Nurturing Mental Wellness: Developing Nervous System Support in “Glimmers” and Safety Cues

07 Jun Nurturing Mental Wellness: Developing Nervous System Support in “Glimmers” and Safety Cues

In the intricate tapestry of mental health, finding moments of brightness, what I will refer to as a “Glimmer”, amidst the shadows can be transformative. These moments are like flickers of hope in the darkness, offering a glimpse of light and possibility. In this post, we delve into the concept of glimmers as a safety cue to the nervous system, and explore how safety cues can support our nervous system, foster resilience, and well-being. 

Understanding Glimmers 

Glimmers, a concept expanded upon by Deb Dana, are those fleeting instances of comfort, nurturing, or signals of joy, however small, that punctuate our daily lives. They can manifest spontaneously and intentionally and can come in various forms: a warm smile from a stranger, the soothing melody of a favorite song, the subtle scent of a fresh flower picked from a sidewalk path, or even a ray of sunlight filtering through the clouds. While seemingly insignificant, these moments carry profound significance for our mental well-being because they are signaling our nervous system that the world is safe to navigate. 

Embracing the idea of Glimmers, involves cultivating a  mindfulness and awareness of our body sensation and surroundings. By consciously seeking out and acknowledging these moments of brightness, we can shift our perspective from one of despair to one of hope. We can shift our attention from focusing on the triggers, or cues of danger, to those of meaningful safety. From one of waiting for spontaneity to cultivating intentional moments of connection. This can occur both in connection to self, and in connection to others. Glimmers serve as reminders that amidst life’s challenges, there are still reasons to keep moving forward. Often it is a matter of intentionally choosing what we focus our attention on in our body and surroundings. 

Safety Cues: Nurturing the Nervous System 

Our nervous system plays a pivotal role in regulating our responses to stress and trauma. When faced with perceived threats, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response, preparing the body to confront or escape danger by releasing a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones (adrenaline and cortisol!) This mobilization for danger is a natural mechanism required to keep us safe and protected. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and restoration, enabling us to recover from stressors. 

Creating a sense of safety is essential for promoting the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and fostering emotional resilience. While our bodies are wired to notice the danger cues first, in order to preserve life and protect us, with some intentional effort we can notice the safety cuing and allow our system to settle in, in order to connect.  

Safety cues are external or internal stimuli that signal to our brain that we are out of harm’s way. They are cues that mobilize our body and mind for safety. These cues can include: 

1. Physical Environment: Surrounding ourselves with familiar and comforting objects can evoke feelings of safety. This may include textures such as a fuzzy pillow, a weighted blanket, bringing in specific, soothing colors to a space you spend a majority of time in your home, or putting cherished photographs in a intentionally chosen frame, setting it in an intentionally chosen location in your space. 
2. Social Support: Connecting with trusted individuals who provide empathy and validation can be profoundly comforting. Whether through face-to-face interactions or virtual communication, the presence of supportive relationships can serve as a powerful safety cue. Specific voices, affectionate touches, eye contact, all of these can allow our system to settle and shift into connect mode. 
3. Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or body scans, can help anchor us in the present moment and alleviate feelings of anxiety. This can also include every day activities such as absorbing yourself in the action of brushing your teeth, noticing what you feel. Cooking a meal can become an intentional, focused attention activity as well, which engages all of the senses. 
4. Routine and Predictability: Establishing daily routines can instill a sense of structure and stability, reassuring our nervous system that we are in a predictable environment. 
5. Self-Compassion: Cultivating self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during times of distress. Offering ourselves words of encouragement and practicing self-care activities can promote a sense of internal safety. Kristin Neff has developed robust, yet simple, guided meditations to support this experience.  

Integrating Glimmers and Safety Cues 

By integrating the concept of glimmers with safety cues, we can create a holistic approach to nurturing our mental wellness on a daily basis. Recognizing and savoring moments of comfort and joy can serve as a catalyst for activating our parasympathetic nervous system, promoting feelings of safety and security. Likewise, cultivating a supportive environment rich in safety cues can enhance our ability to notice and appreciate these glimmers, amplifying their positive impact on our well-being. 

Embracing glimmers and cultivating safety cues are essential practices for fostering resilience and promoting mental health and wellness, what I like to refer to as our mental “wellth”. By incorporating these strategies into our daily lives, we can navigate life’s challenges with a greater sense of ease and emerge stronger and more resilient individuals. Remember, even in the darkest of times, there are always glimmers of hope waiting to be discovered.