Triggers have gotten a bad rap in recent times. We're terrified of being triggered and we're scared of triggering others. We tiptoe across eggshells in our interactions. In return, we expect others to do the same. To mind themselves to avoid ruffling our feathers or crushing those fragile eggshells that surround our deepest wounds. In this article we’ll flip this perception—the one that vilifies triggers—on its head. We'll explore why welcoming emotional triggers is a necessary step in the process of deep healing. And how the things and people that trigger us serve as messengers and as tour guides, leading us to the areas that need to be healed.

Have you ever found yourself wondering: Why do people fervently defend their beliefs in the face of contradicting factual evidence? Why have we grown so fearful, so reflexively rejecting of viewpoints, perspectives, and even facts that challenge our beliefs? Why are we so activated by opposing perspectives and facts? There’s a neurobiological reason for all of the above called the Backfire Effect and the key to dismantling it is bringing awareness to it.