We start this series off in a message on February 25 in our Sunday Morning Worship. The story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9 is where we begin.
In this story we discover that not only did Jesus heal him but made him whole by touching his physical need for site, but both spiritual and psychological needs as well.
4 Part Sunday School Series
Lesson 1- Overview of series
What is a trigger?
A trigger is an outside stimulant that causes an internal emotional, psychological and sometimes physiological response. It may or may not be recognizable to the person having the response.
EX:
Psychological states in response to a trigger can vary widely depending on the individual and the context. Here are some examples:
Positive Psychological States:
1. Happiness: A person might feel joy or contentment in response to a positive trigger, such as receiving good news or experiencing a pleasant surprise.
2. Excitement: Anticipation of something enjoyable, like an upcoming event or achievement, can lead to feelings of excitement.
3. Gratitude: Experiencing kindness or receiving a gift can trigger feelings of gratitude and appreciation.
4. Inspiration: Witnessing an act of creativity, courage, or kindness can inspire individuals and motivate them to take positive action.
5. Calmness: Certain triggers, such as soothing music or a peaceful environment, can induce a state of calm and relaxation.
Negative Psychological States:
1. Anxiety: Uncertainty, fear of the unknown, or stress can trigger anxiety, leading to feelings of nervousness and worry.
2. Anger: Injustice, frustration, or feeling threatened can trigger anger, resulting in irritation or even rage.
3. Sadness: Loss, disappointment, or empathy for others’ suffering can lead to feelings of sadness or grief.
4. Fear: Perceived danger or threat can trigger fear, leading to a fight-or-flight response.
5. Shame: Experiencing failure, guilt, or social rejection can trigger feelings of shame and inadequacy.
It’s important to note that psychological responses to triggers are complex and can be influenced by various factors, including an individual’s personality, past experiences, and coping mechanisms.
How it works?
Neurologist suggests that humans are constantly bombarded with a vast amount of sensory information from their environment. According to some models, it’s estimated that people are exposed to approximately 2 million bits of information per second through their five traditional senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) and sometimes a sixth sense is included, which can refer to intuition or other non-traditional sensory experiences.
A trigger can go unperceived by these 5 senses hidden in the millions of bits of information and trigger a subconscious or suppressed memory which can “trigger” the psychological and sometimes physiological response.
The affect?
Stress which then has an inverse affect on our major cognitive functions.
- Extravert / Introvert (energy source)
- Sensory / Intuitive (perception)
- Logic / Value (judging function)
- Open / Closed (projection of future)
Lesson 2 – Addressing the theology
“Beliefs”
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
In this text we see that Jesus addresses the theology or belief around why this man is suffering. Why? Beliefs shape behavior and behavior produces the reality we inhabit.
Who’s to blame?
- Parents
- Relationship – Speaks to parents to honor God
- Religion – Speaks to children to validate their lot in life
2. Person
1. Relationship – Speaks to persons present day to honor God
2. Religion – Speaks to persons past mistake to validate their issues
4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Who’s to help?
- We not just me and not just Him
6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Way’s to help
- Material
- Movement
Lesson 3 – Addressing the biology
“Behavior”
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
- We must work works of Him who sent me
- We – Cooperate with Him
- Must Work – Commit to process
- The Works – Called to do now
- Of Him who sent me – Charted course
- Cooperate
- Mind of Christ (how does he think/feel about this)
- Mediate on Word (remove self from thoughts and observe from 3rd party)
- Move on call (obey immediately/ Mel Robbins 5sec rule)
B. Commit
A. Priority (no excuses)
B. Pain (expecting discomfort)
C. Process (don’t weigh in 1/2 way)
C. Called
A. Area (Issues are tissues)
B. Accepting (ok with seeing a different perspective)
C. Agree (proclaim truth in face of emotions)
D. Charted
A. Method (will be awkward)
B. Means (things are used and not less than)
C. Measures (accept the full work of what He will do)
Lesson 4 – Addressing the psychology
“Thinking”
6. Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
When we are being triggered we psychologically will have our senses interfered with.
Hearing:
Said: We can misinterpret the intent
Spit: We can misinterpret the meaning
Go: We can doubt instruction
Touch:
Anointed: Confuse hurt from help
Mud: Struggle with method
Actions:
Wash: Tempted to clean it yourself
Went: Try to go to yourself
Came back: Grateful for what once was painful
When someone is triggered, it can be helpful to engage in techniques or tools to manage their physiological response and regain a sense of calm. Here are ten strategies:
1. Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can help activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension.
3. Grounding Techniques: Techniques like the “5-4-3-2-1” method (identifying five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste) can help bring your focus back to the present moment.
4. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing them to pass without getting caught up in them.
5. Visualization: Imagining a peaceful or safe place can help distract from the trigger and induce a sense of calm.
6. Movement: Engaging in physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or stretching, can help release built-up tension and stress.
7. Box Breathing: This technique involves breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding for four. It can help regulate the nervous system.
8. Positive Affirmations: Repeating scriptures can help shift focus from negative thoughts to more positive ones.
9. Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a way to process and release them.
10. Seeking Support: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide emotional support and help you navigate your triggers more effectively.