We’ve all heard the saying: “When you point a finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing back at you.” It’s one of those phrases that sounds simple but carries a lot of weight when you actually stop and reflect on it. While I’ve always understood the idea behind it, it really started to click for me when I began focusing on being mindful of my emotions and doing the inner work to heal. Over the past decade, that’s been my journey—deliberately working on myself to create the best life possible.
Here’s the thing: when someone annoys or upsets you, it’s not always about them. There’s usually something deeper going on—a trigger within you that’s being brought to the surface by their actions.
Recognizing these triggers is where the real inner healing begins. Instead of reacting impulsively or blaming others, ask yourself: Why does this bother me so much? Often, the answer points to unresolved wounds—old experiences or beliefs we’ve carried with us for years. These triggers act like mirrors, reflecting back parts of ourselves that need attention and compassion. It’s not always easy to face those parts, but the more we do, the less power those triggers hold over us. Healing isn’t about ignoring the emotions but understanding what they’re trying to teach you about yourself.
So how do you start this journey of healing and dealing with triggers? Here are five practical tips to help you process emotions and grow through them:
- Meditation: Taking just 10–15 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help you become more aware of your triggers without being overwhelmed by them. Sometimes, you may need a little longer to let your active thoughts subside so you can truly relax. Meditation allows you to observe your emotions instead of reacting to them.
- Healing Frequencies: Listening to specific sound frequencies, like 432 Hz or 528 Hz, can help calm your mind and align your energy. Different frequencies are said to target specific areas of the mind and body. When I’m unsure, I like to go through several and see which one resonates most with me or feels the most healing.
- Nature Walks: Spending time in nature is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to ground yourself. Walking among trees, listening to birds, or feeling the breeze on your skin can remind you of the bigger picture and help you release stress.
- Journaling: Write down how you feel when you’re triggered. Don’t hold back—let it all out on paper. Once it’s out of your head, reflect on what might be causing those feelings and how you can address them.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with a positive support person—someone who will hold space for you to vent without judgment and encourage your journey in healing. This could be a trusted friend, family member, or mentor who truly listens and uplifts you as you process your emotions.
By practicing these steps, you begin to take responsibility for your own growth. Healing doesn’t mean you’ll never get triggered—it means learning how to respond with self-awareness and love when you do. Realizing why we’re triggered is an opportunity to understand ourselves on a deeper level. It’s a chance to heal, grow, and embrace the parts of ourselves we may have overlooked or pushed aside. The more we lean into this process, the freer we’ll feel from the weight of old emotional patterns and the more we’ll be able to love and accept ourselves fully.
