Welcome to Friday Pause: Rest, Reset, and Digest

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Dear friend,

Step into the gentle embrace of Friday Pause: Rest, Reset, and Digest, a weekly sanctuary where we gather to rest, reconnect, and heal. From my heart to yours, this space is for you—whether you’re a client walking this path with me, a past client finding your way back, or a cherished colleague, friend, or community member seeking a moment of calm. Each Friday, I invite you to pause with a somatic and attachment-based practice, crafted to soothe your body, reset your spirit, and digest life’s moments with compassion.

Imagine a quiet meadow, dappled with sunlight, where your breath slows and your heart feels held. This is the essence of Friday Pause—a place to ground in safety, to listen to your body’s wisdom, and to weave a tapestry of connection with others. Here, rest is more than a break; it’s a radical act of trust, a way to calm your nervous system and build a secure inner home. Whether you join us through a grounding exercise, a shared word, or a quiet reflection, you’re part of this shared sanctuary, where every pause is a step toward healing.

Friday Pause is a weekly ritual, born from my passion for somatic healing and attachment-based care. It’s a moment to:

• Rest: Soften into the “rest and digest” state, where your body finds calm and your nervous system breathes.
• Reset: Release tension and old patterns, creating space for clarity and ease.
• Digest: Process emotions, joys, and challenges with gentleness, held by your own presence.

These practices are simple, trauma-informed, and adaptable—whether you have five minutes or an hour, they meet you where you are. You might ground through your senses, breathe with intention, or reflect on what safety means to you. Each week, I share these tools via email, social media, my blog, or a text message, inviting you to pause in a way that feels right.

In a world that rushes forward, pausing is a gift you give yourself. Friday Pause offers:

• Calm and Balance: Rest reduces stress, as the Mayo Clinic shares, helping you find peace amidst life’s storms.
• Inner Trust: Grounding practices build a secure attachment to yourself, a safe base to return to, as explored by The Attachment Project.
• Community Connection: Sharing a word, sensation, or story—like “calm” or “the hum of my fan”—creates a shared sanctuary, reminding us we’re not alone.
• Healing Growth: Each pause deepens your journey, whether you’re in therapy, exploring self-care, or sharing these tools in your own work.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, or simply craving a moment of stillness, Friday Pause is here to hold you with care.

Joining Friday Pause is as easy as breathing. Here’s how:

1. Pause Each Friday: Look for a new practice every Friday. Try it alone, with a friend, or in our community.
2. Share Your Light: After pausing, reflect: What feels safe or restful today? Share a word or moment on my social media with #FridayPause, like “Safety is my warm tea.” Or email me privately at [your.email@example.com]. Your share might spark hope for someone else, like passing a warm candle.
3. Explore Resources: Visit my resource library for tools like the “Restful Pause Worksheet” or “One Kind Thing” exercise. Deepen your pause with Somatic Experiencing International or a meditation from Insight Timer.
4. Connect in Therapy: If you feel called, book a session to weave these practices into your healing. Learn more about my somatic and attachment-based approach.

Friday Pause is a living, breathing space that grows with you. Each week, you’ll find fresh practices, reflections, and stories here on this page, in your inbox, or on social media. What might you discover in your next pause? A quiet strength, a new word for safety, or a connection that warms your heart? I’m excited to find out together.

To stay in the loop, sign up for my Friday Pause emails to receive weekly practices and updates. Follow along on social media to share your moments and read others’, creating our tapestry of rest. If you’re a colleague, consider sharing Friday Pause with your community—I’d be honored.

Thank you for stepping into this meadow with me, dear friend. Your presence makes this sanctuary brighter. Here’s to pausing, healing, and growing, one Friday at a time.

With heartfelt care,

Kristi M. Estrada, LPC-S, NCC, SEP

P.S. What’s your word for rest or safety today? Share it on social media or email me at info@healingservant.com—let’s weave our sanctuary together!