Are You Triggered?
Understanding the Call of the Soul to Return to Love
In the dance of life, where shadows play in the light of our existence, moments arise that stir the depths of our being, evoking responses that are as ancient as they are automatic. To be ‘triggered’ is to find oneself suddenly on the precipice of past wounds, where the soul whispers (or sometimes shouts) for attention and healing! This emotional and physiological response, deeply rooted in our attempt to navigate a world that often feels unsafe, serves as both a challenge and a profound opportunity for growth.
The Tapestry of Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn
At the heart of our triggered reactions lie the four primary trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. These responses are the psyche’s attempt to protect and preserve, a legacy of our ancestors’ need to survive immediate threats. Yet, in the modern labyrinth of emotional complexities, these primal reactions paint a picture of our deepest fears and unhealed wounds.
Fight: The warrior’s stance, where confrontation is the path chosen to protect the sanctity of one’s boundaries and existence.
Flight: The swift wings of escape, where avoidance becomes the sanctuary from the perceived danger, a retreat to safety.
Freeze: The stillness of time, where motion ceases in the face of overwhelm, a pause in the symphony of life.
Fawn: The chameleon’s dance, where pleasing and appeasement are the currencies of survival, a sacrifice of self to ensure harmony.
Recognizing when we are triggered is the first step on the path to healing. It requires a mindful awareness of our body’s signals, emotions, and thought patterns. Signs may include a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, a sense of detachment, or an overwhelming urge to flee or confront.
Mindfulness Techniques to Navigate the Storm
When the seas of our soul are tempest-tossed by the winds of triggers, mindfulness offers an anchor to ground us back into the calm waters of our true essence. Here are techniques to help soothe the autonomic system and return to a state of relaxed being:
- Deep Breathing: Engage in slow, deep breaths, inhaling the peace of the present moment and exhaling the storms of the past.
- Grounding: Connect with the earth beneath you, feeling its stability and support. Visualize roots extending from your feet, anchoring you to the nurturing energy of Gaia.
- Mindful Observation: Practice observing your emotions and physical sensations without judgment, acknowledging them as passing clouds in the vast sky of your being.
- Centering in the Heart: Place a hand over your heart, feeling its steady rhythm, a reminder of your connection to Love, the ultimate source of healing and transformation.
The Spiritual Journey: From Suffering to Love
The journey through and beyond our triggers is a sacred path of returning to Love, the essence of our true nature. Each trigger, each response, is an invitation to delve deeper into the caverns of our soul, to illuminate the shadows with the light of awareness and compassion. It is in this alchemy of transformation that we find the keys to our liberation, unlocking the chains of past traumas and stepping into the freedom of our divine essence.
Positive psychology, infused with spiritual wisdom, teaches us that our greatest challenges are also our greatest teachers. By embracing our triggers as opportunities for growth, we align with the soul’s evolutionary quest to transcend suffering and rediscover the boundless Love that we are.
In this sacred journey, remember that you are not alone. The Universe, in its Infinite Wisdom and Love, guides and supports you at every step. Trust in the process, for each moment of triggering is a step closer to the wholeness, the peace, and the unconditional love that is your birthright.
May your path be illuminated with the light of awareness, and may your heart find its way back to the serene embrace of Love, where all shadows dissolve and only Light remains.
