How do you know when the monkey is taking over?

I am going to make a leap, a big one. I am coming to the belief that the monkey dance is predicated on the emotions rising up. The more negative ones seem to be the driving force in regards to violent threats/encounters. The emotion of fear, anger, frustration, etc. which triggers adrenaline surges which do what they do as well on top of the emotional chemical effects on the mind and body.

My view is this tends to be the most difficult aspect in training. As fear begets the freeze emotions beget the monkey. To keep the monkey at bay is to recognize the monkey's purpose and train to block the monkey's entrance. Emotions are so fast and so effective it is seemingly impossible to stop the monkey but it is possible much like breaking the freeze.

If you train to be aware of when emotions are triggered and you can effect a break of their opening the door to the monkey you can break the emotional influence or at least keep it in abeyance while you breathe - deep, diaphragmatically and slowly. It is a matter of training and self-control. Hopefully ....