Dear friend,
Sometimes, all it takes is a glimmer.
In the middle of a messy day, a tangled season, or even a lifelong struggle, there can be one soft moment—a breath, a smile, a tiny flicker of hope. And somehow, that’s enough. Enough to shift the current, enough to remember what’s possible.
Tara Brach says it so well:
“There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life. With even a glimmer of that possibility, joy rushes in.”
We often think we need a massive breakthrough or a total transformation to feel better, do better, be better. But again and again, the great wisdom traditions remind us: you only need a seed.
Jesus told his followers that “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”
A mustard seed! So small it could blow away in your hand. Yet it’s enough to start something vast. Something bold.
Similarly, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who witnessed overwhelming suffering, gently reminded us:
“We cannot do great things. Only small things with great love.”
What comfort. What permission. You don’t have to fix everything. You don’t have to be perfect. You only have to begin, right where you are.
And yet—how often do we hold back because we think our contribution isn’t big enough?
I’ve heard it from students and friends:
“What difference does it make if I meditate just five minutes?”
Or, “Why start if I can’t follow through perfectly?”
But perfection is a trap.
It’s often the enemy of the good. When we believe something has to be flawless or grand to be worthy, we miss the quiet power of a single kind word, a deep breath, a small daily act of compassion.
We miss the joy—the very joy that Tara Brach points to when we say yes to our lives, just as they are.
So today, let this be your encouragement:
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, or the perfect plan, or enough time, or more energy—perhaps what’s needed is simply to begin.
As Goethe famously wrote:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can—begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
Yes, you. Begin it. Not the perfect version. Not the grand solution. Just your one small, heartfelt step. One mustard seed. One glimmer.
That’s more than enough.
With warmth,
Bob Martin
A Wise and Happy Life
Mindfulness Reflection: A Glimmer Is Enough
Take a moment to pause.
Wherever you are—sitting at your desk, standing at the kitchen sink, lying in bed—let your body become just a little more at ease. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice the natural rhythm of your breath.
Now, gently place your attention on the idea of “a glimmer.”
What is one small thing—just one—that is okay, or even beautiful, in this moment?
Maybe it’s the light through the window.
Maybe it’s the steady sound of your breath.
Maybe it’s the fact that you are here, willing to notice.
Let yourself rest with that glimmer.
No need to reach for more. No need to fix or change anything.
Just breathe.
Let this quiet moment be enough.
And when you’re ready, silently whisper to yourself:
“I begin again, with kindness.”
That is all it takes.