Be Grateful for Triggers: They Point Where You Are Not Free | A trigger occurs when something in the present moment causes a strong emotional reaction. Many of us experience this daily. The intensity of the emotion often stems from unresolved past experiences, pain, or unmet needs that color our current perceptions. Understanding the origins of our reactions can provide clarity and empathy.

For instance, if someone has experienced abandonment, current events that touch on this wound may provoke reactions like screaming, yelling, or detachment. Our internal dialogue can be harsh, questioning the validity of our emotions over seemingly minor triggers. However, these emotions are real. When we are emotionally triggered or activated, our mind-body experience is valid and genuine.

Here are three steps to manage emotional triggers effectively:

What to Do When You Are Emotionally Triggered:

1. Breathe: Emotional triggers activate our nervous system, often sending us into fight-or-flight mode. Calm your nervous system with deep belly breathing and slow exhalations. Practicing deep breathing regularly helps regulate these responses.

2. Practice Witnessing the Ego as an Observer: Train yourself to observe the narrative your ego constructs during triggers. By recognizing and separating from this narrative, you empower yourself to choose a new response in triggering moments.

3. Practice Self-Acceptance: Acknowledge the validity of your emotions in the moment. Understand that hormonal and energetic shifts are occurring in your body. These feelings stem from genuine pain and deserve acknowledgment and acceptance. By honoring these emotions, you allow them to dissipate over time, returning your body to a baseline state.

Often, our reactions are conditioned responses to life events. By consistently applying these steps, we move toward empowerment, gaining the ability to choose our responses during emotional triggers.