Triggers are the gateways to healing

Don’t shoot the messenger

An important preparation step alongside facing your fears is becoming aware of your triggers.

Addressing them and working on these before your trip can help to lessen their impact. It’s vital to have techniques ready because, at the retreat center, other group members might remind you of people you have unresolved issues with. They may eat, walk, talk, or cry in ways that bring up memories. Without realizing it, you might blame a stranger for your uneasy feelings. Remember that being triggered means something is ready to heal. Since you’re here for deep healing, anyway, be grateful for whatever challenges arise.

Triggers are the gateways to healing—this was my mantra before my retreats so I’d remember it when triggered, which happened countless times. People mostly reflected my younger self, showing me how I operated, behaved, or misbehaved, and my attempts to fit in. Understanding what was happening (being triggered), I managed not to make a scene or say something hurtful to someone who deeply annoyed me. I’m not saying it didn’t show on my face, though, but we could talk about it later.

Pause and take a breath

Even a quick two-second pause can help you realize this is an old story being poked. While the faces and scenarios might be new, why not make your reaction new too? It’s a chance to pause and sigh. You can even say aloud, “Look, I’m feeling uncomfortable—something’s triggered in me, so I’ll be back after I deal with it.”

This helps you win some time for yourself and deal with the situation later as an adult, if there is still something to deal with. This way you not only give yourself the chance to heal an outdated past event, but you also teach others a brand-new way to work with triggers.

We all get triggered sometimes, regardless of the inner work we’ve done—it’s part of being human and living with others on Earth. I recently heard a great quote—paraphrasing here because I don’t remember the source: “Even if you reach enlightenment, you’ll still have problems because you share the planet with others.” This feels so true to me.

Let’s move on, and I’ll share some techniques for when your button is pushed.

Helpful questions to reflect on triggers and start healing

This is best done after the scene has settled, as clear thinking helps you process it effectively. Ask yourself: What happened here? What can I learn? Who do they remind me of? Why is this so painful / annoying / frustrating etc.? Or any other question that comes up.

Journaling is a great tool here. Write your answers, not just think them. Writing lets your soul converse since you can only write one thought at a time, allowing a deeper dive into self-discovery.

By the end of this exercise, you’ll likely uncover the WHY. Why are they so irritating and triggering? Why is staying calm around them hard? Now, it’s time to ask the more important question: HOW? How do I heal? How do I change my thinking? How can I forgive myself or someone else from the original event? How can I react differently next time? Keep in mind, the person who triggered you was just a messenger, showing that now is the best time to heal this issue uncovered through journaling.

If you cannot resolve it on paper and on your own, bring it to the ceremony and ask for help from the shamans and Mama Ayahuasca to heal your heart.

One more thought to consider

You can make a list of your expected triggers beforehand that you think will come up during your retreat and even create a trigger timeline to help you be prepared. While you might find that healing in the jungle is easier than at home in familiar surroundings, it’s better to start the process now. Don’t rely entirely on your trip, thinking there will be enough time to heal everything, as you’ll hopefully be spending a lot of time exploring the world around you.

Remember, this journey is not only about digging out another issue to resolve but also about connection—connecting to Mother Nature, fellow travelers, and most importantly, your Soul—your true essence. Embrace the beautifully complex nature of your inner work and enjoy it!

Ready to go even deeper?