I think that trauma is sometimes used as a defense, an avoidance of dealing with our deep unease, discomfort, suffering. The avoidance of “triggering” is often used as an excuse for not addressing deep trauma.
Everyone of us carries in us the remnants of trauma in the form of discomfort and unease. Any experience that triggers this personal suffering is an invitation to embrace and deal with the suffering that we carry. If someone or some situation triggers my unease, then I have the opportunity to address what some would call trauma.
Intent in triggering is important. To trigger trauma in someone with malice or inattention is not an act of compassion. Disrespect is not compassion. Compassion expressed in events, words or experiences that trigger my discomfort may actually be something that helps me overcome the trauma and discomfort I carry. By becoming mindfully aware of my discomfort and suffering I am taking an important step in moving away from the harmful effects that trauma has on me.
We can help one another by helping make us aware of the trauma and discomfort we carry. Loving compassion frees others from suffering. Assisting with awareness can be an act of compassion. At the same time, each of us has to face our own internal discomfort and take steps to embrace it with mindfulness. Awareness cannot be forced on us. A principal step in adddressing trauma is to engage it with deep mindfulness.
The notion of triggering is overused and is often an excuse for avoiding discomfort.