Triggers: Let them be your Guide and Teacher.
Triggers are a natural part of being human—they happen at work, in relationships, or even with strangers. A trigger is essentially an unhealed emotional wound and a behaviour that was put in place to protect you. The intensity of your reaction can reveal how long that wound has been suppressed, for example a repeated behaviour becomes an automatic response over time.
The good news? Triggers aren’t inherently bad. In fact, they offer a powerful chance to observe, reflect, and heal. While this might sound simple, practicing it can be tricky because triggers often prompt subconscious reactions. This is why others may feel confused by your response—it’s happening below your awareness.
By working with your triggers, you can change the way you perceive the world and your interactions with others.
Here’s how to get started:
Identifying Your Triggers:
1. Set an Intention: In the morning or during meditation, consciously decide to notice your triggers. For example, say, “I want to recognize my emotional triggers today so I can grow.” This helps rewire your brain to observe rather than react.
2. Keep a Journal: Writing down your triggers can reveal patterns. For instance, if a colleague’s comment ruins your day, jot down what they said, how you felt, and your reaction. Over time, you’ll identify recurring emotions or situations.
3. Discover the “Why”: Triggers often stem from past experiences, like childhood memories. When someone criticizes you, it might mirror feelings of inadequacy from long ago. Observing these roots gives you the freedom to choose your response.
Turning Triggers into Growth:
1. Feel the Emotion: Treat your feelings as energy. Instead of labelling them as “bad” or reacting, pause, acknowledge, and take slow breaths.
2. Observe Without Judging: Use your journal to document your thoughts, even if they don’t make sense. Reward yourself for noticing instead of reacting—this rewires your brain over time.
3. Lock in Growth: Affirm gratitude by saying, “I’m thankful for this emotion and what it’s teaching me.” Connecting gratitude to emotions transforms your mindset.
4. Shift Your Relationship with Emotions: Practice presence, and you’ll notice how emotions become less daunting. Over time, you’ll feel empowered to handle them differently.
5. Release and Rest: Be patient with yourself. If you feel resistance to processing emotions, allow it. Trust your intuition to guide you when it’s time to move forward.
For example, let’s say someone cuts you off in traffic, and you feel instant rage. Instead of yelling or stewing, pause. Acknowledge the anger without acting on it, take deep breaths, and reflect later—perhaps in your journal—on why this situation affected you so deeply.
Remember, healing triggers takes time and patience, but each step brings emotional breakthroughs and greater self-awareness. With practice, you’ll feel lighter and more in control of your reactions!
Natalia x
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