The Unfolding: An Invitation to Come Home to Yourself – An Interactive Guide Through Five Phases of Healing and Awakening

by Arielle Estoria

“A moving, fresh, unique poetry collection and a generous invitation into the mind of the poet. Both a galvanizing wake-up call and a tender lullaby.” —  Glennon Doyle, author of the #1  New York Times  bestseller  Untamed “What   I love about Arielle’s writing is that she takes readers on this journey step by step, filled with wisdom and grace. This book will help anyone seeking to unfold into their bloom.” —  Morgan Harper Nichols, author of  All Along You Were Blooming  and  Peace is a Practice In this beautiful collection of poems, essays, and meditations, Arielle Estoria tenderly reveals the places in her life where she has been broken open and mended back together in new ways. In doing so, she shows each of us how when we walk through our own process of “unfolding,” though it may be uncomfortable at times, there is light on the other side. Let these words guide your soul, and return home to the person you were always meant to be.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Hannah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like art therapy in book form.

There is nothing in the book that is a "new" concept - but the way Arielle weaves together poetry and life experience is a balm. I will return to her words.

[Gloria]

A gentle nudge. An insistent beckoning to be more. A compassionate reminder to be true to oneself when the world is stressful. These are the affirming messages provided in this collection of essays accompanied by poetry, calming illustrations, reflections and meditations.

Disappointments and obstacles may be bruising, but there is a path to peace. It requires intention and awareness. Working through the five stages ̶̶ awakening, eclipsing, mending, illuminating and returning ̶̶ the author examines religious and family obligations as well as societal patterns of behavior that are unconsciously passed down to young adults. Seeking peace may include setting boundaries and defying expectations set by family and church.

This soulful look at close relationships, body image, career considerations, and the inner disturbance caused by social injustice concerns reminds all individuals to give themselves permission to dance in their own lives.

Unfolding is a beautiful word for simply returning home to oneself. Empowering and transformative.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. ❤️ I feel like this is MY book of 2024, the exact book that I was meant to read at this exact point in my life. These beautiful words soaked into my heart and soul. I have been through a lot of personal growth this year, which followed a very deep personal pain, and I feel like that created the perfect place for these words to be planted in me. I don't have enough stars to give this; these words are everything. They represent healing and restoration and finding (or re-finding your voice); they represent wholeness and acceptance and loving who you are; they represent hope and light and a new day dawning after a dark night of pain. This book is beautiful and needed. ❤️❤️❤️

[Rynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you'd like to open your thesaurus and skim through the entries for the words "unfolding," "roaring," "wild," and "beckoning," you'll have essentially read this book. The poems themselves read like someone in high school wrote them after having read Rupi Kaur or Nayyirah Waheed. The author loves delivering mini-sermons and prefers to use one hundred words when ten would have been entirely sufficient to communicate her (unfortunately) unoriginal ideas.

I cannot recall ever writing a poor review for a book before. In my opinion, this one warrants it. 🤷‍♀️

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it and already know I’ll re-read it. I follow Arielle on instagram and could clearly hear her voice reflected in her writing and appreciate the beautiful illustrations and format of the book as well. It shares one woman’s version of finding herself through challenging life experiences and challenges you to reflect on your own.

[Gina Notes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, empowering collection of essays, poems, and meditations to come into your own power and authenticity. It was full of affirmations to allow growth and positive change. It left me feeling happy and inspired. While it wasn’t necessarily anything new, there were lots of powerful reminders and relatable stories.

[Janelle Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning. I love how genuine Arielle is in her writing, you can tell she is really speaking her truth. It took me so long to read because I really wanted to savor each poem and meditate on them. Truly loved this book and will definitely be re-reading.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The impetus for Estoria's unfolding process appears to be falling in love with a man who doesn't meet her family's expectations, so it doesn't entirely resonate with me as a perpetually single queer, but there were certainly a few gems I pulled out for my yoga practice.

[Madyson Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally THE book for self love and I love how I can do questionnaires as if it’s a work book and best believe I did those questions ahaha. This literally helped me to get back to loving ME and I truly adore this book!! “Gotta put me first Luscious!!” Lolol

[Haley Dosenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t earth shattering stuff. The poetry was okay. I liked the excerpts on her life much more. But it’s still a beautiful package and reminder.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poems were thoughtful, soothing, and powerful mediations, and I appreciated the author's perspective of combing her religious upbringing and life with mindfulness.

[Ryan Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

[Jessica Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Beautiful. Affirming. A literary mix of Arielle’s experiential journey, poetic wisdom, and summative reflections. Highly recommend

[Felicia Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Loved the meditations and reflection questions that were included.

[Willow Tompkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good! It took me a while to finish, but I enjoy poetry and different religious perspectives on self love. I liked it a lot :)

[Ann Mungmode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, resonating words

[Nicki Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is The Unfolding by Arielle Estoria a necessary book, it’s also beautifully written and structured. I laughed and cried, and I connected with my humanity in deeply meaningful ways along the way. Through her poetry, reflections, and meditations, Arielle is a gentle guide on the journey for each of us coming home to ourselves.

[♡ rey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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