Listening to the Disturbance

Understanding the Voice of Misalignment

Anxiety Fear vs misalignment

Sometimes, when I need to do something, I feel a disturbance in my heart — a heaviness, tightness, or quiet resistance that lingers. I don’t feel fear, but I notice the discomfort and become curious. Where is it coming from? So I pause and ask myself gently: “Is this anxiety, or is this misalignment?”

Anxiety comes from fear — a sense that something bad might happen, or that I won’t be okay. It’s the nervous system trying to protect me from danger, even if there’s no real threat. When it’s anxiety, I need safety, grounding, and soothing.

Misalignment, on the other hand, comes from inner truth. It’s not about fear — it’s about honesty. It’s a quiet but steady signal from within, saying: “This doesn’t feel right for me.” “This isn’t aligned with my values, my energy, or my truth.” It’s not wrong or bad — it’s information. My body is wise. When it speaks this way, I can listen with compassion.

When misalignment happens

When I feel misalignment, I don’t need to ignore or override it. I can ask:

• “What feels off about this for me?”

• “Am I doing this from guilt or pressure?”

• “Is there a gentler, more honest way to approach this?”

Sometimes I do the thing anyway — but with awareness, care, and better boundaries. Misalignment is information, it is a signal — a loving one — from the part of me that wants to live in truth. And every time I listen to it, I build trust with myself.