Triggers vs. Glimmers: What’s the Difference?

In the world of nervous system healing and emotional resilience, two words hold transformative power: triggers and glimmers.

We hear so much about triggers — those moments that pull us into pain, fear, anger, or shutdown. But what about glimmers? What are they, and why do they matter?

⚡ What is a Trigger?

A trigger is an external or internal cue that activates a stress response based on past experiences, trauma, or unresolved emotions.

For example:

A harsh tone may trigger memories of childhood criticism.
A smell might trigger grief for a loved one.
A social situation can trigger anxiety rooted in rejection or exclusion.

Triggers are not bad. They are your nervous system’s way of saying:

❗ “Something here feels dangerous based on my past.”

But living in a world dominated by triggers can keep us in survival mode, hypervigilant and disconnected from joy.

✨ What is a Glimmer?

Glimmers are the opposite. Coined by Deb Dana in Polyvagal Theory, glimmers are tiny moments of felt safety, connection, and joy that bring your nervous system into a state of calm and openness.

For example:

Warm morning sunlight on your face
The smell of coffee or sandalwood incense
A child’s laughter
Feeling your feet on the earth
Being seen with kindness

These small moments tell your nervous system:

💛 “You are safe here. You can soften and expand.”

🔄 Triggers Activate Defense. Glimmers Activate Presence.

Triggers	Glimmers
Activate fight, flight, freeze, fawn	Activate calm, connection, curiosity
Rooted in past pain	Rooted in present safety
Close the heart and tense the body	Open the heart and relax the body
Lead to reactivity	Lead to presence and responsiveness

🌿 How Can We Create More Glimmers in Daily Life?

The good news is that glimmers don’t have to be grand spiritual experiences. They are micro-moments of safety and beauty woven into ordinary life.

Here are simple ways to invite more glimmers:

Slow Down to Notice
Pause and feel the warmth of your tea cup. Listen to birdsong. Smell your food before eating.
Create a Glimmer List
Write down 10 small things that make you feel safe, connected, or uplifted. Keep them visible.
Use Your Senses
Light a candle you love. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket. Play soothing music. Sense is the doorway to safety.
Connect with Safe People
Share space with those who listen, smile, and hold you without judgment.
Ground in Nature
Even a few minutes with your feet on grass or touching a tree can bring calm.
Practice Gratitude for Glimmers
Before bed, recall one glimmer from the day. Let it expand in your body as you fall asleep.

💡 From Triggers to Glimmers: A Shift in Focus

We cannot eliminate all triggers from life. Nor should we – they teach us about wounds needing healing. But we can balance our nervous system by intentionally seeking, creating, and savoring glimmers.

The more we notice glimmers:

✨ The safer our nervous system feels
✨ The more resilient we become to triggers
✨ The more beauty and aliveness fills our days