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Writer's pictureLana Jelenjev

Understanding Our Triggers


In a previous article, we shared the difference between Glimmers and Triggers and why it is important to know our glimmers. For today's article, we will dive into our triggers.


What comes to mind when you hear/read the word triggers?


Working on understanding our triggers can greatly support us in our relationship with ourselves and with others. Triggers are reminders of past experiences that are deeply rooted in unexplored or unresolved intrapersonal issues. Triggers can be both internal (from within the person like memory or emotion) or external (from the environment). Knowing that triggers elicit different responses, it is important to distinguish between being triggered and being uncomfortable.


Here are some prompts to think about:


Observe the body-triggers worksheet
Observe the body-triggers

How do you know when you are triggered?

How do these triggers show up in your body?

How do you feel the triggers in your body? Use the Feelings Card to name the feelings.


What's Alive in You? Feelings Card
What's Alive in You? Feelings Card


WE ALL EXPERIENCE TRIGGERS DIFFERENTLY.


Triggers are intensely personal and can range from sights, sounds, smells, sensations, situations, and scenes. Naming our triggers help us grow our awareness of how experiences impact us and allow us to convey these to others.

Reflect on the following:


SEE: Things that I see that trigger me

SOUNDS: Words that I hear that trigger me

SENSATIONS: Physical feelings or sensations that trigger me

SMELLS: Scents/smells that trigger me

SITUATIONS: Actions, behaviors, or experiences that trigger me

SCENES: Places or events that trigger me


6S's in exploring triggers worksheet
6S's in exploring triggers

Exploring these triggers might be triggering you, so please do notice and try the following:


  1. Notice where you are at the zones of development. Are you now in your panic zone? What would you need to get back to your learning zone? What has worked before from your experience?

  2. Regular check-ins to know if you are still in your window of tolerance.

  3. Take some time to immerse yourself in your glimmers. Glimmers give us a calm, peaceful, and joyful state. They are micro-moments of goodness that help our body to restore our thriving state of being. They reduce emotional distress and can help us be more in our learning zone.

  4. Ask for support from your circles of connection. Remember you don't have to do this on your own.



 


WHAT’S NEXT?

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