Two years ago, I saw an Instagram post about something called Glimmers. I never knew someone came up with a name for those tiny moments of awe we experience. According to Deb Dana, who coined this phrase, glimmers are micro-moments of regulation that foster feelings of well-being. These simple pleasures appear in everyday life, but often we aren’t paying attention to them. Dana states, “Once you learn to look for glimmers, you find they are all around, you pay more attention to them, and you naturally begin to look for more.”
I’ve also seen others refer to these simple pleasures as thin slices of joy. Whatever you want to call these tiny moments of awe doesn’t matter as much as the practice of noticing does. How wonderful it is to be in the habit of seeing and experiencing the holy right in the middle of whatever you're facing! We can observe and marvel at the gifts from God in daily life, whether it’s the majesty of the mountains, the light from a firefly, or a text from an old friend. We can have a bad day, be in a tough season, or be grieving; these simple pleasures don’t change that, but they cause us to pause and notice the simple goodness around us.
I would encourage you to begin noticing glimmers and jotting them down. Your list may look vastly different than mine because it is personal- we rely on our senses, memories, and personalities to note what sparks joy. I jotted down my list and filled over two pages on legal-sized paper, and I want to share some of them with you. I hope it causes you to make your list of the little sacred things amidst the mundane.
Simple Pleasures
Reflections on a lake
Listening to my cat purr
Feeling the warm sun on my face
Fresh, clean sheets
The sounds of children laughing
Jazz music during dinner
A warm blanket
Crispy, salty french fries
Holding a baby
Stepping into a hot bubble bath
Hummingbirds flitting from tree to bush
Roses blooming
The first sip of champagne
The smell of an ocean breeze
“The simplest pleasures are sometimes the most extraordinary.” – Edgar Allan Poe
I would love to hear a few of your simple pleasures! 🥰
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Glimmers are reminders that we are not alone. Call it that still small voice, hopeful expectations, they are the most welcoming buoyant nuggets one can receive. The trick is quieting our souls long enough to experience one. Love this post! Thank you
Glimmers are worth needful reminders of beautiful moments of life.