In a world that often feels fast-paced and chaotic, it’s easy to get caught up in stress, anxiety, and negativity. But there’s a practice that invites us to slow down, pay attention, and embrace moments of positivity—these moments are known as "glimmers." Coined by Deb Dana, a clinician and expert in Polyvagal Theory, "glimmers" are the small instances that make us feel safe, calm, and connected. They are the opposite of triggers, which can evoke stress or fear. Glimmers, on the other hand, spark feelings of hope and happiness.
Dana's work focuses on helping individuals tune into these glimmers as part of building emotional resilience. By actively seeking and acknowledging these micro-moments of safety and connection, we can shift our nervous system toward a state of balance and ease. This practice aligns beautifully with another concept known as “savoring.”
The Practice of Savoring
Savoring is a mindfulness-based practice that involves fully experiencing and appreciating positive moments. Whether it's enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face, the taste of your favorite meal, or the sound of laughter, savoring invites us to extend our awareness and appreciation of these small yet meaningful moments.
Deb Dana encourages the practice of savoring as a way to amplify the effects of glimmers. When you recognize a glimmer, rather than letting the moment slip by unnoticed, you consciously choose to linger in that positive feeling. The simple act of noticing a glimmer and allowing yourself to fully experience it enhances its emotional impact.
As you practice this more, you will naturally see more glimmers and begin to counteract the built-in negativity bias of the brain. This is similar to when you buy a new car and all of a sudden you see that same make and model everywhere. The brain will begin to pick up on these glimmers more readily.
Over time, savoring glimmers helps build a sense of security and well-being in your nervous system. You essentially train your brain to notice positivity more readily, making it easier to move through the stresses and challenges of everyday life.
The Role of Ketamine in Rewiring the Brain
Ketamine therapy, particularly intravenous (IV) ketamine, has gained recognition as a powerful tool for treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. One of ketamine’s most intriguing effects is its ability to promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's capacity to form new neural connections and pathways. Neuroplasticity is especially critical in helping individuals break free from negative patterns of thinking, behavior, and emotional response.
When ketamine is administered, it creates a window of opportunity where the brain becomes more adaptable. Old, maladaptive thought patterns begin to loosen their grip, and new, healthier patterns can take root. This is where the practice of savoring comes into play.
Combining Savoring with Ketamine Therapy for Deeper Healing
The enhanced neuroplasticity brought about by ketamine provides a unique opportunity to wire in new patterns of thinking, and incorporating the practice of savoring during this time can accelerate healing. As ketamine opens up your brain to form new connections, savoring glimmers helps reinforce positive pathways. The combination creates a powerful synergy: ketamine primes the brain for change, and savoring directs that change toward positivity and well-being.
Imagine going through a ketamine session and afterward, consciously practicing savoring as part of your healing journey. By paying attention to glimmers—whether it's the feeling of relief after the session, a sense of calm, or simply being able to breathe more easily—you can actively participate in rewiring your brain toward noticing and holding onto positive emotions. This can help not only in treating depression or anxiety but also in sustaining long-term mental health improvements.
In this way, the science of neuroplasticity and the art of savoring glimmers work hand-in-hand. The increased openness of your brain to form new neural pathways, combined with your intentional focus on positivity, can create lasting changes that help you move away from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression toward a more balanced and peaceful state.
Final Thoughts
By combining the subtle power of savoring glimmers with the neuroplastic boost from ketamine therapy, we can create new, healthier mental and emotional patterns. Deb Dana's work reminds us that healing is often found in the small moments—the glimmers that may otherwise go unnoticed. When these moments are consciously savored, especially in the context of ketamine treatment, they can become the building blocks for lasting mental health and resilience. The key lies in noticing, appreciating, and allowing these moments to reshape your inner world.
If you're on a journey of healing, consider how you can incorporate the practice of savoring glimmers into your daily life, especially if you're undergoing treatments like ketamine. In doing so, you not only embrace moments of joy and safety but also harness the brain’s remarkable ability to heal and grow.
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