How to Handle Being “Triggered"

When something happens that brings up an intense emotion and bothers us greatly, and we cannot let it go, that is called being triggered. 

Often we can notice a pattern around such events, a similarity between it and past experiences that made us feel the same way and were similar in nature.

For example, if perhaps a friend not texting you back makes you feel anxious and afraid of abandonment, sad and mad, all at once, that is because you are being triggered.

We get triggered when we have unresolved emotions from past experiences that resonate with the present stimulus. 

In the previous example, for instance, perhaps you feel these emotions because of experiences of emotional abandonment in your childhood.

When we utilize triggering events to address the past, we neutralize the stimulus from having the same effect on us in the future. We heal ourselves and move more deeply into self love and empowerment.

Here is a step by step process of how to do it:

First, become aware and acknowledge that something is "up" for you emotionally.

Next, ask your Higher Power (the Universe, God, angels, Jesus, Love, etc) to help you move through it.

Then, initiate the following process of self inquiry. Become a witness to your inner nature and allow awareness to arise spontaneously.

Ask:

What emotions am I feeling? Name them.

How old is the part of me that feels this way?

What happened at that age that feels like this?

Validate your emotions.

Tell yourself it is natural to feel as you do. Be an ally to yourself. You can say things like, "That was a painful experience and you did not deserve it."

Give yourself positive energy and compassion. Put your hands on your heart and breathe kindness inward.

If you feel you need extra support, you can book a spiritual counseling and healing session with me.