Emotional Triggers
An emotional trigger is something external that sets us off and usually stems from our past traumatic conditioning. Being triggered can make us feel anger, anxiety, panic, and sadness. It can also cause us to speak negatively to ourselves and others. Being triggered indicates that we need to change something within ourselves since we have no control over external circumstances.
Friends, family, and even strangers can trigger us. For example, let's say that you are driving, and some asshole cuts you off. Your first instinct, which is entirely normal, would be to curse or give the guy the finger. Then if we were to look deeper at the meaning of why this might have set us off, it could be that maybe we need to incorporate more patience into our lives.
Another example could be that in a past relationship, you were cheated on and had your heartbroken. Currently, you are in a new relationship but still carry unhealed trauma from the past. You might get triggered by your current partner's close male or female friends because of your preconditioned thoughts, "they will cheat on me."
These thoughts can cause a downward spiral of unhealthy behavior and manifest into familiar patterns. I don't know about you, but I don't, particularly like feeling stuck in the same old story, especially one that doesn't serve anyone involved. So the question then becomes, "how do we heal from these emotional triggers"?
One of the greatest lessons I've learned if I'm being triggered is to take a step back, take a breath, and ask myself, "why is this person or situation affecting me, and are the thoughts that I'm thinking true?" Once I do that, I then accept responsibility for my actions and can start the healing process.
Shifting your emotional state can include incorporating healthier boundaries, changing your limiting beliefs, or looking at what needs are not being met. By recognizing our emotional triggers, we can learn how to make appropriate changes and respond to external circumstances instead of reacting.
What do you usually do when something or someone triggers you? Do you allow the external situation to control your mind, body, and soul? Or do you take a step back and ask yourself what this situation seems to be affecting me?
Sending love & light
Lauren