This January, Let’s Scatter Glimmers Of Light And Joy Throughout Our Lives
Have you heard of a glimmer? First introduced by social worker Deb Dana as part of Polyvagal Theory, glimmers; the opposite of stress triggers, are tiny moments of joy or safety—those micro-experiences that spark a smile, a burst of light or a sense of calm. It might be the scent of a blooming rose, the warmth of the sun on your face, or the happiness of reconnecting with an old friend. These moments cue the nervous system into a state of rest and renewal, helping us feel open, connected, and at ease.
Glimmers are small but powerful reminders of the good that surrounds us, in a world that often feels overwhelming. By seeking and sharing these sparks of light, we can soothe our minds, nurture our wellbeing, and rewire our brains towards greater positivity and resilience.
At Dru Yoga and Meditation, we invite you to join us in weaving a web of light this January. Through simple, accessible practices, we’ll help you reconnect with your inner source of joy and calm—scattering glimmers of light that radiate into every part of your life and brighten the world around you.
This page offers a few pointers on how to find and scatter those glimmers of light this month.
What you’ll Discover
- A beautiful story about the origins of the Gayatri mantra (a sacred mantra honouring the essence of divine light).
- A short mantra practice (coming during the month)
- A 21-day glimmer challenge
- Thought-provoking questions for your classes, clients, or friends
- A downloadable poster with quote (coming during the month)
The Story of the Gayatri Mantra: A Journey from Ego to Enlightenment
Long ago, in the ancient tales of yoga, there was a powerful king named Vishwamitra, a man of great stature and an even greater ego. Nevertheless, even with this ego, he longed for something deeper—to become who he was truly meant to be.
One day, Vishwamitra visited the ashram of Sage Vashishta, a man completely immersed in the Divine. To the king’s surprise, the sage offered to feed his entire army. How could a simple hermit provide such a feast? Vashishta revealed the source—a sacred cow, Kamadhenu, which embodied purity and connection to nature. Blinded by desire, Vishwamitra demanded the cow. Vashishta refused, knowing its true power couldn’t be owned. With a single act of spiritual force, the sage wiped out the king’s army.
Humbled but not yet transformed, Vishwamitra set out on a long journey of austerity and spiritual practice. Over years, he learned hard lessons, but his pride remained. At last, Vishwamitra realised the final truth—he had to surrender. He returned to Vashishta and bowed down at the sage’s feet, his heart finally soft and open. In this moment of complete humility, something extraordinary happened: he felt an intense light and a transcendent connection beyond anything he’d ever imagined. Through Vishwamitra’s surrender, the Gayatri mantra was unfolded within him - a mantra of light and wisdom, a guide to the essence of what is real. He went on to share it, so profoundly that it became Vishwamitra’s gift to the world, a mantra for all of humanity to bring light, clarity, and connection to the divine.
In a world that can feel dark and uncertain, the Gayatri mantra is a reminder: when we quiet the ego and connect with our hearts, we can discover the light within us all.
Linking Vishwamitra’s Story to Yours
Vishwamitra’s story reminds us that the greatest transformations often begin with surrender—letting go of pride, resistance, and the need to control. Like Vishwamitra, we all face moments where our egos get in the way of growth. His journey invites us to pause and reflect and perhaps consider the following questions below.
Reflective Questions for Your Classes, Clients, and Friends
- What parts of my life am I holding on to too tightly?
- Where can I soften and surrender to what is? Just as Vishvamitra discovered the light of the Gayatri mantra through humility, we too can uncover our own inner light by connecting with the heart.
- What practices help me quiet my mind and reconnect with my essence?
- How can I bring more light and wisdom into my daily life?
As you consider these questions, let Vishwamitra’s journey inspire your own—towards a place of calm, clarity, and inner radiance.
21 Day Glimmer Challenge
Backed by science, glimmers activate your nervous system towards calm, healing, flow state. The opposite of stressful 'triggers', glimmers help you find moments through the day that lift your mood, touch your heart, inspire your mind. Here's a 21-day challenge to help you embed glimmers into your life, and fill your 2025 with the light of your inner purpose.
