Actions, and reactions
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is Newton’s third law of Physics and explains about forces that result from interaction between objects.
In the realm of human behaviour, mindset and subconscious however, a Reaction could be perceived as an almost instant reaction by person A towards a memory triggered by person B’s action.
Let me explain.
Person A underwent a traumatic event during his childhood. As a child, A has had a sweet tooth, and especially for cold and colourful treats like ice-cream. One day, while the 3 year old boy was enjoying a particularly delicious and refreshing ice-cream treat, one of the kids in his neighbourhood came to visit and had brought along a big Labrador dog, called Mocha.
Mocha loved sweet treats as well. Even though Mocha was on a leash, he was so big and strong that the neighbour was not able to hold him back, when he lunged towards A, hoping to get a nice big lick of the ice-cream.
It was not a pleasant experience at all. In fact, A got the biggest shock of his young life when Mocha lurched towards him so suddenly. The next 5 seconds or so until a big adult came and caught Mocha’s leash were terror-fillled moments for A.
Never has A been so terrified as during those moments when the big dog chased the little boy around the front yard because it wanted to have some ice-cream.
Twenty years later, A has forgotten about that ugly incident. Friends, family he meets who happen to mention it in jest will be met by A’s laughter at the memory. He can even joke about it in return.
Put a big dog in front of him however, and he can’t help but break into a cold sweat. He would go out of his way to never cross paths with a dog, and overall, he is just not happy if he even sees one.
Response
According to many mindset coaches, a trauma that happens is not traumatic because it happened to you. Instead, whether it traumatises you depends on your understanding of what has happened and your ability to handle it.
There is a general perception that a majority of traumas; the type that leave lifelong scars in a person; happens during childhood when the person is not ready, or is simply too young to process and handle the event.
Trauma is a biological response, and in Person A’s case he is still undergoing subconscious trauma. This subconscious trauma shapes how he responded to being chased by a dog, and how he still reacts to the memory of being chased by a dog, without being aware of it.
Only one example of subconscious trauma and how it started, was shared in this post. How many subconscious traumas might each of us carry around with us every day, all through our lives without realising it is there?
Most times, we may remember only the trauma and react instinctively towards what we remember about it. The trauma has triggered reactions that are often less desirable than if we have properly weighed a situation and responded towards the factors in the situation.
From previous posts, you may recognise that these deep-rooted traumas and our knee-jerk reactions can have deep impact upon our lives, because subconscious trauma:
- Forms limiting beliefs
- Can potentially prevent someone from fully enjoying happy events
- Can potentially lead to self-sabotage and destructive behaviours
Recognising that we are reacting to triggers in a situation, instead of responding to the situation itself, is an important first step.
Speaking to a mental health therapist can help to uncover causes of triggers and resolve them.
REFERENCE
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-subconscious-trauma-why-should-we-care-genuine-messages-daily/?articleId=6717612852724797440
