Triggering Emotions
Ever found yourself in a funk, blaming it on lack of sleep or hunger? It's a common scenario where our body's signals indicate a shift in mood. But when those negative vibes linger, it's time to listen up and tune in to what our inner self is trying to tell us.
When it comes to the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind, our lives are a blend of both conscious and unconscious processes. While we like to think of ourselves as primarily operating from a place of conscious awareness, much of our behavior, thoughts, and emotions stem from deeper, subconscious or unconscious levels.
When we're negatively triggered, our body often responds before our conscious mind fully registers what's happening. Physiological changes occur, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and tense muscles, as our fight-or-flight response kicks in. These automatic reactions can temporarily hijack our conscious awareness, leading us to react from a place of instinct rather than thoughtful consideration.
In these moments, it can feel like we're reacting automatically, without much control. However, like a break in the clouds, there comes a point where we can identify that we are in an old pattern. This awareness is crucial because it gives us the power to choose how to respond.
Let me illustrate this with a story. There was a man who was disgruntled in his career. He had reached the top of his field and had a great salary, but something was missing. He told me he finally recognized the overwhelming feeling of “burn out” he had been experiencing. He recalled feeling this way twice before in his life, each time following a drastic break in his reality. The first time, he was fired, which led him to take a six-month sabbatical hiking from Mexico to Canada. The second time, he broke his femur bone in a fall, putting him out of commission for six months. I was impressed by his awareness and applauded his ability to notice that he was running a past pattern. I asked if he was going to listen to the warning and add some intention to his future or just let the universe have its way with him. Four weeks later, he resigned and completely changed his career trajectory.
Bringing ourselves out of negative emotions involves a process of self-awareness followed by self-reflection. Imagine there is a little toddler inside of us tugging on our shirt to get our attention. By becoming aware of our triggers and the patterns they activate within us, we can start to regain control over our reactions. NLP techniques like anchoring, pattern interrupts, reframing, and visual squashes can be particularly helpful in this regard.
Awareness plays a crucial role in cultivating well-being. When we're aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we have the power to make intentional choices that align with our values and goals. By recognizing our triggers and understanding their impact on us, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms and responses. Ultimately, awareness empowers us to live more authentically and purposefully, contributing to greater overall well-being.
Pattern interrupts are indeed powerful tools for shifting our emotional state from a destructive one to a more productive one. By interrupting these patterns, we create space for new, more positive perspectives and responses to emerge.
For example, when we find ourselves in a negative mood or experiencing strong emotions, we can employ a pattern interrupt by engaging in activities that divert our attention and shift our focus. This might include going for a walk in nature, practicing deep breathing exercises, or listening to uplifting music. These actions help break the cycle of rumination and negativity, allowing us to regain clarity and perspective. It's like hitting the reset button on our emotional state.
Clear thinking is facilitated by higher, more enjoyable emotional states. When we're in a positive emotional state, such as being newly in love, our perception of the world tends to be more optimistic and harmonious. We're more likely to notice the beauty in our surroundings, appreciate small moments of joy, and approach challenges with a sense of optimism and resilience.
In contrast, when we're in a bad mood or experiencing negative emotions, everything around us can seem bleak and irritating. Our focus narrows, and we may magnify the negatives while overlooking the positives in our environment. This state of mind can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to make sound decisions.
My sister once shared a story
her mother-in-law told her while raising her young son. She said if a child is inconsolable and nothing seems to be working, take them outside or put them in water. I love this brilliant idea and can attest that it works! We all have a small child inside us that responds the same way. When we gently parent ourselves like a small child, we can incorporate this powerful technique to shift our mood quickly.
By consciously cultivating positive emotions and practicing pattern interrupts when needed, we can enhance our clarity of thought and make better decisions. By nurturing a mindset of gratitude, love, and optimism, we create a foundation for well-being that allows us to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and perspective.
Questions for Reflection:
What are some common triggers you experience in your daily life, and how do you typically respond to them?
Can you identify a recent situation where you reacted automatically? How might you apply awareness and pattern interrupts to handle similar situations differently in the future?
By reflecting on these questions and applying the concepts of awareness and pattern interrupts, you can begin to transform your reactions and foster a more positive and resilient mindset. This shift not only enhances your overall well-being but also empowers you to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
