The Story of Disturbance: Embracing the Path to Inner Peace
- TFH
- Mar 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 3
The Emotions Library project is a collection of stories about the emotion(s) we experience. Stories bring meaning and clarity, helping us understand our emotions better. We do this so everyone can access knowledge, gain emotional literacy, and develop self-awareness.
Experiencing disturbance informs us that something in our inner or outer world is out of alignment and needs attention. It acts as a signal, urging us to pause, reflect, and determine whether the source of unease requires action, acceptance, or a shift in perspective.
Disturbance can stem from uncertainty, past experiences, or unresolved emotions, often triggering a mix of anxiety, doubt, or discomfort. However, rather than seeing it as a negative state, we can view it as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth. It reminds us to check in with our emotions, reassess our circumstances, and make choices that restore balance.
Story: Feeling unsettled or troubled by something.
Impulse: Seek calm or confront the issue.
Etymology: From Latin disturbare, meaning to throw into disorder.
Purpose: Encourages resolving inner or outer conflicts.
Emotional Regulation and Journaling
In partnership with Calm3D, we provide a safe space for self-regulation, to feel peace, safety and security. At the same time, reflect on your own emotional experience and experience your disturbed story.
Visit www.playcalm3d.com as you reflect and experience peace as you contemplate the emotions within you.
Reflective Questions
1. What is unsettling you?
2. How can you create a sense of peace within yourself?
3. What action can you take to address the disturbance?
Feeling Unsettled or Troubled by Something
Life is full of moments that disrupt our sense of balance. A conversation that didn’t go as planned, a sudden change in circumstances, or an internal struggle with self-doubt can leave us feeling uneasy. This feeling of being disturbed is not just discomfort—it’s a signal that something needs our attention.
Katherine sat alone in her apartment, staring at the unread message on her phone. It wasn’t just the words that unsettled her—the weight behind them.
"We need to talk."
Four simple words stirred something deep inside her. A feeling she couldn’t shake. Her hands felt cold, her stomach tightened, and a dull ache settled in her chest. She tried to tell herself it was nothing, but the whisper of unease in her mind refused to be ignored.
She paced around the room, running through possibilities. Had she done something wrong? Was something about to change? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a slow, creeping sensation that spread like ink in water.
She knew this feeling well. It was the same feeling she had when she sensed a friendship fading before the words were spoken. It's the same feeling that lingered before past relationships crumbled. A quiet alarm in her chest warned her that something was out of place—something was being thrown into disorder.
Katherine inhaled deeply, trying to ground herself. Was she overthinking, or was her intuition speaking? The line between the two always felt blurred.
Impulse: Seek Calm or Confront the Issue
When disturbance arises, we naturally feel the urge to resolve it in one of two ways: by restoring calm or by facing the issue head-on. Both impulses serve a purpose, but choosing the right response depends on the nature of the disturbance.
Seeking Calm
→ This response involves finding peace through emotional regulation. Instead of reacting impulsively, you pause, reflect, and create a sense of stability before making a decision.
→ Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or removing yourself from the situation can help you gain clarity before taking further action.
→ Seeking calm is beneficial when emotions are high, and a reaction might escalate the issue rather than resolve it.
Katherine had two choices. She could sit with this feeling, let it consume her, let her mind spin endless scenarios. Or she could take a step back—breathe, journal, shift her focus, and give herself space to think before responding.
Confronting the Issue
→ This involves directly addressing the source of the disturbance—whether it’s an unresolved conflict, a difficult decision, or an internal struggle.
→ Confrontation doesn’t always mean aggression; it can be a thoughtful conversation, a firm boundary, or an intentional change in behaviour.
→ This impulse is useful when the disturbance requires action, rather than just emotional regulation.
With a steady breath, she typed back:
"What’s on your mind?"
Her pulse quickened as she hit send. But then, something shifted. The tightness in her chest loosened, just a little. The disturbance was still there, but now, it had a direction.
Balancing Both Impulses
Sometimes, a situation requires a mix of both responses. Seeking calm first can help you confront the issue with a clearer mind. Likewise, confronting a problem directly can sometimes bring the peace you seek. Learning to recognize which impulses to follow in each situation is a key part of emotional intelligence.
The Origins of ‘Disturbed’
The word “disturbed” comes from the Latin disturbare, a combination of dis- (meaning apart or away) and turbare (meaning to stir up, agitate, or throw into disorder). This origin reflects the essence of being disturbed—something once stable has been shaken, thrown off balance, or unsettled.
Over time, the word has evolved to describe emotional, mental, and physical disruption. In modern usage, being disturbed can refer to:
A temporary feeling of unease, like when something unexpected happens.
