The Ripple Series | Post 2: Micro-Moments of Presence
“Healing doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it just sits beside you in silence.”
– Mary Coughlin
The Ripple Series | Post 2: Micro-Moments of Presence
What Is a Micro-Moment of Presence?
Caring Science: The Sacred Within the Small
BUFFER: Where Micro-Moments Live
We tend to think of healing as something that happens in big, sweeping breakthroughs.
The turning point. The a-ha moment. The grand apology. The perfect plan.
But the nervous system doesn’t work that way.
And neither does the heart.
Healing is cumulative.
It builds slowly, moment by moment—through consistent, attuned, micro-presences that tell the body and soul:
“You matter. You’re safe. You’re not alone.”
What Is a Micro-Moment of Presence?
It’s:
A nurse brushing a mother’s shoulder with reassurance—without saying a word.
A colleague making eye contact before a difficult conversation.
A pause before reacting.
A breath before touching.
A “me too” in the middle of a vulnerable share.
These moments take seconds—and they change everything.
They don’t just fill time. They change the meaning of time.
TIDC: The Science of Small
In Trauma-Informed Developmental Care, micro-moments of presence help:
Regulate immature nervous systems
Build trust with parents navigating trauma
Create consistency and safety among overstretched teams
Think about it:
A hand placed gently during an IV start
A name spoken with care in a family meeting
A pause at bedside, even when there’s nothing new to say
These aren’t protocol.
They’re presence.
And their impact is biological, not just emotional.
Caring Science: The Sacred Within the Small
Jean Watson reminds us that caring is often transpersonal—it happens beyond words and beneath awareness.
It is energy.
A micro-moment of presence holds that energy.
It says:
“Even when I cannot fix this, I will not leave you alone in it.”
That kind of presence lingers.
BUFFER: Where Micro-Moments Live
Every BUFFER element can be felt in a micro-moment:
Belonging: “You’re not invisible to me.”
Understanding: “I see what’s unspoken.”
Forgiveness: “You get a fresh start.”
Frameworks: “There’s structure here—even if it’s just my steady presence.”
Equanimity: “I’m not swept away by this moment.”
Respect: “Your dignity is non-negotiable.”
A Reflection to Carry With You
What’s one micro-moment from the past week that stayed with you?
How might you offer a healing micro-moment today—with a baby, a parent, a colleague, or even yourself?
Call to Action: Share the Moment
Want to go one ripple further?
I’d love to hear about one micro-moment that mattered to you—whether it was offered, received, or witnessed.
Just hit reply, or tag me on social with your story.
Use the hashtag #RippleOfPresence so we can gather and amplify these healing glimmers.
You never know who your moment might ripple toward.
Keep tending the sacred,
Mary
P.S.: If this post stirred something in you—if you’re starting to notice the quiet power of presence and wondering what it means to live that more fully in your practice—then you might be ready for the next step.
The Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP) Certificate Program is where presence becomes practice.
Grounded in science, soul, and skill, TIP 2.0 offers a structured path to integrate trauma-informed developmental care, the BUFFER framework, and your own healing presence into everything you do.
