TRIGGERS; what they are and how to use them for self- transformation (reflection exercise included)
TRIGGERS; An opportunity to reflect
A small excerpt from my book ‘My Divine Self’ that accompanies the 16 week ‘My Divine Self’ journey
What exactly is a trigger?
A trigger is anything that creates a strong emotional charge within you
Triggers are not only caused by unresolved wounds.
They are also caused by reflections (or mirrors) and lastly, by violations of our CORE VALUES.
What is a reflection or mirror and how are we triggered by this?
EVERYTHING SHOWS UP AS WE ARE; meaning, that when we are triggered by something, it is about US, not the other person or the external circumstance.
The trigger is an external reflection of something we have not yet acknowledged or accepted within ourselves.
An aspect of ourselves that we don’t like/ a shadow part that we have not yet owned but can see in another person (we are triggered by this because it mirrors that which we are running from and trying to avoid)
A reflection of our potential/ a part of ourselves that we have not yet owned or fully tapped into (we are triggered by this because it reminds us of what we have been ‘putting off’ and what we need to do to step outside our comfort zone and into our space of genius and authenticity. This is not easy for us to do and our ego will fight to keep us safe from the ‘risk’ so we may find ourselves triggered by those who ARE able to do that and are living their true potential)
We are not ‘stuck’ with our wounds and triggers forever.
We may turn to energetic healing, our lifelines, emotional support from those we love, counselling or coaching support to identify and work through our wounds and other avenues to begin to heal from within.
Even if the wounds are still there, the simplest way to step outside of the trigger (reactive space) and into your reflective space is through AWARENESS.
Shine light on the trigger with curiosity and self-observation (not judgement and criticism).
Ask yourself where it is coming from-
Am I being triggered by a past hurt/ wound
Is this a mirror of something within myself that I have not yet owned/ do not accept?
Is this a reflection of my own inner potential that I have not yet allowed myself to embrace and express?
Is this a violation of my core values?
Triggers; like all challenges; are what push us to GROW and EVOLVE. In every trigger, we have a choice. We are able to make a decision. We can decide to use the trigger as an opportunity to heal and transform;
To heal past wounds and trauma and decide we will no longer be controlled by the past; to accept what was and make way for what can be
To face our shadows and the parts of ourselves that we have not yet accepted
OR
To step into our potential; the beautiful parts of ourselves that we have not yet owned and embodied
What else can you do?
Go back into the trigger and give yourself love in the moment. Catch it, acknowledge it, sit with it, sit in the pain for some time, own it and accept it for what it is. Love the little girl or boy within that is hurting in that moment. It is all learning and growing. Bringing the unconscious into consciousness is what allows for the greatest transformation.
TIME TO REFLECT; UNDERSTANDING MY TRIGGERS (Journal activity)
Use the reflection questions below to gain clarity on how your wounds play out in your life.
What triggers me into my ‘reactive space’? (Think about the people, places, situations, words, actions etc that trigger you)
Who am I in that moment? How do I act, think and speak when ‘in my triggers/ wounding’?
Why am I being triggered? (Where does the trigger come from? What is the underlying source? EG: Is it a past hurt? A reflection of something you don’t like within yourself? A reflection of your untapped potential? A violation of a core value?)
What can I do ‘in the moment’ to bring myself back to calm? How can I regain control and awareness in the moment?
I’d like to invite you to take some time to shine awareness on your wounds so that next time you feel triggered, you can pause with awareness before the trigger takes over completely.
Think of 5 recent or recurring triggers and list them in your journal or notepad. Complete the below reflection exercise in relation to all 5.
TRIGGER
WHO AM I IN THIS MOMENT?
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THIS TRIGGER?
WHAT CAN I DO IN THAT MOMENT TO REGAIN CONTROL & AWARENESS?
Use the above reflection activity to guide and support you with moment to moment awareness; particularly when you are triggered next. We dive into triggers and wounds in a much deeper way that is uniquely tailored to you in my 16 week ‘My Divine Self’ journey. Feel free to reach out if it interests you to learn more.
I hope this post serves you well. With love and light, Alecia x
