Glimmers and Yuba River Retreat

Recently, as I was chatting with my mom, she asked, "Have you heard of glimmers?”

“Is that a new makeup?” I asked excitedly. 

She smiled and said, “It’s a newer term used by psychologists that is similar to what you teach on your retreats.”

She explained that “glimmers” are tiny moments of awe that spark joy and invoke calm. These micro-moments prompt subtle positive mood shifts.

I remembered how lucky I am to have been raised by parents who taught me to enjoy and pay attention to the present moment. They both encouraged me to savor the sweetness of fresh summer fruits, the warm embrace of a loved one, the golden hues of a sunset and the coolness of the river on a hot summer day.

How awesome is that! 

By paying attention to the spontaneous things that bring us delight we can offset stress and bring ease to our nervous system. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers.

The mind is negatively biased toward things that may cause us harm and are perceived as a threat (real or unreal), often keeping us in an agitated state. When we consciously practice noticing our own "glimmers" we can begin to rewire our brain. Over time this can have a cumulative and profound effect on our sense of well being.

The things that bring one joy, awe and a feeling of loving awareness in the present moment are unique to each one of us. The first step is to start noticing.  Glimmers are everywhere and all around us.  The more one notices the easier it gets and the more they will appear.

How about we do it together?

Feel free to send me your glimmers and I will share mine. We can have a glimmer challenge. 

Check out some of these beautiful moments from my last retreat.  Movement As Medicine  in Nevada, City. Photography by the incredible Christopher Che.

Glimmer on,

Lila