I’m asking the question: Why are you triggered? not as a form of gaslighting, but as an initial prompt toward healing. It’s a question I have had to ponder for myself, and it’s not an easy question to face or untangle.
One way of loosening the knot (you guessed it!) is writing or journaling. A writing guide I was introduced to in grad school and that I have frequently returned to for my own writing practice, for college courses that I teach, and for my coaching clients, is Kim Addonizio’s Ordinary Genius. In this book, Addonizio presents a writing exercise based on Ekhart Tolle’s discussion of the pain body.
In the live session, I read excerpts from Tolle’s article linked above. I then read a poem I wrote describing my pain body. As I have in the past, I use the poem as a model for guiding the audience through the following writing exercise.
Why are you triggered? Writing Exercise:
- Think of a metaphor to describe your own pain body.
- Compare and contrast how feel when you’re in a normal or positive state with how you feel when you’re triggered.
- Identify and describe the physical sensations of being triggered (sweaty palms, knot in your throat, etc.)
Once you know why you’re triggered, you have the potential to diminish the power of your triggers. Tolle recommends merely being present, being a non-judgmental observer of the pain body, and simply holding space for it (for ourselves).
Homework: Do the writing prompt. Start practicing self-awareness in order to identify when you’re triggered and why. Recognize the physical sensation and make space for your feelings.
Affirmation: You have the power to heal yourself. You deserve love.