Living Unbound

So what is a trigger exactly? It’s usually something someone says to you that creates an instantly negative reaction within you. Maybe anger or embarrasment. And along with those emotions, physical symptoms may appear. Maybe adrenalin starts pumping or you become flushed. Your heart rate may increase. All and all it can be a very uncomfortable experience.

How we effectively deal with triggers is two-fold. First and foremost, notice the physical and emotional reaction and just pause. Stay with it. Remember that all you need concern yourself with is how you choose to respond and we can never respond the way we want to by just automatically reacting or lashing out.

The pause is also necessary because it gives you a moment to gain perspective, while allowing the physical responses to subside so you can respond in a way you know is appropriate.

Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with getting angry or hurt. These are emotions we humans a subject to. But just like thoughts in the mind, we needn’t attach ourselves to them. See them, allow them and they will move on.

The second part of dealing with triggers is even more important. After the fact, you have the opportunity to think about why you were triggered. What happened in the past that may have not been resolved? What sensitivities do you still have to certain subjects or maybe what within you still harbors some self conciousness or self doubt? Look at this closely and just as you would with a good friend, understand and have compassion for these issues. You may need to assure yourself just as you would a child. Remember that even though you are a divine light on this earth, you are evolving as a human as well. It is in this way that we should be grateful to our triggers, as they are showing us very clearly what need attention.

Once you have been willing to face any issues and embrace them as part of the human experience, you will be able to understand them deeper and let them go. Once you have looked into the eyes of your triggers, if they ever come back, the experience will not have the same strength to put you off balance, and many of them will be surprisingly absent, even in the same exact circumstances.

With kindness and compassion for you and your triggers!

Paul