’s important to understand that glimmers are not a form of toxic positivity. They are not a way to always look on the bright side or count your blessings and discount your suffering.
They don’t neutralize triggers. Recognizing glimmers doesn’t minimize your distress or disavow the ways you are suffering.
What they are is reminder that the nervous system is exquisitely able to hold both dysregulation and regulation.
Your days can be filled with difficulty, and you can also feel a spark of safety, regulation, and connection. This amazing capacity is built into your human biology.
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"The ventral place of safety and connection in my nervous system is where I feel safe enough, organized enough, ready to engage with whatever my day is bringing me. And it's not a place of perfection or bliss or everything is perfect..."
Deb Dana adds, “Physical and emotional health and well-being are possible when your nervous system is anchored in regulation.
"When this happens, the common irritations of daily living don’t feel so big, life becomes more manageable, and the world feels alive with possibilities.”
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⏩ See books, courses and audio programs in the Deb Dana Collection at Sounds True.
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Also see multiple Creative Mind posts and podcast episodes on dysregulation and enhancing nervous system health and emotional balance: emotional/mental health posts.