How do you deal with unexpected emotions?

We've all experienced those days when everything seems flawlessly aligned. Life is in sync, the universe appears to be on our side, and we radiate positivity. Love and compassion flow effortlessly, kindness and generosity are second nature, and we feel fully connected with ourselves. In these moments, we're undoubtedly living our authentic selves.

But then, a shift occurs. A trigger catches us off guard. Picture this: I'm in a meeting with colleagues, passionately conveying my thoughts. Yet, it's as though my words evaporate into thin air, falling on deaf ears. It's like that dream where you speak but remain unheard. At that moment, I feel undervalued, my frustration mounting and I lose track of the conversation's thread. I realise I'm entangled in emotions but struggle to acknowledge them fully. The frustration takes over, and I'm consumed by a sense of unease. I even sense physical manifestations—a knot in my stomach and tension in my hands, as if preparing for battle instead of flight. My focus disintegrates, exacerbating the unwanted situation. The cost becomes evident—disconnection deepens.

This scenario resonates universally. The pivotal question is: Are we conscious of it? Do we permit ourselves to recognise these triggers? Navigating triggers demands self-compassion and self-reflection, a willingness to examine our responses. For me, the example I shared represents a trigger—a sensation of being unheard or unnoticed by others. In response, I find myself defending my self-esteem and existence, or alternatively, retreating and avoiding the situation altogether. But the truth is, it's not merely about soldiering on. Each time we're unaware of emotions ignited by false beliefs, those beliefs persist. Yes, false beliefs. Remarkably, there's a fascinating interplay before emotions surface in response to events or people. In a mere 200 milliseconds, our minds sense threat or undermining, resulting in a distorted perspective. We don subconscious lenses tinted by past experiences, preventing authentic responses. These mechanisms lie concealed in our subconscious, influencing our reactions without our conscious awareness.

If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not walking this path alone. Acknowledging triggers and uncovering their roots marks the beginning of a profound transformation. Are you finding yourself in similar scenarios? Don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can embark on a journey to comprehend the sources of these feelings of vulnerability or discomfort. By bringing these triggers to light, you have the power to break free from their hold and traverse life's landscape with genuine authenticity. If dialling the phone feels a bit too soon and you're still on the journey to unravel the mysteries of your subconscious mind, that's absolutely fine!

There's a step you can take—one that doesn't even require awareness of those fear-based belief systems driving your emotions:

Let's break it down. When an emotion springs up out of the blue, here's your go-to move: hit pause and breathe. I call it SOBER: Stop - Observe - Breathe - Effective Response. First, halt everything, no matter what you're engaged in—thinking, feeling, or doing. This is your moment to dive inward and understand what's brewing within you, both in your body and mind. Now, take a breath. Not just one shallow breath but a series of deliberate inhales and exhales. Trust me, focusing on your breath can work wonders, bringing a calming effect in just a moment's time.

Then comes the magic—Effective Response. This is your chance to break the cycle. It's about responding in a way that's healthier and more aligned with your authentic self. Whether it's a person or situation that's triggered your emotions or even your own thoughts, this is where you regain control. Instead of getting trapped in those endless thought loops or attempting to reason why you're feeling a certain way, it's time for a different approach. Tune in to your internal landscape. Remind yourself that emotions aren't always governed by logic. Give yourself permission to experience the fear that's been lurking beneath the surface. You'll be amazed—once you confront it, it starts to lose its grip. It's like watching it dissolve into thin air. And the best thing is, by responding in a different way, you are creating new neuropathways and dissolving the old patterns.

So, there you have it—a pathway to disarming fear-based beliefs and reclaiming your emotional space. Remember, awareness is the key. By stopping, observing, breathing, and responding effectively, you're rewriting the script of how you engage with your emotions. It's time to embrace the power of your breath and your conscious responses—tools that hold the potential to transform the way you experience and navigate life's intricate tapestry.