What If We Turned Our Triggers Into Triumphs

Let’s look at triggers for what they are: sore spots that trip us up. And triumphs? Our sweet spots, where we’re at our best. When we shift our focus from the power we give triggers to the power we can reclaim, we open the door to something empowering.

Triggers often feel like they control us. The very word implies we’re helpless, caught in a loop of bad habits or excuses. But what if we stopped giving them more power than they deserve? What if we took that energy and redirected it to things that uplift us instead of depleting us? It’s possible! The trick is catching ourselves in the act and flipping the script.

Yes, it’s easier said than done. We know it in theory but struggle in practice. Still, transformation is built on small, everyday decisions. The power? It’s always been within us. After all, we’re running the show, aren’t we?

By taking baby steps rooted in radical self-love, we can reframe triggers as fuel—our personal ammunition for motivation, not sabotage. Suddenly, the spiral stops, and we start rising, going from strength to strength. The same triggers that once derailed us become the very signals that we’re on the brink of change.

Often when we are on the precipice of great change, triggers surface and rear their heads, they test us. It’s as if the universe is asking, “Are you ready to level up, or do you need another round of this lesson?”

Imagine the breakthroughs we’d unlock if we turned those sore spots into stepping stones. The shift is there for the taking, if we dare to turn our triggers into triumphs.

This is Brahmacharya in action. Brahmacharya is one of the ten Yama's and Niyamas.

Oja Yoga is about to launch a workshop deep diving into these ancient teachings of the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yamas and Niyamas are like yogi life hacks or ten life codes of ethics of how we relate and interact to the world and to ourselves. Its a beautiful self discovery and reflective journey of study whilst learning the pearls of yogi philosophy.

They are designed in such a manner for those wishing to release something that no longer serves them or to make a sustainable shift out of feeling stuck. Also benificial for those who might be sober curious or in recovery wondering 'what now/next'. 'Substance over substance abuse'. They could be for anyone wishing to enrich the quality of their life, seeking a sense of deeper purpose.

Each class also involves themed yoga and breath-work practice of which participants get to keep the sequence with a list of benefits and contra-indications so you can take it home. Not to mention the philosophy teachings are yours to keep for a lifetime in your life tool box.

The workshop will feature one Yama or Niyama each session and run over ten sessions. The sessions will last for 3 hours, also including authentic guided meditation, sankalpa (solid goals) setting and powerful prompted journaling and hand-outs/ work sheets... did i mention the traditional Sri-Lankan ayurvedic rice and dahl dish served up with all of this?

The course is called 'Love, Learning and Lentils'.... LOVE= Themed gentle yoga and cleansing breath-work/ pranayama LEARNING= One of the ten Yamas and Niyamas LENTILS= Ayurvedic happy gut mini feast to share and then a casual closing circle of reflection and impactful, lasting, positive take-aways.

If you are interested please feel free to email me!

In the mean time here is a sneak peak into Brahmacharya...

Brahmacharya (Moderation or Self-control)

• Practicing self-control and balance, especially with sensual pleasures.

Overindulgence keeps us stuck, but moderation opens the door to freedom. Brahmacharya invites you to find joy and balance without going to extremes. Whether it’s resisting the pull of substances or learning to savor life without the need for a quick fix, you’re discovering how to live in harmony with yourself.

Life Hack: Set small, achievable goals for moderation. If quitting smoking, for instance, and the 'all or nothing' framework does not work for you, break it down into bite size steps: reduce the number of cigarettes each day and celebrate the progress. The power of moderation can be found in steady progress, not necessarily perfection. Just like in holding yoga poses, its about how it feels over how it looks. If you are an all or nothing person, that is of course something to celebrate in itself and go for gold, reach for the stars, however other brahmacharya practices can help in sustaining this action. Which ever method is best for you sustainability is found when the process is joyful without strain or pressure, just a healthy challenge. We cannot achieve lasting change while beating ourselves up or feeling like we are depriving ourselves, compassion and curiosity is key.

Fun Motivation Tip:

Turning FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) into JOMO, The 'Joy Of Missing Out'.

Quote:

Watch your thoughts, they become your words.

Watch your words, they become your actions.

Watch your actions, they become your habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

-LAO TZU