“I had to talk to some officials about my father,” my friend, Fred, said. He looked shaken. His elderly father was continuing his violent ways.

“They want me to sign some paperwork. But I don’t know what the hell my father will do next,” Fred continued. Fred’s father had attacked another resident at the facility. The police were called, and Fred’s father had to face a judge. His father was barred from that facility.

Fred was triggered. And why not? His father had physically and emotionally abused Fred as a kid. Until he left home at 17 years old.

Are you triggered now?

I have three insights for you.

1. You need steps to handle being triggered.

Every time Fred talks with his father, the conversation goes bad. So, Fred sets up a phone call with a friend to occur immediately after such a conversation. They talk a bit about the call. But better than that, they shift to talking about something good. Fred is able to make a shift in thoughts and emotions.

Do you have a pattern so you can feel better after some triggering situation?

2. Focus on doing “a shift.”

Sometimes, the way to stop emotional pain is to shift out of a worn pattern. Something triggers a person, and then they go into a negative spiral. Fred calls a friend to do a shift in thoughts and energy. You can also meditate, pray, and/or go for a walk in nature. The idea is that you avoid losing a whole day to feeling bad.

A person can get value by venting during a chosen time. My husband and I take walks together. I remember my husband saying, “I’m going to vent about the problem until we get to that traffic light. Then let’s talk about something else.” That became our signal to do a “shift.”

Do you have a pattern of making a shift?

3. Consider a “Meditative Walk” to help you release pain.

I have learned to take a certain kind of “meditative walk.” It works better with nearby trees.

As you walk you can say something like:

I thank you my friends, the trees,
I thank you grass and shrubs.
Help me dissipate the negative energy within me.
Negative energy flows downward.
Out of my feet.
Into the ground.
Into Mother Earth.
Such energy is now harmless.
I am clear.
I am safe.
So Mote It Be!

May these insights support your journey.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater