As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to get lost in the darkness and forget that there is always hope for a brighter future. But what if I told you that there is a secret weapon that can help guide us through the tough times and bring a sense of joy and peace? Enter: glimmers. Glimmers (opposite of “triggers”), are small moments that spark hope and possibility, reminding us that even in the bleakest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us forward.
Music festivals serve as fertile grounds for discovering glimmers. They have an undeniable ability to transport us to a different state of mind, where worries fade away, and the present moment takes center stage. For me, the glimmers often came in small yet profound moments. It could be that magical sunset that leaves us in awe, a chance encounter with a lost friend while waiting in line, being sprouted by a stranger just wanting to spread good vibes or a surprising burst of energy on the dance floor during a favorite set. Just when fatigue might set in, a glimmer would reinvigorate my spirit and remind me of why I keep returning to these sacred spaces year after year. These glimmers remind us of the beauty and potential that lie within each festival experience.
I’ve spoken to many fellow festival-goers who described similar experiences of unexpected glimmers. I’d like to share a handful of these with their permission:
“I’ve experienced countless glimmers throughout my festival and rave experiences. So many that it’s honestly hard to pick only one or two to share, so instead, I’m going to share how life-altering the scene has been for me. For roughly 46 [years] I’ve often felt like a stranger in a strange land, feeling out of place, without a tribe. After reemerging from some dark days (years), I decided to attend Bonnaroo in 2022. Here I discovered PLUR… I found my tribe. I finally felt accepted for who I am. The music, the vibes, the caring, and the sharing were the major ingredients I’ve been missing. I left “The Farm” a changed man. So much pain and resentment left me. I was filled with love and a new outlook on life. I have been to many more festivals and raves since then. I’ve met some of my best friends throughout this incredible journey. At 47 years of age, I have no plans of stopping. I will rave to the grave and grow more into my true self with each step and party along the way.” – Brock
“I loved meeting random people at North Coast who spotted my cat totem and loved it from afar. Awesome to connect with other cat lovers even if they’re strangers or just for a brief moment. I love my cats so much and love meeting others who feel the same about cats!” – Anon
“One of my memorable experiences happened recently in 2023 Dreamstate SoCal. I was wandering around with the rave fam and quickly noticed some dropped shades that belonged to the couple next to it. After returning the sunglasses the couple proceeded to thank me and gave me a Kandi bracelet which had a candy-corn charm and asked me if I understood the pun.. Very PLUR + made my night.” – Gary
“I will never forget EF 2023 having faced so many tribulations but I would still make any and every effort to get back there because of the people who fill the air with magic there. In the thick of battery dying on a rental car that got me across the border where I got caught with happy candies and I didn’t think I’d even make it to the festival, but I somehow miraculously did. Shortly after surviving a storm that shut down the festival, I shorted the battery on the rental car and killed the electrical in the entire car. I was on my last leg testing to get the car towed and replaced when my phone was about to die, a random stranger not only provided constant uplifting spirits but only having just met me left his car and keys in my possession when he had to be at the airport the following morning. I honestly don’t remember the details but we managed to coordinate the key return safely to get him in a good way to the airport, but not without saving my phone and spirits once again in humanity. Considering I see the worst in people on the daily working in the ER it’s so refreshing that sweet trusting people still exist in the work full of horror. I’ll forever be thankful =” – Anon
“I always had mosh energy but didn’t have the build to survive it you know. So fast forward to a Slander set at Heatwave 2023 where I saw people losing their shit in the most pit and I said to myself fuck it and jumped in. I was yeeted on the floor in less than 5 secs but the gym bros immediately formed a circle around me and helped me get up and made sure I wasn’t hurt. That’s when I knew what PLUR meant. And I have been fuggin shit up in the mosh pits ever since” – Anon
“I was at EDC Orlando and met two girls at the Gryffin set who made my day because Gryffin is my favorite Edm artist! They were singing along to all his songs with me. It was amazing to connect with other big Gryffin fans, and now they’re going to E forest with me this year!” – Anon
Carrying the Glimmers Beyond the Festival:
The beauty of glimmers lies in their ability to extend beyond the festival grounds. The memories, emotions, and lessons learned during these events stay with us long after the music fades. They become a source of inspiration and motivation in our daily lives, reminding us to seek joy, peace, and possibility even in the midst of challenges.
So, how can we find these glimmers in our own lives? The first step is to be open to them. Glimmers can be found in the simplest of moments and here are a few ways to cultivate a glimmer mindset:
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Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to slow down and be present in the moment. Pay attention to your surroundings, your thoughts, and your emotions. This will help you tune into the glimmers that are already present in your life
- Seek out new experiences: Trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone can help you find glimmers in unexpected places. Whether it’s a new hobby, a new restaurant, or a new genre of music, novelty can be a powerful source of glimmers.
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Connect with others: The connections we make with others can be a rich source of glimmers. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a stranger, taking the time to listen and connect can help us find hope and possibility in our lives.
So, as you embark on your next music festival adventure, remember to seek out those glimmers, cherish them, and let them be the soundtrack to your journey toward a more inspired and hopeful life. May we spread more glimmers wherever we go, through compassion and connection.
– Mofiasco