You’ve heard about triggers, but do you know about glimmers?
This word was first introduced by social worker Deb Dana as a part of Polyvagal Theory. The term describes the micro-moments of joy that make us feel happy, hopeful, and safe…aka OOH LA LA!
I did a little deep dive into glimmers and learned about the science of how naming these moments actually help regulate the body. When you intentionally notice and name moments of pleasure and passion and joy, your nervous system is cued to move into the parasympathetic state which allows you to feel calm and open.
All that to say - this devotion to OOH LA LA! is not only lovely, but good for the body too!!
May reading this be the medicine you need.
This week’s OOH LA LA! list includes: ice hat, rugs on the floor, first signs of autumn.
I rarely go a day without wearing my beloved ice hat. I was first introduced to this magic as a migraine relief tool but have learned that it’s also an amazing support for overall calm. With my body distracted by the sensation of cold, my mind can settle. Beneath the cold, there’s a quietness that appears, a stillness in the storm of pain or overwhelm.
After months of walking on naked cold laminate in my apartment, I finally have rugs on the floor! What luxury it is to wake in the morning, swing my legs over the bed and step my feet onto a warm, soft rug. My cat is equally enthusiastic about this new addition and has been spending her days sleeping and slithering on the cozy, low pile surface. Like a proper haircut that frames a face, a proper rug in the room makes the space complete and finally, it feels like peace.
I gasped out loud this week when I saw bits of orange and red shining on the trees. These first signs of autumn always make me swoon, always make me eager for the shifting season. I love the hot summer sun, but witnessing the change reminds me that nothing stays the same for long. Mostly, I am reminded that the way of nature is to surrender, to release, to step through the threshold of uncertainty and trust the unfolding of it all.
From OLL readers…
Alexander: I am loving my new habit of making my bed every day, which for some reason I never used to do (“airing it out” was the excuse). Nice to see the neatness during the day and to break it open at bedtime.
Thanks for reading!
I’d love to know - what is an OOH LA LA something you experienced or observed this week?
Reply to this email with 1-3 sentences about your current obsessions, passions, joys, and pleasures, or anything else you love!
XOXO,
LJ
MAKE YOURSELF A DOOR
“Be taught now, among the trees and rocks, how the discarded is woven into shelter, learn the way things hidden and unspoken slowly proclaim their voice in the world.
Find that far inward symmetry to all outward appearances, apprentice yourself to yourself, begin to welcome back all you sent away, be a new annunciation, make yourself a door through which to be hospitable, even to the stranger in you.”
-David Whyte