Day 1791: Disturbing

It’s disturbing to me how often I’m hearing the word “disturbing” lately.

Here’s a disturbing definition:

dis·turb·ing

dəˈstərbiNG/

adjective

1. causing anxiety; worrying.

   “disturbing unemployment figures”

Here are disturbing synonyms :

alarming, annoying, bothersome, creepy, depressing, disconcerting, discouraging, distressing, embarrassing, frightening, irritating, ominous, painful, perplexing, sinister, startling, threatening, troublesome, troubling, unpleasant, unsettling, upsetting, vexing, worrisome, worrying

and  antonyms:

agreeable, auspicious, comforting, delightful, easy, encouraging, good, happy, helpful, nice, pleasant, pleasing

Is it disturbing how many more synonyms we have for disturbing than we have antonyms?

Actually, that imbalance of language doesn’t surprise me, since human beings seem more naturally focused on what’s disturbing rather than on what’s comforting.  That automatic attention to what’s disturbing,  alarming, distressing, frightening, ominous, painful, threatening, and worrying may be an outmoded survival technique (discussed here).  In my work as a psychotherapist, I invite people to balance that hyper-awareness of all things disturbing with a conscious attention on what’s comforting, helpful, and pleasant.

What is disturbing to you, here and now?  What’s  comforting, encouraging, and helpful to you when things are disturbing?

Are any of my photos from yesterday disturbing or comforting?

 

 

 

 

I love Steely Dan, whose songs can be  disturbing AND comforting.  Here‘s “Jack of Speed” from Two Against Nature:

Is it disturbing how much Donald Fagen and Walter Becker look like me and Michael?

Thanks to all who helped me create this disturbing post and — of course! — to you, no matter what disturbs and comforts you.