Publishers Weekly
09/23/2019
Psychotherapist Richo (The Five Longings) explores the physiological and emotional origins of triggers and offers ways to manage them, in this insightful guide. Triggers, in his estimation, are experiences that set off excessive emotional reactions when early needs (what Richo calls the “Five ‘A’s”: attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing) remain unresolved in the present. Richo writes that triggers can be “catalysts for grief,” but also can be seen as opportunities to no longer be “bullied by... unfinished business,” and to process what was interrupted in the past. By being mindful of what arises in the body and mind during a triggering experience, one can, Richo argues, pause between the trigger and the reaction and fight against a “restricted imagination” in order to conceive of new possibilities for being. Because the book is predominantly psychological and empirical, the final chapter on spiritual resources is a somewhat awkward ending despite the strong Buddhist underpinnings to his method of close attention and embracing suffering. With pointed yet compassionate advice, Richo’s exploration of triggers will appeal to those interested in the psychological benefits of acknowledging and working to understand troubling experiences. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
David Richo helps normalize the fact that everyone has triggers—and they can be a gift. Triggers point directly to interrupted spiritual work that can free us from suffering. This book offers creative tools to step aside from reactivity and engage the curiosity that can lead to deeper exploration and truly liberating discoveries.”
—Jan Chozen Bays, author of Mindfulness on the Go
“Triggers can be experienced in two ways—as negatives or positives, as automatic reactions or mindfully honed responses. The former is largely not in our conscious awareness, and the latter is what we hope to learn as we journey through life. Using science, philosophy, mindfulness practice, and his own life experiences, author and psychotherapist David Richo helps us develop the tools to do the hard work of examining ourselves, our relationships, and our pasts to heal our wounds and become the person we have the potential to be.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness
“In this potent book, David Richo offers a detailed map of the terrain for healing our triggers. With characteristic clarity, warmth, and depth, he provides a range of tools, insights, and practical exercises to actually do what we’ve so often heard taught: to respond rather than react. If taken to heart, this book will help us reclaim our power, serve as a catalyst for transformation, and teach us all how to step more fully into caring for each other and our world.”
—Oren Jay Sofer, author of Say What You Mean
“With pointed yet compassionate advice, Richo’s exploration of triggers will appeal to those interested in the psychological benefits of acknowledging and working to understand troubling experiences.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Acknowledging that there are ‘no bulletproof vests for the psyche,’ Triggers is an empowering book that reframes triggers as guides into the psychological and spiritual work that needs to be done for deep healing to take place. What once provoked a cascade of damaging emotions becomes an invitation to learn, heal, and give and receive love.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from past pain, as well as those seeking to be more proficient at owning their own behavior.”
—Library Journal
Library Journal
12/01/2019
The latest from psychotherapist Richo (Five Things We Cannot Change) discusses the science of triggers (immediate responses) and subsequent reactions of fear, anger, and sadness these strong emotions evoke. The author argues that by delving into our inner resources, we can manage our feelings and trust our own ingenuity, here presenting numerous examples of common triggers and how understanding the origins of these responses can point us toward healing past trauma or "unfinished business." Exercises throughout prod self-searching as a way to initiate positive behaviors instead of allowing unhealthy knee-jerk responses to rule our lives. VERDICT Particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from past pain, as well as those seeking to be more proficient at owning their own behavior.
