Glimmers, Shimmers, & Dimmers

7 Apr

In the busyness of daily life, it can be easy to overlook the subtle signals your body and mind are sending you. At The Kindful, we believe that understanding these signals—your emotional responses—can be the key to living a more balanced and compassionate life.

✨ Glimmers

Glimmers are the tiny moments that spark a sense of joy, safety, or calm. The description was created of Deb Dana in her book “Poly Vagel Theory in Therapy”.

They might be as small as the way sunlight hits your kitchen counter, the sound of birds singing in the morning, or a kind word from a friend. These are micro-moments of wellbeing—fleeting, yet powerful.

Notice your glimmers. They are signs that your nervous system is feeling regulated and safe - and joyful!

🌟 Shimmers

Shimmers are the activities you choose that energise and uplift you. This description (and dimmers - below) has been created by us at The Kindful. Shimmers extend the concept of glimmers by adding descriptions for helpful activities that help recognise and support emotional regulation in daily life.

Shimmers are the things that help you feel as though you are shining a little brighter in everyday life—whether it’s going for a walk, journaling, creating something, or enjoying a warm cup of tea.

Choose more shimmers. They are the habits and actions that nurture your light and help energise you.

🌑 Dimmers

Dimmers are not about shutting down—they’re about understanding what helps you when things feel tough; gently turning down the intensity when things feel overwhelming.
They might be grounding techniques, speaking to a friend, checking in with your sensory needs, or resting.

Understanding your own helpful dimmers can be so helpful for extending care to yourself. They are the tools that you might use to soothe and regulate in moments of stress.

Understanding your own emotional landscape helps you move through life with more ease.

At The Kindful, we encourage you to: