how to find glimmers
and my September love list
Welcome to Ink-Stained Compass, the newsletter of poet Caitlin Gemmell. All subscribers receive two posts free from the paywall each month, including a Muse Monday feature and a newsletter with tips on living a life of enchanted simplicity. Paid subscribers get all this and additional newsletters with more personal journal entries, first glance of poetry, occasional videos and audio recordings, and letters from a selkie witch.
Hi lovely,
Now that October has arrived, I have packed away my summer clothes which to my extreme disappointment I continued to need through most of September.
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I love the crisp, cool air. The ripe apples and pears. The magic of Halloween. I do not like it when the goldenrod and asters create a beautiful tapestry of gold and violet, the leaves are flame-tinged, and yet I have to run the air conditioner to escape the sweltering heat. That was brutal.
Since autumn was off to a disappointing start, I thought I’d share some ways I have found magic in spite of the unrelenting heat of summer that forced autumn into the shadows.
This can be applied to any situation.
How to Find Glimmers
First, what are glimmers? Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. It is a term that was coined by Deb Dana. If you are interested in reading more about this term, she discusses it in her book The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy.
Glimmers help to anchor us and spark joy.
A Few Ways to Find Glimmers
Go on a wonder walk. This is a walk in which you practice mindfulness and the art of noticing small details that you would ordinarily skim over. Pay attention to the world around you and notice how many beautiful and wondrous things you can discover.
Engage your senses. Try to notice any smells drifting in through an open window. Hang crystal prisms in your window and pause to notice the dancing rainbows on your walls. Enjoy the smooth silk of your cat’s fur as she curls on your lap, purring. Play music that lifts your spirits and makes you want to get up and dance. Dance as you clean your house.
Keep a journal. Just as many of us have journaled to identify our triggers, so that we can be more aware and on the path to healing, it is a lovely idea to journal about our glimmers, or the things that instantly bring us joy. What small moments of joy have found you lately? Also, recording these glimmers in a journal so you can look back and see what little things you are grateful for is a beautiful practice.
Visit your tranquil place in meditation. Close your eyes and breathe deeply until you are calm and relaxed. Imagine a place where you are safe and perfectly at peace. Visit this place anytime you need.
Have a pretend conversation with your inspiring person. This could be an actual person who is your role model, a former mentor, an ancestor, or even your wise future self. Write down the advice they give you in your journal.
Keep a love list/thimble list/joyful things list.
With that last tip in mind, here is my “thimble” list for September.
Witnessing my son’s delight in having a close encounter with a chipmunk and a rabbit.
The sunbathing snake on our path.
The taste of ripe, in-season apples and pears.
The blue jay who came to my aid.
The sense of accomplishment in submitting queries to several literary agents.
A letter from my dear brother in France.
Crafting elderberry potion and herbal wands.
Polishing the copper basin until it gleams pink gold
Getting into a beautiful homeschool rhythm.
Hot coffee and pastries.
The immense joy in writing poetry.
Spinning crystal prisms every day and directing my son’s attention to the rainbows.
Daydreaming about adopting a rabbit and coming closer to making it a reality.
The scent of Pillowtalk Poet perfume. Did I get it just for the name? Why yes. Yes, I did. Did it live up to my expectations? Yes. Yes, it did.
Eating the last of the summer peaches with cream from an antique pink depression glass bowl.
Sharing in a friend’s joyful news.
Three crows on my path.
A lovely encounter with my lady hummingbird friend.
When the ovenbird I looked after responded to my call and let me know she is thriving.
Baking delicious treats.
I could keep going, but you get the point. Please share some of your glimmers with me if you are so inclined.
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Much love,
Cinders (Caitlin)
A wonderful list! Congratulations on submitting to agents. Good luck! I didn't know glimmers were the opposite of triggers, so thanks for that! I'd like to start a list for October. But until then, here is one for today: dark, slate blue clouds over a golden sky this evening. A hint of rain on the way. I'm so grateful for the beauty of this October evening. Thanks, Caitlin, for your inspiring posts, always.
I found a lot of glimmers today and love this concept! Very familiar with all of it, except the term, since I’m a therapist. Calling it a glimmer makes it much more whimsical and fun!