Can you think of someone who immediately elicits an emotion of irritation or annoyance? You think of all the instances to support this feeling, and a sensation is felt in the body by the mere thought or sight of this person. You have wired the brain to have this response by instilling this programming. They are a trigger for this emotion from past experiences.

This reaction is exhausting and energy depleting. You become powerless to the very reaction you created. I am not saying the reaction may not warrant irritation, but it is sabotaging your optimum health, happiness, and wholeness.

My suggestion is to start mindfully noticing these reactions and triggers. Mindfully noticing means, you see it as it is in the present, as an impartial witness with no judgment. Start to allow yourself to process, and sit with the response. Acknowledge and hold awareness of it. By opening and embracing the emotion, thoughts, and sensations in the body, you create an ability to witness it instead of being enmeshed in it. It is here you will discover you are not the anger, fear or pain. These reactions are impermanent. They come and go, like waves upon the shore. The key is to gradually encourage yourself not to take it personally, instead view it mindfully as an experience that is passing. Lovingly nurture yourself in the present moment, give yourself what you need to assist yourself in releasing this reaction, so you can choose the response that makes you feel at peace, whole and empowered.

Listen to a brief guided meditation to help you be present with mindful awareness:

By Nancy Gentle Boudrie, Awaken With Light, Inc.