##### Trailheads A word borrowed from [[⭐️ Internal Family Systems|Internal Family Systems]], these are entry points into our inner-ecosystems that lead to [[💡 Parts|Parts]], like following the sound of a voice to find the person speaking. They’re opportunities for exploration. [[🔑 Parts use our minds and bodies to get or distract our attention]] and communicate with us. By noticing how they've chosen to communicate with us we can make contact with our [[💡 Parts|Parts]] and then learn about them and what they might need from us. [[🔑 If the response feels disproportionate it’s about something else]] - [[🔑 Thoughts come from Parts|Thoughts]] - mental talk - mental images - Inner-voices - Inner sounds - Memories or stories - Problem-solving - Brainstorming - [[⭐️ Emotions]] - Somatic sensations; physiological responses - Movement, voluntary or involuntary - A felt sense - Conceptualizing - Impulses - Efforting, striving - [[Protector Strategies 🛡️]] - [[Symptoms of Unresolved Trauma]] - [[🛡️ Avoiding]], [[🛡️ Attachment]] - [[ACA Laundry Lists]] ###### How to Find a Trailhead There are several ways to find a [[💡 Trailheads|trailhead]]: - [[🕯️ Mindfulness]] - [[🧘 See, Hear, Feel In]], though remember one [[💡 Parts|Part]] can show up in multiple ways. - [[🧘 Mindfulness Meditation]]. Send an open invitation for parts to arise, anyone who wants attention, and notice what comes up in your body and mind. - Do a [[🧘 Body Scan]] and notice whether there are any physical sensations or thoughts that feel sort of magnetic and pull at your attention. - Try an [[🧘 IFS Meditations|🧘 IFS Meditation]] as a starting point and continue the conversation. - Review your [[🛠 Parts Log]]. - Browse your [[🛠 Memory Bucket]] or think about something that provoked a strong [[⭐️ Emotions|emotional]] response. Tell yourself the story in detail (whether in your mind, written, or spoken aloud) and notice how your body and mind react. Those reactions are Trailheads. - If many [[💡 Parts|Parts]] are up and we don’t know where to start, the [[🛠 Parts Map]] can help us get a sense of who is here and where to begin. - [[🛠 Mirror Work]] - If nothing comes up and you notice feelings of confusion or frustration, those are trailheads. We can explore trailheads through [[🕯️ Part-Tending]]. [^1]: