Triggers: A Personal Journey of Healing and Growth
To some, the term "trigger" might sound like a “new age” concept. But for those who have walked through the valleys of childhood trauma, PTSD, or adverse experiences, it can be a very real and frequent reality.
For me, triggers used to feel like relentless waves crashing in, leaving me gasping for air, unsure of how to regain control. Now, they’ve become less frequent, and when they do arise, they teach me something new about myself—because of the work I’ve done to heal and grow.
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is any stimulus, event, or situation that activates an emotional or physical reaction, often tied to past trauma. These reactions can include fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety, sometimes arising without conscious awareness of their origins.
Triggers can be external (a smell, a place, a song) or internal (a thought, a memory, or a physical sensation).
As research continues to uncover, our bodies store these responses like a safety switch, ready to protect us. But when left unchecked, this switch can feel like an overpowering alarm.
My Journey With Triggers
There was a time when triggers ran my life. A song, a conversation, a smell, they could all send me spiraling into emotional overwhelm. My body’s autopilot response would take over, and I was none the wiser.
Through healing, sitting with discomfort, somatic practices as EP, and addressing root causes, I’ve begun to rewrite that narrative. Most of my past wounds are no longer at the forefront, but healing is not a linear path. Just this past weekend, I faced a trigger that reminded me healing is a lifelong journey.
A Personal Moment of Awareness
This weekend, I found myself reacting intensely during a stressful situation involving unresolved family dynamics. At first, I thought my reaction was tied to someone else’s behaviour.
But as I reflected, I saw clearly, it wasn’t their actions but something deeper: an unresolved wound I thought I had healed.
Since my mother’s passing, life has been heavy with grief and complexity. Her unwillingness to follow legal guidance has left my siblings and me in a mess of decisions and conflict. My brother, in his grief, is focused on carrying out her wishes, while I’ve been yearning for something else entirely: closure, a fresh relationship with him that wasn’t bound by her dysfunction.
A separate event during the weekend highlighted this wound even more. My family’s collective defense of her, even in death, stirred up years of unresolved hurt. The rage surfaced momentarily, a mix of grief, frustration, and exhaustion. But for the first time, I didn’t run from it. I allowed the messy emotions to surface, holding space for them to exist without judgment.
Healing Through Compassion
What I’ve come to embrace is this: healing is not a destination. It’s a journey of layers, complexities, and human nature unfolding. Being triggered doesn’t mean failure, it means an opportunity to grow, to reflect, and to move toward deeper healing.
As someone who works with women on their healing journeys, holding space and teaching them tools to navigate triggers, I remind myself of the same grace I extend to them.
Compassion is a cornerstone of healing. It allows us to accept our messy outbursts while also learning from them.
Lessons From the Bible
Even in Scripture, we see examples of individuals reacting to triggers:
Saul’s Jealousy of David (1 Samuel 18:6–9): Saul’s insecurity and fear of losing his throne were triggered by David’s success and the people’s admiration.
Moses Striking the Rock (Numbers 20:9–11): Moses, overwhelmed by years of the Israelites’ complaints, reacted in frustration instead of obedience.
These stories remind me that triggers are a human experience—and that self-awareness, humility, and reliance on God can help us overcome them.
Tools for Managing Triggers
When a trigger arises, here’s what I’ve learned to do:
Pause and Acknowledge
Notice the reaction without judgment. Sense and name the emotion.
Breathe and Ground Yourself
Use deep, slow breaths to calm your nervous system.
Ground yourself in the present with sensory exercises.
Reflect Before Responding
Ask: What triggered this? Am I in danger, or is this tied to the past?
Identify what you need to feel safe.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Affirmations like “This feeling will pass” can help.
Shift Your Focus
Engage in calming activities: walk, listen to music, or pray.
Reach Out for Support
Share with someone you trust or connect spiritually through prayer.
Learn From the Experience
Reflect on what the trigger revealed. Seek deeper healing for unresolved wounds.
A Faith-Filled Perspective
Healing also means bringing our triggers and struggles to God. Verses like Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
By turning to Him in prayer, I find strength and guidance to navigate the complexities of life.
The Road Ahead
Healing isn’t about erasing the past but learning to live alongside it with grace and resilience. As I continue this journey, I remind myself and anyone reading this, that triggers are not a sign of failure. They are invitations to grow, to heal, and to trust in the process.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by triggers, know you’re not alone. Let’s hold space for ourselves and others, learning tools to navigate these moments while trusting in God’s grace to carry us through.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to read our blog post, "Awakening to Childhood Trauma: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery," for more insights on healing deep wounds. For those ready to take the next step in their journey, our Somatic Foundations Package offers a safe, supportive space to develop awareness, build resilience, and uncover the layers of healing waiting within.
