I don’t know about you but I find that in the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it can be all too easy to become consumed by stress, anxiety, and the constant pursuit of achieving goals. However I’ve found that amid the chaos, there exists a subtle yet powerful antidote to the turmoil we often find ourselves in - glimmers. You may have heard of them, but if not, glimmers are those delicate sparks of joy, happiness, creativity, presence, openness, peace, and gratitude that illuminate our lives when we least expect them.
As a person-centred counsellor, my mission is to support individuals in their journey towards self-discovery, growth, and emotional well-being. In this blog post, I want to share the magic of glimmers, shedding light on what they are, how to recognise them, and how they can serve as beacons of hope in our daily lives.
What Are Glimmers? Glimmers are like the stars that twinkle on a clear night, subtly reminding us of the beauty and wonder that exists even in the darkest skies. They are those moments when you pause to savour a warm cup of tea, feel a gentle breeze on your skin, or share moments of laughter with a friend. Glimmers manifest in countless ways, from the vibrant colours of a sunset to the simple act of kindness from a stranger.
I’ve noticed that these small, often fleeting moments have the power to lift my spirits and connect me with the present. Others have told me that they have been known to help with a sense of purpose and resilience.
Recognising Glimmers Glimmers are all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. Here are some ideas to help you recognise them...
Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your senses. Notice the colours, textures, and sounds in your surroundings. A blooming flower, the distinctive smell of your favourite meal, or the soothing sound of rain can all be glimmers of joy.
Acts of kindness, both given and received, can create glimmers of happiness. Hold the door open for someone, offer a listening ear, or simply smile at a stranger. These small gestures can light up not just yours but someone else’s day.
Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for.
Whether it's the love of family and friends or the opportunity to pursue your passions, gratitude can open your heart to glimmers of appreciation and thankfulness.
Creative Expression: Yes, this is a favourite of mine and engaging in creative activities really can bring you joy. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, cooking or playing music sparks and glimmers of inspiration and fulfillment can be found.
To overcome these blocks and make room for glimmers, consider the following strategies:
1. Deep Breathing:
Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. Deep breaths activate the "rest and digest" branch of the nervous system, promoting relaxation and receptivity to positive experiences.
2. Mindfulness Meditation:
Regular mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety and increase awareness of the present moment, making it easier to spot glimmers even in stressful situations.
3. Self-Compassion:
Be kind to yourself when you're feeling stressed or anxious. Remember that it's okay to have difficult moments.
By being kinder to yourself, you set the stage for a richer and more fulfilling existence, where glimmers can emerge and shine brightly amidst the challenges of life.
Finding Glimmers Like any skill, recognising glimmers takes practice. You might start by noticing the sparkles on the water when the sun shines and the vibrant colours of the sunsets. Maybe it’s the sound of a child laughing in the distance or perhaps you recognise that your worries are not so big after all. One of my favourites is the feel of the wind on my face and another is to stop, pause and watch my family enjoying themselves. Pay attention to the feelings evoked in you and make it your mission to have more of that. Create a daily habit to seek out these moments of joy and gratitude. Keep a journal to record your glimmers, providing you with a space of positivity which you can return to during challenging times.
So why not get out there and encourage yourself to embrace the concept of glimmers in your life. These tiny sparks of joy and gratitude have the power to transform your perspective and provide resilience.
By practising mindfulness, managing stress, and nurturing self-compassion, you can become a skilled glimmer-hunter, finding beauty and inspiration in the most unexpected of places.
☎ Contact me on: 07478 754839
🌐 Or check out my services here: https://linktr.ee/counsellingforyou
You don't have to struggle alone!