Learn about the new mindfulness practice taking over social media: looking for glimmers.
Plus, tips on how to find them.
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If my grandfather took the time to appreciate those interactionsas I suspect he didhe was unknowingly looking for glimmers.
Basically, they are the opposite of a trigger.
On social media, therapists, influencers, and regular ol people extoll the virtue of the practice.
positive psychologist and author ofNew Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong
Some posts, like thislittle guide to glimmers,got hundreds of thousands of views.
Parker says glimmers can change your life.
So whats the deal with glimmers, and how can you make finding them second nature?
Ahead, some tips.
What are glimmers?
Glimmers are small, memorable experiences that happen throughout the day.
They can be truly ordinaryand give us that slight boost of happiness.
Whats important is that you take the time to bask in those moments.
For a glimmer to shine, you have to pay attention to it.
positive psychologist and author ofNew Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong
There are other names for this concept.
Harrison refers tosavoringorpositivity resonance,which are both well studied phenomena shown to increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
However, glimmers may be catching on because the packaging is so effective.
Its useful to have a compelling single word term for a larger idea.
Who doesnt love the word glimmer?
What are the benefits of glimmers?
Looking for glimmers can fill your day with good vibes, injecting happiness into the mundane.
It can also helpregulate your nervous system, says Harrison.
Taking a mindful moment could help you transition from a cortisol-filled state of fight or flight.
But the effects of glimmers are also cumulative, which means there are long-term benefits, too.
Noticing one glimmer can help you notice the next one, and the next one.
When it comes to your mood, all boats rise together.
Its a short-term investment that pays dividends for long-term happiness.
How do you train yourself to look for glimmers?
Dont let posting about your glimmer rob you of its effects.
Beyond starting small and simple, Harrison has a few other tricks she likes to employ.
One is thinking about what her future self would tell her in that moment.
What would her future self point out thats great about her life?
Another idea is paying it forward.
Like my grandpa Pops, Harrison says that trying to make others happy will come back to you.
You might just notice that youll leave those moments glimmering.
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