Glimmers - A moment of Safety for the Nervous System.

"Glimmers are those tiny, often fleeting moments, when beauty or comfort surrounds us and we feel safe"

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, stillness can feel like a luxury—something we don’t have time for, or aren’t quite sure how to access. But the truth is, finding moments of calm isn’t just a luxury—it’s vital for our nervous system, our mental health, and our overall wellbeing. At Active Stillness, I offer gentle, trauma-informed yoga and wellbeing support to help you reconnect with yourself and find those moments of calm—right where you are.

My approach is grounded in the understanding that we all carry stress, trauma, or exhaustion in different ways. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and a mum of three—including a child who is autistic and had a stroke at birth. I know firsthand how challenging life can feel when we’re holding a lot, and how important it is for our well-being to feel seen, safe, and supported. This lived experience shapes everything I offer.

Triggers & Glimmers.

In trauma-informed work, we often talk about triggers. Those moments that send our nervous system into a state of fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown. But just as important are glimmers, a term introduced by Deb Dana, a clinician and author known for her work with Polyvagal Theory. Glimmers are those tiny, often fleeting moments that help us feel safe, calm, and connected. While triggers activate our survival responses, glimmers gently guide us back toward regulation and a sense of wellbeing. A glimmer might be the warmth of a cup of tea, a piece of music you love, or a smile from someone you trust. By learning to notice both our triggers and our glimmers, we can better understand our nervous system and gently choose more of what helps us feel grounded and supported.

Simple ways to embrace stillness and support your nervous system:

• Notice the glimmers - These are the tiny moments that help you feel safe, calm, or connected. A patch of sunlight, the sound of birds, your child’s laughter, a warm drink. Our nervous system responds to these micro-moments - they’re just as powerful as the big practices.

• Try a grounding object - Hold a smooth stone, a soft scarf, or wrap yourself in a blanket. Sensory support can gently help the body feel more secure.

• Breathe with kindness - Let your exhale be just a little longer than your inhale. Even a few rounds of soft breath can soothe your system.

• Start small  -Stillness doesn’t need to be 30 minutes of silence. One quiet minute of lying down, or a few breaths between tasks, can shift your whole day.

If you’re curious about glimmers, I’ve created a short guided meditation to help you notice and connect with them in your own life. It’s a lovely place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment of peace.👉 Click here to listen to the Glimmers Meditation

Whether you're brand new to yoga or looking for something more gentle and grounded, Active Stillness is here to support you. My classes, digital downloads, and resources are designed to meet you where you are, without pressure or performance.

You’re not alone. There’s a way through. And often, it begins with a single moment of stillness.