Trigger Calming Magic
- fight – lash out in anger without thinking
- flight – urge to leave the situation immediately
- freeze – suddenly go blank
- appease – do anything you can to make the other person happy with you
This happens extremely quickly and without your conscious control.
What you can control is what you do next.
The very best thing you can do is pause.
The reason for this is because when your brain kicks into this mode, it turns off your higher brain functions — you know, the ones that know about consequences? You don’t need those if you really are in danger–the problem is that when you are triggered, most likely you are not actually in life-threatening danger and reacting as if you are will only lead to more pain later.
So, pause. Say, “Woah” or “I need a time-out” or “Give me a minute”. And if you can’t get calm within a few minutes, leave the situation and say you’ll check back in later when you are more connected to yourself.
Whilst you are paused, ground and reconnect to yourself.
The following prompts can help to ask yourself. I find it is best to write them out, because it engages my body and my whole brain in mindfulness.
- What actually happened?
- What body sensations do you notice?
- What story are you telling yourself about what happened?
- How is this familiar – the feeling or the story?
- What do you need to get back in your comfort zone?
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Also! I’m also looking to start a community of people looking to build authentic connnections & grow together.
Thanks so much for reading! ~Emma
Nice piece! I do similar work with people seeking contentment and peace. A dear friend put your link up on my Facebook wall and I am enjoying your posts.
Our paths are sweetly similar.
Pace,
Valerie
Looking forward to future posts.
Hi Valerie! Glad you like the posts. I think we have connected before, on my other blog Tao of Prosperity.