Ep 11: What are Triggers? Exploring Discomfort as a Portal to Healing

Welcome back to the Sacred Illness Podcast, where we dive deep into the mind-body connection and uncover the hidden potential of our health challenges.In this episode we unravel the intricate world of triggers and their unexpected yet profound impact on our physical and emotional well-being. We'll explore how triggers are unique, deeply personal experiences that reflect our individual histories. Co-host Oriana shares a recent encounter that rekindled past emotions of exclusion and the ongoing struggle for acceptance.We'll dissect how these triggers, although experienced in the present, are really deeply rooted to past events, profoundly affecting our nervous systems and, in turn, our health. As such, they serve as obvious doorways through which we can access unhelpful programming that would otherwise go unnoticed.Dr. Hayford discusses the transformative nature of challenging situations, suggesting that they're not mere obstacles but are, in fact, opportunities for personal growth. We'll delve into the usual fight or flight responses and discover alternative ways to engage with our discomfort that promote healing and evolution.Expect to uncover the nuances of triggers that can range from conflicts to physical pain, leading to disconnection from oneself. As we trace these back, we see a pathway to reclaiming safety and authenticity. We'll also hear about Oriana's experiences with calming influences and their effect on her triggers, as well as how people in our lives can provide support during these challenging moments.Furthermore, Dr. Hayford shares compelling insights from her personal journey of overcoming what was once labeled as an "incurable" illness, shining a light on so-called spontaneous remissions. With discussions on interoception and reprogramming our nervous system, this episode promises to embolden you to step out of comfort zones and embrace the Sacred Illness paradigm for a holistic healing journey.So, lean in as we confront and transform the legacy of past traumas, learning to turn toward discomfort with a newfound sense of worthiness and control. Welcome to Episode 11 of the Sacred Illness Podcast.From the video: "The Sacred Illness paradigm is really about looking at how we normally think of "bad things" or uncomfortable things and push them away, and learning instead to look at them as medicine, as opportunities for healing, as opportunities to actually go deeper into a place of nourishing relationship with yourself... how [this pain] is the gateway to better health, rather than the thing that's standing in your path."Key topics:00:00 Exploring triggers as opportunities for healing.05:22 Understanding triggers, from obvious to nuanced effects.06:49 There is no such thing as a universal trigger.13:18 Seeking control over childhood trauma-related activation.18:51 Longstanding sense of not belonging, defending oneself.20:21 Struggle with people pleasing and self-acceptance.25:11 Triggering feelings of fawning and disappointment in relationships.28:25 Sacred Illness paradigm: exploring mind-body connection.31:10 Challenges are opportunities for personal growth.36:31 Responding to triggers in the usual way prevents healing.39:40 Neglecting health triggers can lead to uncontrollable symptoms.42:47 Dysregulated nervous system affects intuition and survival.46:14 Identifying triggers, tracing origins, and reclaiming empowerment.49:03 Promoting change in discomfort through self-discovery.If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness Group Coaching Program where these topics and many, many more are discussed and explored in detail. If you are on a self-healing journey, we welcome you into our program as a place for self-discovery and transformation!Check out www.aurorasomatic.com for more information.Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic childhood trauma, nervous system, survival physiology, chronic health issues, digestive problems, immune system suppression, musculoskeletal issues, mind-body separation, beliefs in treatment, miraculous healing, medical paradigm, Rene Descartes, physiological resistance, holistic medicine, healthcare professionals, trauma and stress, Crohn's disease, spirituality and health, mind-body connection, self-healing, sacred illness paradigm, group coaching program, mental health, emotional well-being, societal expectations, systemic change in healthcare, inner wisdom, power of belief, self-talk, root cause treatment This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredillness.substack.com/subscribe