Triggers are such a vital topic that they deserve a few more words.
Over the past few years it seems that there has been an ever increasing number of topics that trigger passionate responses. From politics to global warming to what pronoun a person is called by, there is a wide variety of ways to provoke people into an emotional response. In such cases there is little that can be done or said to diffuse the situation. At best one person will chose to walk away before it escalates too far.
In such situations, the idea of walking away is difficult. Triggering causes adrenaline floods into the blood system along with the stress hormone cortisol, Blood also flows to the lungs and heart, getting fully oxygenated in preparation for physical action. And, as mentioned last month, the mind enters what can only be described as a semi-psychotic state, unable to consider much more than fight or flight.
Unfortunately, there are so many different sources of emotional laden messages that it is hard to get through the day without being outraged.
Mindfulness is an old concept that has found new life in recent years in the mental health field. Simply put it is "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique." It is a way to watch the insanity of a trigger wash over us. Letting it pass on as noticed, attended to and then released. We want to acknowledge our feelings but not let them take control of us.
Several of the 12 step programs suggest "sticking with winners in order to grow." While mindfulness may be achieved alone it occurs much more quickly when the journey is shared with others. Take time to find those who can lend support and insight into your growth.
Have a great month.
John
Over the past few years it seems that there has been an ever increasing number of topics that trigger passionate responses. From politics to global warming to what pronoun a person is called by, there is a wide variety of ways to provoke people into an emotional response. In such cases there is little that can be done or said to diffuse the situation. At best one person will chose to walk away before it escalates too far.
In such situations, the idea of walking away is difficult. Triggering causes adrenaline floods into the blood system along with the stress hormone cortisol, Blood also flows to the lungs and heart, getting fully oxygenated in preparation for physical action. And, as mentioned last month, the mind enters what can only be described as a semi-psychotic state, unable to consider much more than fight or flight.
Unfortunately, there are so many different sources of emotional laden messages that it is hard to get through the day without being outraged.
Mindfulness is an old concept that has found new life in recent years in the mental health field. Simply put it is "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique." It is a way to watch the insanity of a trigger wash over us. Letting it pass on as noticed, attended to and then released. We want to acknowledge our feelings but not let them take control of us.
Several of the 12 step programs suggest "sticking with winners in order to grow." While mindfulness may be achieved alone it occurs much more quickly when the journey is shared with others. Take time to find those who can lend support and insight into your growth.
Have a great month.
John
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