Copy of Glimmers and Triggers

Noticing What Shapes Our Nervous System

In therapy, we often talk about triggers – the moments, feelings, or experiences that activate our nervous system and pulls us into survival mode. Triggers can show up as anxiety, irritability, shutting down, tears, or a sudden urge to escape or control any given situation. They are our body’s way of saying, “Something feels unsafe right now.”

But there’s another side of the story that deserves just as much attention: Glimmers.

What Are Triggers?

Triggers are reminders – sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle – of past stress, trauma or emotional overwhelm. They can be external, like a loud noise, a tone of voice, or a certain environment. They can also be internal, like a thought, memory, or physical sensation.

When we are triggered, our nervous system reacts before our rational brain has time to catch up. This doesn’t mean you are a failure, or you lack coping skills – it’s biology. Our body is trying to protect us based on what it has learned from past experiences.

Triggers don’t mean that we’re “too sensitive.” They mean our nervous system has been paying attention to the world around us.

What are Glimmers?

The term glimmer was introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges as part of Polyvagal Theory. Glimmers are small, often quick moments that signals we are safe to our nervous system. They are the exact opposite of triggers – but not so loud and dramatic.

Glimmers are small, quiet, and really easy to miss.

• Feeling the sun on your face while being outside

• Clean sheets after a long day

• A favorite song coming on the radio

• The sound of rain on a summer’s night

• A genuine smile from a stranger

• A child belly laughing

• A quick hug before walking out the door

• Sitting in your usual spot on the couch

These moments help our nervous system settle. They remind our body that we are safe right now.

Why Glimmers Matter

Our brains are wired to constantly scan for danger. This means that triggers often stand out more than glimmers. We remember what went wrong, what hurt, what felt unsafe – because our nervous system thinks that awareness of the environment will keep us protected from any threats.

But healing isn’t only about reducing triggers. It’s also about building our capacity for safety.

When we purposefully notice glimmers, we’re teaching our nervous system something new: Safety exists here, too.

Over time, these small moments of regulation add up. They don’t erase hard experiences, but they do help balancing them out.

Glimmers Don’t Have to be Big

A common misconception is that glimmers have to be joyful or super exciting. They actually don’t. In fact, glimmers often feel more like neutral calm than happiness.

They might show up as:

• A moment of relief

• Your body softening a bit

• A sense of being understood

• Feeling grounded instead of rushed.

If it feels manageable, steady, or comforting – even quickly – it counts as a glimmer.

Triggers and Glimmers Can Coexist

You can have both, triggers and glimmers, in the same day, the same hour, even the same moment. Healing isn’t about eliminating triggers entirely; it’s about recognizing them without judgment and learning how to get back to safety.

When we start noticing glimmers, we’re not ignoring our pain. We’re expanding our awareness to include what actually supports us as well.

How to Use and Practice Noticing Glimmers

You don’t need a complicated routine. Start small:

Name It to Tame It- Notice It to Grow it

Pause once a day and ask yourself: “What felt okay today?”

Take a slow breath and pause for 10-15 seconds when something feels steady to let your body register it.

Keep a “Glimmer List” or ask:

What was one glimmer today?

Where did I feel it in my body?

The goal isn’t to force positivity. It is to gently notice what helps your nervous system feel even a little more settled.

Recap

Triggers aren’t signs that something is wrong with you. Along those lines, glimmers aren’t something you have to earn.

Both are messages from your nervous system – one is asking for protection, and the other is reminding you that safety is possible.

In therapy, we work to understand both. Because healing doesn’t happen only by hitting the hard moments. It also happens by noticing what helps us feel okay enough to keep going.

If you’re interested in learning how to recognize your triggers, build awareness of your glimmers, and support your nervous system in everyday life, therapy can help. You don’t have to do this alone!

Phone: 309-323-0207

Email: cami@camilerminezllc.com

Facebook: Cami Lerminez, LLC www.camilerminezllc.com