The world has changed dramatically in the past 25 years. Prior to 2004, there were no social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube. You couldn’t “google” something 26 years ago (although you could “Ask Jeeves” in 1996)! CNN was the first to offer a 24-hour news cycle back in 1980 although some say that the popularity of 24-hour news didn’t really take hold until the O.J. Simpson murder case in 1994 and 1995.
If you go back 30 years, folks subscribed to a print newspaper, listened to the radio for news updates and tuned in to their local news program on TV in the early evening or at evening’s end.
Today, our poor brains are inundated with a constant flow of information – good and bad, true and sometimes misleading. We constantly see a flow of picture-perfect lifestyles that can make our own lives appear dull, drab and uninspiring. Then there are the social media “trolls” who seem to get a cheap thrill out of cruel, hurtful comments.
You often hear that people are “triggered” by a comment, a news story or even a social interaction. Triggering can cause us to become hyper-vigilant. We can lose the ability to connect, to find joy.
Oftentimes, people believe that they will find their joy when a major life event occurs. I’ll be happier…. when I find my life partner, when I graduate, when I lose weight, when I land my dream job, when I retire and have more time. But, in fact, if we focus on those tiny moments in life that bring joy, we can actually work to reprogram our brains to be less affected by our triggers and gain more calm, more peace and tranquility.
Those tiny moments are called “glimmers”. And when you encounter a glimmer, you must take a few moments to simply enjoy it. These moments help to reset our nervous systems, improving both our mental and physical well-being.
Everybody’s glimmers are different. Here are a few of mine….
Whenever I take a drive into town, if possible, I drive past a farm with the sweetest Black Welsh Mountain Sheep. Just seeing the lambs and ewes grazing brings a smile to my face.
If you go back 30 years, folks subscribed to a print newspaper, listened to the radio for news updates and tuned in to their local news program on TV in the early evening or at evening’s end.
Today, our poor brains are inundated with a constant flow of information – good and bad, true and sometimes misleading. We constantly see a flow of picture-perfect lifestyles that can make our own lives appear dull, drab and uninspiring. Then there are the social media “trolls” who seem to get a cheap thrill out of cruel, hurtful comments.
You often hear that people are “triggered” by a comment, a news story or even a social interaction. Triggering can cause us to become hyper-vigilant. We can lose the ability to connect, to find joy.
Oftentimes, people believe that they will find their joy when a major life event occurs. I’ll be happier…. when I find my life partner, when I graduate, when I lose weight, when I land my dream job, when I retire and have more time. But, in fact, if we focus on those tiny moments in life that bring joy, we can actually work to reprogram our brains to be less affected by our triggers and gain more calm, more peace and tranquility.
Those tiny moments are called “glimmers”. And when you encounter a glimmer, you must take a few moments to simply enjoy it. These moments help to reset our nervous systems, improving both our mental and physical well-being.
Everybody’s glimmers are different. Here are a few of mine….
Whenever I take a drive into town, if possible, I drive past a farm with the sweetest Black Welsh Mountain Sheep. Just seeing the lambs and ewes grazing brings a smile to my face.
My crab apple tree is blossoming and looking pretty healthy despite its post-Fiona tilt.
I love to see the geese with their goslings at Rollings Pond in North Rustico.
Starting my day spending a few minutes with Gracey and Lilly – it amazes me how much they chatter at me!
And, of course, time spent with my fur babies.
A glimmer could be a favourite scent. I enjoy using my “Ewe Love” soap – it’s silky smooth and my personal favourite scent is Morningstar (Lavender Peppermint). Before a workshop, I’ll also use my “Ewe Love” inhaler in Morningstar. The lavender keeps me calm while the peppermint makes sure that I’m not so calm that I’ll fall asleep!!!
And of course, for me, knitting is a glimmer. The feel of lovely wool in your fingers. And the idea that you are making something from two sticks and a string never fails to astound me!
Glimmers can be found in nature, in music, in scents, in spending time with people who love and accept you, who bring you peace. In recognizing those small moments, every day can be filled with joy and harmony!
What are your glimmers?
What are your glimmers?
RSS Feed