Many of us have emotional triggers that can put us in a bad or irritated mood. Or at least that’s what we think. In truth, other people, places and situations cannot ruin our day. Instead, our reactions to these external elements is what sets us off. Buddhism says that things are innately neutral, and that we as humans give them meaning. Other things can’t make us feel a certain way, only we can do that. For example, if I am bothered because I think someone has belittled me, I need to ask whether my own insecurity is what’s really the issue. Direct your focus inward, not towards others.
Key Takeaways:
- Other people, places and situations don’t set us off emotionally, it’s our reaction to these factors that sets us off.
- When we blame external events for the way we feel, we are giving power to that what is objectively neutral.
- Awareness of our own emotional triggers is a prerequisite to altering our reaction to them.
“What I’ve realized, though, is that most of my interpretation of this condescension exists solely in my head.”
Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/working-through-shame/201907/emotional-triggers