Getting to Know Your Glimmers
When we have spent so much of our lives stuck in a trauma loop, hyper-focused on avoiding dreaded trigger points, feeling like life is a minefield of emotional explosions, it makes sense that we feel trained to look for triggers. Yet, from this defensive position, we often miss out on something more valuable: the glimmers. These small pockets of joy and connection are essential for illuminating our path towards healing.
Trauma-informed yoga therapy offers a different way. It invites us to shift our gaze from the shadows to the light, reminding us that life, even amidst struggle, is brimming with moments of positive presence. Our "glimmers" – a cat’s purr, the warmth of sunshine on your skin, the taste of your favorite tea – become beacons of hope, anchoring us in the present moment and reminding us of our inherent capacity for joy.
Glimmer Gazing Instead of Trigger Tripping
Focus on the light: Trigger avoidance keeps us locked in a reactive state, constantly on guard. Glimmer-gazing, on the other hand, cultivates a proactive approach, inviting us to actively seek out moments of peace and joy.
Builds resilience: Every glimmer, no matter how fleeting, offers a mini-victories over pain. By noticing and savoring these moments, we build emotional resilience and affirm our ability to find joy even in the midst of challenges.
Trauma becomes a teacher: When we pay attention to both triggers and glimmers, we gain deeper insights into the full picture of our emotional landscape. Triggers can point to areas needing healing, while glimmers guide us towards resources and strengths to support that healing.
Embracing the Glimmer Glow in Your Yoga Practice:
Mindful movement: On your mat, use your breath and awareness to guide your attention, noticing sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Allow yourself to be surprised by small moments of pleasure – the smooth feel of your breath, the strength in your limbs, the gentle stretch of your spine.
Sensory exploration: Engage your senses beyond the mat. Savor the taste of your food, listen to the rhythm of rain, feel the wind against your skin. Notice how these simple experiences can spark moments of quiet joy.
Gratitude practice: Cultivate a daily gratitude practice, reflecting on the glimmers, big and small, that graced your day. This reinforces your appreciation for the good and sharpens your glimmer-gazing ability.
Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy: The supportive environment of a trauma-informed yoga therapy session provides a safe space to explore trigger avoidance patterns and learn to identify and savor glimmers. Your therapist can guide you in developing practices that integrate glimmer-gazing into your daily life.
Remember:
Finding glimmers is not about ignoring triggers or minimizing past hurt. It's about creating a new relationship with your experiences, acknowledging both the dark and the light, and choosing to focus on the light that guides you towards healing.
So, step out of the trigger trap and embrace the glimmer glow. Notice the small joys, savor the moments of peace, and let your yoga practice be a conduit for discovering the joy and gratitude that resides within you, even in the face of trauma.
Resources for Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness:
The Trauma-Informed Yoga Project: https://traumaconsciousyoga.com/tcymethod/
The Center for Mindful Living: https://m.facebook.com/p/The-Northwest-Center-for-Mindful-Living-100063664111867/
The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/