𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬
Yesterday I came across the idea of 'glimmers', those little moments of joy that most of us experience daily but so often miss. These are the opposite of triggers (google 'glimmers and triggers' for more) which can often lead us down negative rabbit holes.
For someone like myself, who has long battled with depression and anxiety, glimmers have great appeal and should be added to the list of 'things to be grateful for' that we would do well to meditate over at the end of a day.
I thought I would try and come up with my own tally of glimmers, most of which occurred in the last week.
Walking with Pam along the old railway track from Cricklade towards the Cotswold Water Park, I noticed how the trees from each side arched over to meet forming a long, straight tunnel of green, flecked with sunlight, stretching into the distance.
Feeling, hearing and enjoying the rain splatter on my jacket yesterday as I worked in the rain (my choice) to repair the picket fence in the back garden.
Hearing the resident dove making almost unnoticeable purring sounds of cooing contentment.
Separating for a while in a town and then seeing each other again at a distance, particularly if it was accidental.
Too many to count in yesterday's acupuncture session, from the therapist's infectious enthusiasm and positivity to her extraordinary empathy.
Seeing the garlic chives coming into bud, smelling the stems' pungency and looking forward to including the purple flowers in our salads.
Performing at our Friday gig at The Fresh Standard brewery with great beer, a dancing little girl with flashing shoes and a singing dog, there were moments of sheer joy singing with old friends.
Tasting the red berries and chocolate liqueur in Rave's new Rwandan anaerobic coffee on Wednesday and discussing it with their passionate staff.
Watching the hypnotic magical communication between two master musicians on kora and harp, 'Clarach' by Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita on YouTube.
Chatting with a neighbour on a walk and meeting her new ginger-haired cavapoo pup called Rufus (meaning red in Latin apparently), an exuberant little teddy bear of curiosity.
Standing behind a lady at the parking ticket machine waiting patiently for an acknowledgement of her card payment, I commented on her shoes patterned with brightly coloured dots that put me in mind of Zulu art. It turned out she had spent many years in Africa including Zambia where I spent 9 years of my life.
I have come to treasure these random meetings, 'weak social ties', in coffee shops, art galleries, and even at parking ticket dispensers. Studies suggest that a mix of weak and strong social ties, known as relational diversity, leads to greater life satisfaction.
I've seen suggestions that one keeps a glimmer journal where these events are recorded. At the very least, it's worth cultivating the mindfulness to acknowledge and appreciate these moments. (Having just made this list, I'm impressed by just how many there are.)
4 August 2023