#3 - Wandering around Vagus - April 2023

GLIMMERS! Magical Moments of Ventral Vagal + More about Our 1st Practice

Welcome to Month 3 of Wandering around Vagus, a paid monthly subscription series exploring the Vagus Nerve + Polyvagal Theory.

I’m Tina Foster of Foster & Flourish, the creator and guide of Wandering around Vagus.

Last month’s post (our second) is here, and all past posts are archived here.​

​This month’s post introduces one of my favorite functions of the vagus nerve— GLIMMERS! A word I always want to write in all caps and follow with an exclamation point. You likely already sense why. You’ve heard the expression “glimmer of hope.” And you’ve no doubt experienced glimmers many times in your life— or at least I hope you have. ​

By the end of this 10 minute audio you’ll have a better sense of:

• the kinds of feelings and moods glimmers spark

• what happens in our bodies as we feel a glimmer

• why we sometimes don’t notice glimmers + how to notice glimmers more often + become an actual glimmer hunter

• how to deepen and/ or prolong the good energy that glimmers bring​

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Websters defines a glimmer as a weak light or a bright one that flashes briefly.

Embodied glimmers are lightning flash moments of complete wellbeing and/ or crystal-clear insight and understanding that can occur in a variety of situations.

Glimmers are a function of ventral vagal, the part of the vagus nerve associated with contentment and confidence within ourselves and engagement and connection with our environment, activities and other beings. (More on the three experiential states including ventral vagal here.)

The ventral branch of the vagus nerve is mostly from the diaphragm (lower chest) up, threading our heart with our brain, throat, voice and face. (More about the branches of the vagus nerve, including an infographic, here.)

We feel a glimmer the moment something lights us up. Simple things can be a spark— a pleasant face, a beautiful sound or the lightbulb of “wow!” upon hearing a clever idea.

Here are some common scenarios illustrating how glimmer moments shift our experience:

• While working on a creative project, a moment of inspiration or "flow” when everything begins to unfold in a way that feels effortless.

• During a heated argument with a loved one, we suddenly understand their point of view and what they feel. With this understanding, we feel our body soften into empathy and connection.

• While studying for a difficult exam, we finally grasp a key concept that had previously eluded us. Everything falls into place.

• During a therapy session, a new perspective on a troubling issue emerges. The relief and lightness are like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders.

• While meditating or practicing mindfulness, an awareness of a deeply ingrained habit or pattern that has been complicating our life suddenly becomes clear.

• While out in nature, a wave of awe and wonder engulfs us, we marvel at the beauty and complexity of the world, reawakening a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves.

• While reading a book, a sudden realization or epiphany about a character or plot point blows our mind, so much so that we put the book down and just sit there reeling in appreciation of the work and understanding of the world.

Glimmers are often described as the opposite of triggers.

They not only spark joy but also relaxation and feelings of safety, coziness and connection— or, during especially challenging periods, a sense that everything is actually okay.

I think of glimmers as a nudge from our neuroception, our body’s internal surveillance system, that says “YES!” or “GO!” in response to an experience that’s not only safe but downright good for us in some way. Glimmers nourish us, give us strength during troubled times, let us know when we’re on the right track and inspire us to do glimmer-worthy things more often.