My 5-step method to “digest” emotional triggers so you can respond with awareness instead of reacting from old wounds.
Have you ever reacted to something, and then thought, “Why did I do that?” Maybe it was snapping at a loved one, shutting down in a meeting, or spiraling into self-doubt.
I used to think these reactions were proof I was broken. But the truth is, emotional triggers aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signs of wisdom — showing us where healing is needed.
That’s why I created the EDHIR® Framework: a step-by-step process to digest emotional triggers instead of being consumed by them.
EDHIR® (pronounced “Ed-here”) is my trauma-informed, Ayurveda-inspired method for working with emotional triggers.
It stands for:
E — Experience what’s happening without judgment
D — Digest with breath and space before reacting
H — Honor the feeling by acknowledging it as valid
I — Integrate the lesson or wisdom behind the reaction
R — Release the old pattern and choose a new response
This process turns a trigger from an overwhelming flood into a teacher you can learn from.
Why “Digesting” Matters
Ayurveda teaches that anything undigested — food, emotions, or experiences — can create imbalance. Just like undigested food causes discomfort, undigested emotions get stuck as tension, anxiety, or patterns we repeat.
EDHIR® is like digestion for the mind. It helps you break down emotional experiences, absorb the wisdom, and release what doesn’t serve you.
1. Experience (Notice Without Judgment)
‣ Pause and notice what’s happening in your body and mind.
‣ Instead of “I shouldn’t feel this way,” try “This is what I’m experiencing right now.”
‣ Example: Your heart races when someone criticizes you.
2. Digest (Create Space Before Reacting)
‣ Take 3–5 slow breaths. Let your nervous system catch up before you respond.
‣ This is the “chew your food” step for emotions.
3. Honor (Validate the Feeling)
‣ Say to yourself: “It’s okay that I feel hurt/angry/scared.”
‣ Validation disarms shame. You’re not wrong for feeling.
4. Integrate (Ask the Why)
‣ Gently ask: “What is this reaction showing me?”
‣ Maybe it reminds you of an old wound or highlights a need (like respect, safety, or love).
5. Release (Choose a New Response)
‣ Once you’ve digested, choose a different action.
‣ Maybe it’s calmly expressing your need, walking away, or journaling.
‣ Release doesn’t mean “forget.” It means you don’t keep swallowing the same poison.
The Day I Chose Release
I once had a friend cancel plans at the last minute. My old pattern was spiraling into rejection: “Nobody values me.”
That day, I paused. I experienced the sting, digested with breath, and honored the sadness. When I asked why, I realized it wasn’t about her canceling — it was about old feelings of being overlooked.
So I chose release: I reminded myself, “Her schedule doesn’t define my worth.” I spent the evening caring for myself instead of resenting her.
The shift wasn’t in “fixing” my feelings. It was in changing my relationship to them.
It’s simple. No complex steps, just awareness and breath.
It’s trauma-informed. You don’t bypass the feeling — you honor it.
It’s Ayurveda-inspired. You digest emotions the way your body digests food.
It’s flexible. You can use it at work, in relationships, or in quiet reflection.
Is EDHIR® therapy?
No — it’s a framework for self-awareness. It can complement therapy but isn’t a replacement.
How long does it take to use?
Sometimes less than a minute. Other times, longer reflection. Either way, every step matters.
Can EDHIR® help with trauma?
Yes, gently. It helps reduce reactivity and build self-trust. For deep trauma, professional support is recommended.
Do I have to do all five steps?
No. Even pausing to breathe is a win. The more you practice, the more natural the full process becomes.
If this framework resonates with you, I teach it step-by-step in my course, Abundance Beyond Trauma. You’ll learn not just the “what” but the “how” — with real-life examples, practices, and support.
👉 [Learn more about Abundance Beyond Trauma]
You don’t need to overhaul your whole lifestyle. Pick one sense today and try a simple reset.
With love,
Jeannine
