Glimmers over Triggers, More from Your Mind, and a Celebration of Life

1. Glimmers over Triggers

“A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger; it’s any object or experience that creates a moment of unforced ease or joy. It works the same way as a negative trigger…but instead of sounding an alarm, they turn on the green light. The sight, sound, smell, taste, feel, or memory of a glimmer automatically creates a little bubble of gratitude and appreciation.”

- Martha Beck,
Beyond Anxiety

We all know certain things or situations can trigger us, sometimes for reasons we don’t even understand. But the opposite is also true: some things naturally elicit gratitude and appreciation.

Our task is to find those “glimmers” and deliberately add them to our lives—in our meditation corners, offices, rooms, etc.—so we can experience more comfort and joy each day.

2. Get the Most Out of Your Mind

“There is now enough robust science to show that mastering the simple movements needed to control the rate, depth and route by which you get air into your body can become a handy tool to steer thoughts and feelings in useful ways. Mastering this range of bodily movements can allow us to dial into the workings of the brain and the rest of the body, change the settings of both and get the very best out of the mind.”

– Caroline Williams,
Move

Nothing to add 👌

3. You Become What You Rehearse

Meditation doesn’t magically turn you into a better person, but it does make your mind malleable. What you expose your brain to in that relaxed state is what’s critical.

That’s why Wisdom Meditation is so powerful. By consistently rehearsing wisdom in that malleable state, it becomes second nature in the rest of your life. In other words, you become what you rehearse—that’s the core mechanism behind Wisdom Meditation.

If you’re curious, you can learn more here.

4. A Reminder of the Simplicity of Breathing

A large review of 29 studies on slow breathing to help chronic disease management came to a simple conclusion:

• breathe slowly (about 5–6 breaths/min)

• use a slightly longer exhale than inhale

• employ nasal, abdominal breathing

• practice about 10 minutes per day

• getting a little human guidance helps

Hard to argue with that 😊

"The greatest of all miracles is to be alive, and when you breathe in, you touch that miracle. Therefore, your breathing can be a celebration of life."

— — Thich Nhat Hanh

The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

This one doesn’t need much explanation. If you’ve had it on your reading (or re-reading) list, here’s a nudge to pick it up.

In good breath,

Nick Heath, T1D, PhD
“Breathing is the compound interest of health & wellness.”

P.S. this time it’ll work

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