Glimmers

A sigh and a stretch-

that's all it takes

for the kitten

to start his day.

Only necessary movements-

nothing more

nothing less.

He slinks to the window

and presses against the glass-

dreaming of catching the birds

whose songs fill the air

with the promise of a new day.

As the sun slowly lifts

its sleepy head from slumber-

purple wisteria glistens up the garden wall.

The scent of coffee brewing in the kitchen

trails into the sunroom-

unbeknownst to the dog,

lying half asleep on the sofa.

Starting our mornings slowly,

choosing glimmers over triggers-

creates space for us to realize

that there are no small things.

There is nothing else-

than this present moment.

This is life.

The rest is just merely noise.

(note: Glimmers, a term coined by therapist Deb Dana, are tiny, fleeting moments of joy or safety that help calm the nervous system and promote emotional well-being.)

Greg Graber is an internationally respected leadership and mental performance coach who helps teams, schools, organizations, and individuals thrive under pressure. With a foundation in mindfulness-based practices, Greg teaches people how to stay grounded, focused, and resilient in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.