From Glimmers to Growth - Coaching for the nervous system
table of contents
Introduction
In More Detail
The Power of Coaching
Three Ways You Can Coach With Glimmers in Mind
The Neuroscience of Joy
How This Ties into Coach Training
Ready to Make an Impact?
Conclusion
From Glimmers to Growth: Coaching the Nervous System with Ease and Joy
I. Introduction
When we think of coaching, it’s easy to imagine big breakthroughs, life-changing moments, or intense conversations that shift the direction of someone's life. While those moments are undeniably important, what if we told you that some of the most profound transformations could come from something more subtle — something small, fleeting, and maybe even overlooked?
Glimmers are a concept from Polyvagal Theory, they are the tiny moments of safety, joy, or connection that make us feel at ease in our bodies. They are the little sparks that remind us, deep in our nervous system, that we are okay. Whether it's the warmth of a smile from a stranger, a deep breath after a stressful meeting, or the soft glow of a sunset, these are all examples of glimmers.
In our fast-paced world, we tend to focus on the big moments — achievement, success, or overcoming challenges. But, what if we told you that one of the keys to sustainable growth and deep transformation could lie in paying attention to small, almost imperceptible glimmers?
II. in More Detail
Before diving into how you can use glimmers as a coach, let’s take a step back to understand their significance.
As mentioned above, these little sparklers of joy are a key element of Polyvagal Theory, a framework created by Dr. Stephen Porges that explores how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) influences our behavior and emotional well-being. The ANS operates largely beneath the surface, controlling things like heart rate, digestion, and breathing without our conscious input. However, when our ANS feels safe and regulated, it opens up the possibility for deeper connection, learning, and personal growth.
These moments of safety and joy are like tiny lights that sparkle in our nervous system and help us move out of survival mode (which is where we often get stuck during stressful times) and into a more open, connected space.
Think of glimmers like pressing a mini reset button for the nervous system. They are the antidote to chronic stress and overwhelm. And, yes — they can be interwoven with, and complimentary to, coaching!
III. The Power of Coaching: A New Approach to Nervous System Regulation
As coaches, we are here to support and hold space for change and growth in our clients. Holistic coaches are aware of the body’s signals during that process (ie. the subtle cues that may hold the key to transformative change.) When the client feels they are moving against the tide, at an impasse, and/or in need of inspiration to move with the flow of life again, rather than pushing toward big goals or breakthroughs, we can begin with small, safe moments — the glimmers.
As we help clients notice these small moments of peace or joy, we are creating a deeper sense of trust in the process. This isn’t about forcing change; it’s about creating an environment of ease and joy — one in which the nervous system can start to relax and the body can feel more supported. With that solid foundation, true transformation has room to grow.
IV. Three Ways You Can Coach with Glimmers in Mind
1. Tune Into the Present Moment
Ask your client if they would like to pause and take note of the small, positive sensations they’re experiencing right now. This could be as simple as the comfort of their chair, a fleeting thought that makes them smile, or the stillness in a quiet moment. These micro-moments can ground them in their bodies and help shift them out of a stressed, fight-or-flight state. This could be done at the beginning of a coaching session, or at any point where the client is indicating difficulty with calming down or staying focused.
2. Highlight the Joyful Moments
In your coaching session, ask permission from the client to try a “joyful moments” exercise. The client can notice things they might take for granted, like the feeling of sunlight on their skin or the joy of a good cup of coffee. These moments can serve as anchors of safety, which in turn create a calming effect on their nervous systems. This exercise can be introduced as a tool for the client to try in day to day life when they feel stuck in analysis, blocked by old fear patterns, or when they feel the need to reset.
3. Create Space for Slow Growth
Growth doesn’t need to be in giant leaps forward. Slow, steady steps are often the best way to create sustainable and lasting change. Celebrate the small wins and moments of peace that show up in your clients' lives. Recognizing glimmers in the process helps reinforce the idea that transformation is possible without rushing through or forcing change. Small wins can be celebrated when asking about homework from the client’s previous session.
V. The Neuroscience of Joy: How Glimmers Lead to Growth
It’s important to understand that glimmers aren’t just feel-good moments — they’re actual shifts in our neurobiology. When the nervous system is encouraged to feel safe and calm, it creates a window for growth. This aligns with the “window of tolerance” — a concept from trauma-informed therapy that describes the optimal zone where we can process emotions and learn effectively.
When we provide options for clients to focus on these moments, we’re helping them expand their window of tolerance. This makes it easier for them to process emotions, deepen their self-awareness, and even make lasting changes in their behavior. So, not only are they calming, but they’re also neuroplastic — they help us rewire our brains for more joy, more safety, and more growth.
VI. How This Ties into Coaching Training: Empowering Coaches to Lead with Ease and Joy
At the Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy, we believe in training coaches who are equipped to work with the whole person — their body, mind, spirit…and nervous system. Ours is a holistic approach to coaching, one that incorporates concepts aligned with polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and somatic awareness to help clients connect to their own innate wisdom.
As you consider pursuing coach training, you’ll learn how to integrate similar concepts into your coaching practice. A holistic training program, like ours, doesn’t just focus on surface-level strategies; it goes deep into the body, and the subtler aspects of transformation. A truly holistic training program will show you how to guide clients not just through the big moments, but through the small, life-changing glimmers that happen in between.
This approach isn’t about being an expert in every area of your client’s life. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can reconnect with their bodies, relax their nervous systems, and experience growth through ease and joy.
VII. Ready to Make an Impact?
The path to becoming a coach that creates real, sustainable change can be supported with an understanding of the power of glimmers. Imagine supporting your clients to create more peace and joy in their lives, simply by helping them notice those small moments.
If you're ready to learn more about how to integrate this approach into your coaching practice, and how to tap into the transformative power of the nervous system, we’d love to invite you to join the Wisdom of the Whole coach training program. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your practice, we’ll give you the tools and the knowledge to make a difference that lasts.
Because, at the end of the day, growth doesn’t have to be hard — it can be easy, joyful, and filled with small, powerful glimmers.
VIII. Conclusion
Coaching the nervous system with ease and joy isn't just a feel-good concept; it's grounded in science and rooted in a deep understanding of how the body processes safety and growth. By focusing on the small, beautiful glimmers that pop up throughout our lives, we can create a coaching environment that promotes lasting, embodied transformation.
So, the next time you're coaching, pause for a moment, look for those glimmers, and watch your clients light up. After all, the most profound changes often start with the smallest sparks.