A deeper emotional unrest, such as unresolved internal conflicts or anxieties.
A state of disorder in the environment, such as a chaotic situation, creates discomfort.
This linguistic history reminds us that disturbance is a form of disruption, but disruption is not always negative. Sometimes, being “stirred up” is necessary for growth, clarity, and change.
Katherine knew that the moment she hit send, she had embraced the disruption. No matter what response she received, she had chosen to face what disturbed her rather than let it control her.
Purpose: Encourages Resolving Inner or Outer Conflicts
At its core, the feeling of being disturbed serves a valuable function: it draws attention to something that needs resolution. Disturbance can be a signal that:
An external conflict needs to be addressed
→ This could be an argument, a workplace issue, or an unexpected life event that requires action.
→ Addressing the disturbance directly may lead to resolution, clarity, or necessary change.
An internal conflict needs acknowledgment
→ Sometimes, the disturbance is emotional—past trauma, self-doubt, or fear resurfacing.
→ These moments encourage self-reflection, healing, and personal growth.
For Katherine, this moment of unease wasn’t just about a single text message—it was about her relationship with uncertainty. Did she avoid discomfort, or did she meet it with courage?
A situation needs reevaluation
→ Disturbance can be a sign that something in your life is misaligned with your values or needs.
→ It may be a nudge toward making a different choice, setting a boundary, or changing a perspective.
Taking action, no matter how small restores a sense of control and turns discomfort into an opportunity for growth.
Emotional Literacy: The Power of Naming and Understanding Disturbance
Being disturbed is not a single emotion but a combination of feelings that create unease. It can stem from anxiety, the fear of an uncertain outcome; frustration, the sense of being stuck or powerless; confusion, the struggle to make sense of a situation; or overwhelm, the weight of unresolved emotions. These feelings, if ignored, can create deeper distress. However, naming them helps us process them.
Katherine felt disturbed when she read the message: We need to talk. Her mind raced with possibilities, her body responded with tension, and emotions swirled between worry and anticipation. Was she anxious because she feared bad news? Frustrated because she felt out of control? Or overwhelmed because past experiences told her this phrase never ended well? Recognizing these emotions helped her move from reaction to response. Instead of spiralling into endless worry, she paused, breathed, and asked herself what she needed to do.
Disturbance is a call to emotional awareness. It asks us to stop, reflect, and decide how to navigate what unsettles us. Whether by seeking calm or taking action, learning to engage with disturbance rather than resist it transforms unease into understanding.
Reflective Questions
What is unsettling you?
How can you create a sense of peace within yourself?
What action can you take to address the disturbance?
Embracing Disturbance as a Guide
Disturbance is not something to fear or suppress—it is a signal that something in your life needs attention. By understanding what unsettles you, creating space for calm, and choosing how to respond, you can transform disturbance into clarity.
The next time you feel disturbed, ask yourself:
What is this feeling telling me?
How can I respond in a way that aligns with my well-being?
For Katherine, choosing to engage with the disturbance gave her a sense of direction. No matter what came next, she had taken a step toward clarity. And that, somehow, made all the difference.
Disturbance is a guide—it points you toward healing, change, and deeper self-awareness. Listen to it, and let it lead you toward growth.
Final Thoughts
If Katherine’s experience resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on what might be fueling your sense of disturbance. This feeling often arises from uncertainty, past disappointments, or the fear of impending change—experiences that have taught you to stay alert, to anticipate the worst, to brace yourself for what might come next. While disturbance can serve as a warning, prompting you to be cautious and prepared, it can also become an obstacle, keeping you stuck in a cycle of overthinking and hesitation. The weight of unease can turn simple moments into internal battles, where doubt and reassurance constantly pull you in different directions.
However, feeling disturbed doesn’t have to consume you. Instead of seeing it as something to fear, consider it a signal—an invitation to pause and examine what is truly at the root of your discomfort. Acknowledging your emotions, creating space for reflection, and gradually finding ways to respond with clarity can help you navigate disturbance without feeling overwhelmed. Tools like Emoli Cards can help you gain clarity in processing these emotions, uncovering their true source. If finding balance feels difficult, an Emotions-Based Coaching session can offer deeper guidance, helping you restore emotional stability and move forward with greater confidence.
Rather than resisting disturbance, see it as a guide. It doesn’t mean you are powerless, but rather that your mind is signaling something important—something worth understanding. And peace, much like healing, doesn’t happen all at once. It grows in small, steady steps, through self-awareness, intentional action, and time.
So, the next time you feel unsettled, ask yourself: Is this disturbance pointing me toward something I need to change, or is it a fear that I need to let go of?
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