While skimming through Facebook the other day, I stumbled upon a post by my cousin talking about something called "glimmers." As a counselor, I was intrigued since I had never heard of the term before. Naturally, I looked it up and discovered its meaning. Glimmers are small moments of joy, peace, or positivity we encounter throughout our day. I loved it! What a perfect name to give a useful tool to help people start looking for the good moments in life.
What Are Glimmers?
In psychology, glimmers are those fleeting moments that bring us joy or a sense of calm. They are the opposite of triggers, which often bring stress or discomfort. Glimmers can be as simple as feeling the warmth of the sun, hearing your favorite song, or sharing a laugh with a friend. These moments are easy to overlook, but they play a crucial role in our mental well-being.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This field, pioneered by psychologists like Martin Seligman, emphasizes the importance of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement (often summarized as PERMA). Positive psychology shifts the focus from treating mental illness to enhancing mental wellness.
My Personal Reflection
I first learned about positive psychology when I was in school many years ago. At the time, I rolled my eyes, not fully understanding its importance. It wasn't until I delved deeper into neuroscience that I began to see why focusing on the positive could be so beneficial.
The concept of glimmers resonated with me because it provided a simple yet powerful way to shift our focus. By actively looking for these small positive moments, we can train our brains to prioritize and amplify the good in our lives. This realization transformed my perspective, and I started to appreciate the practical application of positive psychology.
The Neuroscience Behind Glimmers
Our brains are incredibly adaptable, a characteristic known as neuroplasticity. This means that the more we engage in certain thoughts and behaviors, the stronger the neural connections related to those activities become. Essentially, our brains are like muscles: the more we use certain parts, the stronger they get.
When we focus on glimmers, we are training our brains to notice and prioritize positive experiences. This process involves the activation of neurons in the brain's reward pathways. Over time, as these neural pathways become stronger, it becomes easier and more natural to see the positive aspects of life, even amidst challenges.
The Science of Positive Focus
Research in neuroscience supports the idea that we can train our brains to be more positive. Studies have shown that practices like mindfulness and gratitude can lead to changes in brain structure and function. For example, a study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that regular mindfulness practice can increase the density of gray matter in brain regions associated with learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
Similarly, research on gratitude practices has shown that they can enhance well-being and reduce symptoms of depression. By regularly focusing on what we're grateful for, we activate the brain's reward system and reinforce positive neural pathways.
Practical Tips for Finding Glimmers
Start Small: Begin by identifying one or two glimmers each day. It can be something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea or hearing your favorite song.
Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. Pay attention to your surroundings and notice the small, positive details.
Gratitude Journaling: Keep a journal where you write down things you're grateful for each day. This helps reinforce positive thinking.
Share Your Glimmers: Talk about your positive experiences with friends and family. Sharing joy can amplify its effects.
Incorporating the practice of finding glimmers into your daily routine can have profound effects on your mental health and overall well-being. While it may seem like a small change, the science behind it is robust, and the impact can be significant. So, why not give it a try? You might just find that these little moments of joy make a big difference in your life.
As I began to look for glimmers throughout my day, I urge you to do the same. Comment below on what your glimmers are, and let's start a thread of all the positive moments we find throughout our day. Don't forget to comment below and subscribe if you liked this article. If you know someone who would be interested or could use more articles and blogs about my personal insights and reflections, please share this with them. You can share them on all your favorite media with the links below.
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If my life’s purpose is to light the way for others, then let my past sufferings serve as beacons of hope and learning.