Self-Awareness: Get To Know Your Emotional Triggers…
Stop Bleeding Your Trauma On People
Understanding Yourself
When we are in the state of being self-aware, we are going within and noticing our emotions, our shifts in energy and our non-verbal body behaviors. Most of us have not been taught how to do this from our parents, society or school. Most of us have learned how to do this simply by growing up and learning more about ourselves and our upbringing.
When we enter this world, we are born with an empty “vessel”, a clean slate. Our subconscious mind is completely open and vulnerable, during the ages of 0–3 we are SPONGES. We absorb EVERYTHING around us and the people who surround us most. During these formative years we are creating our personality.
During the developmental stage of early childhood, specifically between the ages of 3 and 7, the subconscious mind plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors. This period is often referred to as the “impressionable years” or the “formative years.”
Emotional Triggers
An emotional trigger is something that can cause a sudden and strong emotional reaction in a person. It’s like a button that, when pushed, sets off intense feelings or memories. These triggers can be different for each person and can vary in their impact.
Imagine you have a favorite toy that always makes you happy when you see it. If someone takes that toy away from you, it might make you feel sad or upset. In this case, the absence of the toy acts as an emotional trigger that brings out negative emotions.
Emotional triggers can be linked to past experiences, fears, or things that hold personal significance. For example, if someone had a bad experience with dogs in the past, seeing a dog might trigger fear or anxiety.
Self-Awareness of Emotional Triggers
It’s important to be aware of our emotional triggers because they can influence our mood and reactions. By understanding what triggers us, we can better manage our emotions and respond in a more thoughtful and controlled manner.
During an emotional trigger feel what is happening in your body, where are you tingling, where are you hot, what thoughts are coming up? This process is not easy when we are in the “mist of it all”. But it helps us start the process of awareness, brining our attention from the external to the internal.
Introspection and Reflection
Going within, reflecting on your behaviors will help with building your awareness muscle. Building self-awareness involves cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself, including emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Start by engaging in regular self-reflection, setting aside time to observe and examine your experiences and reactions.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and tune into your internal state. Seek feedback from trusted individuals to gain different perspectives on your strengths and areas for growth. Explore your values, beliefs, and goals, aligning your actions with them. Journaling can aid in self-discovery and capturing insights.
Remember to embrace self-compassion, allowing yourself to acknowledge imperfections and learn from mistakes. Through consistent practice, self-awareness grows, enabling better self-understanding and more conscious decision-making.
