Trigger

"Trigger: A term used to describe sensations, images, or experiences that trigger a traumatic memory. Related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
verb

1. 1. cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist.
   "an allergy can be triggered by stress or overwork"
   synonyms:precipitate, prompt, trigger off, set off, spark (off), touch off, stimulate, provoke, stir up, fan the flames of; "
   
   

I saw a tip sheet this morning on Facebook that showed the steps you need to take to grow through your triggers. I'd share it here, but not sure that's allowed. Suffice it to say that it tells that triggers are unhealed wounds and you breathe, observe your emotions and don't react, reprogram your subconscious through affirmations and form a new relationship with your emotions and then poof! You release all.

The meme made me think of clients I have and triggers they have and mostly, the triggers can all be boiled down to one thing: Fear.

As a trainer and riding coach, I have been able to help people (and horses) through their fears using a method and have been fairly successful, so I thought I'd share here.


Thing about fear is that it's not always a bad or negative thing. Hard to remember that sometimes, huh? And another oddity is that many people will tell me they are afraid and want to "get over it" when in reality, they want no such thing. They'd rather keep the fear, but would like to know how to be more comfortable, less conspicuous and not hindered by it.

The way I use these methods is a bit different, but it always works to some degree. The degree being dependent upon the client's own truthful desire which only they have control over, and when they are able, the results are phenomenal. This works for a person who's been injured through a fall or whatever as well as someone who is not sure why they are afraid. The last group falls into a different realm and I'm not a psychotherapist, but this process does allow them to get in touch with the emotional button that makes them feel as they do.

Anyway, to start, I suggest the client pick a day where they are alone--no family around, no phone, and time enough to wallow as I call it. Wallow means to immerse yourself in the bad, uncomfortable feelings, remembering the incident that made you afraid or sad or whatever. Wallowing is something many don't allow because they think it's bad, but if you do wallow, you get to look inside yourself and then finally to the broader picture. And, in the end, you get to a point that you just can't anymore. You're done.

So, to begin, take a notebook and pen and find a calm, quiet, uninterrupted area. If you are able, go outside, and sit and breathe, just focusing on nothing. Finally, begin to write, but don't think. Write without punctuation or worry and hopefully without lifting the pen. Not on computer, just write about anything. Sometimes, you'll start with a list of things that seem unrelated, but it doesn't mater, eventually, you will write the incident that scared you because your mind knows this is what you want to do. If it doesn't happen the first day, so what?

Do this for however long it takes. I tell people that they may cry and to let that happen. Just keep writing, try not to edit or punctuate, cry, scream, sit quietly, whatever is needed until the feeling of anger or fear passes. Then, close the notebook, put all thoughts of the writing aside, and don't read anything they wrote. Next day, or days later, repeat. Keep repeating until the "hit" is gone and then have a ceremony to burn or bury or hide the notebook or pages.

It's a bit more involved and takes longer than it sounds like, but it works. I'm posting here in case anyone needs it for any reason. I'm here if you need help or more info, just ask. And remember that it's okay to choose your fears over "getting over them," and you'll be happy once that fact is acknowledged without guilt, too. This method still works. It takes as long as it takes.

Namaste', peace, and love to you all! 
~Tanya

---