Written by: Akleema Ali, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you ready to find your glimmer? A “glimmer” can be defined as a faint or intermittent light. In a psychological context, the term “glimmer” often refers to a small, faint spark or indication of hope, positivity, or improvement, especially in relation to mental health or well-being. It signifies a subtle but perceptible sign of progress or a positive change in one's mindset or emotional state.
The Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, emphasizes the function of the vagus nerve in managing stress responses and fostering feelings of safety and connection. Finding the "glimmer" in challenging situations represents any small, positive moment or a faint spark of hope, which, when noticed and acknowledged, can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
In developing a new mindset, it requires self-awareness, patience, practice and lots of reflection. This article describes four big mindset moves that urge you to seek out that small, faint spark of hope, positivity and progress in your life. The reflective questions serve as a guide to prompt introspection and help individuals explore their experiences, emotions, and perceptions in relation to seeking positivity, recognizing progress, cultivating hope, and embracing resilience in their lives.
1. Seeking positivity
Finding your glimmer often involves actively seeking positivity, no matter how small it may seem. This means training your focus to look for the silver linings, the moments of joy, or the aspects of a situation that might hold some positivity. It could be as simple as acknowledging a kind gesture from someone, finding beauty in nature, or recognizing personal strengths amidst challenges. It's about consciously shifting your perspective to notice and appreciate these positive elements, however subtle they might be.
Reflective questions:
What small moments of joy or positivity have I experienced today/this week?
How can I intentionally notice and appreciate the small blessings in my life?
In what ways can I shift my perspective to focus on the positive aspects of challenging situations?
2. Recognizing progress
Recognizing progress doesn't always mean achieving major milestones. Sometimes, it's about celebrating the small victories. It could be as modest as taking steps to prioritize self-care, managing to do something that felt overwhelming before, or even just having a slightly better day than the one before. By acknowledging these small steps forward, you reinforce a sense of accomplishment and build momentum towards larger goals. It's about understanding that progress isn't always linear and that even incremental steps are meaningful.
Reflective questions:
What small steps have I taken towards my goals recently, no matter how minor they might seem?
How have I grown or improved compared to a month or a year ago?
What challenges have I overcome recently that I might not have been able to manage before?
3. Cultivating hope
Finding your glimmer involves nurturing hope, even in challenging circumstances. Cultivating hope means actively believing in the possibility of better outcomes. It's about maintaining a positive outlook and trusting that things can improve, even when the present might seem difficult. This doesn't mean ignoring reality or denying difficulties but rather maintaining a belief that things can get better and actively working towards that possibility.
Reflective questions:
What gives me hope or inspires me when I'm feeling discouraged?
How can I maintain a positive outlook even when faced with setbacks?
What actions can I take today to contribute to a better future, even in small ways?
4. Embracing resilience
Resilience is about bouncing back from adversity. When you find your glimmer, you're embracing your resilience by acknowledging that you have the strength to overcome challenges. It involves recognizing your ability to adapt, cope, and grow in the face of difficulties. Embracing resilience means learning from setbacks, being flexible in your approach, and understanding that setbacks are a part of the journey toward growth.
Reflective questions:
How have I bounced back from past challenges, and what strengths did I use to do so?
What lessons have I learned from setbacks or difficult times in my life?
How can I adapt my approach or mindset to better handle future challenges?
Call to Action: Journal on these reflective questions regularly to challenge the creation of a new mindset. The powerful act of journaling serves the purpose of not only creating a new mindset but also highlighting areas that are challenging for us.
Akleema Ali, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Akleema Ali is a Reiki Master Teacher and the Owner of The Reiki Lighthouse in Trinidad & Tobago. Her passion is on using meditation and Reiki as a major modality for optimal health & wellness. Her mission: Encouraging others to build their own sanctuary. Her vision: Everyone can access peace within.
