How to recognise an emotional trigger?

As we journey through life, we are meet with many differing situations that bring with them unique emotional charge.  Some experiences pass us by without another thought and others stick to our minds like glue.  We replay the event over and over again, recreating the bodily sensation time and time again.  It could be an event of sorrow, frustration, blame or fear.  Sometime we will plan our futures to avoid experiences that may evoke feeling of shame and guilt or I’m not good enough. The list is endless and unique to the individual.  Whatever the charge, it knocks us off balance.

In these moments of disruption, life can feel tricky to navigate and often overwhelming.  But what if you could gain some clarity on events that spook you, events that create an emotion charge in you, events that trigger you.

Firstly, we need to identify what is an emotion trigger or charge?

• An emotional reaction to an external stimulus

• A physical reaction to external experience

• A memory, experience, or an event that causes an intense emotion reaction.

• Physical or emotional charge when thinking about past situation that made you feel; shame, guilt, sadness, fear, embarrassed, anger etc.

And what does an emotional trigger look like:

• Crying

• Anger

• Panic

• Anxiety

• Pain

• Sadness

• Avoidance

What does an emotional trigger feel like in our body?

• Sweaty – heat in the body

• Shortness of breath

• Tingling feeling in the body

• Sinking feel in stomach

• Feeling of nausea

• Feeling the need to avoid or get out of a situation

• Complete lost of awareness of your actions such as rage, anger, frustration

What are some of the thoughts activated by an emotional trigger?

It’s my fault                            I’ve had enough

I’m not smart enough                  I can’t do this any more

I’m afraid                                        I’m not safe

I hate myself                                  I’m not good enough

I can’t trust men                           I don’t belong here

I can’t trust women                      I can’t be me

I’m alone                                         No one loves me

We all have our own emotional triggers accumulated from our childhood, culture, society and our beliefs and values.

How to gain more awareness around an emotional trigger?

Take time to be curious about your triggers

Examine the belief you hold connected to your trigger

Notice the bodily sensation associated to the trigger

Acknowledge the trigger and sit with it

When being triggered, take a breath and ask yourself; is this me or an old thought pattern that no longer serves me. 

Self Directed healing works on triggers, assisting you to discharge the emotional charge. Making life events gratifying and enjoyable.

If you are curious about your emotional triggers and would like to know how Self Directed Healing can help you, I invite you to book a discovery session.  Click on Sessions…

“Handling an emotional crisis leads to greater wisdom and results in lifetime benefits.”
― David R. Hawkins