Transformational Pet Loss Grief.
Did you know that pet loss grief can actually be an expansive and a transformational experience? I understand you might not be ready to feel this way but I invite you to consider this concept when you are.
In The Beginning
When you experience pet loss there are many emotions, body sensations, and incidents to journey through. Some may cause you pain, anger, or other intense feeling of grief and loss.
These feelings can get stuck, fixated, or buried into your core . . . deep into your physical body . . . only to resurface later when you least expect it.
The resurfacing can create discord. An uncomfortable gut feeling that you may not want to experience. Therefore, pushing them away numerous times and burying them deeper.
My Friends, Please Do Not Let This Happen To You
Throughout life, you may experience many different facets of pet loss that will disturb or distress you. That is normal and okay. Embrace those experiences.
Your first reaction is maybe to push away your emotions, try to change them, or even try to not pay attention to them.
You might even say, “I don’t want to think about my sadness right now, there is time later.” The result . . . you are burying your emotions and denying yourself the opportunity to validate your feelings and feel the transformation and expansiveness grief can give you.
Transformational Pet Loss Grief As A Portal
It might sound weird but your transformational grief can be a portal that can open your heart in new ways. Pet Loss can change your life in many ways.
At this point you may be feeling this is impossible or disrespectful to your pet to let yourself experience transformational pet loss grief. But, you are ready to have a different relationship with your grief and are wondering how to begin.
There are many ways to do this, and I am going to share my favorite.
Here Is How
1. When you feel your grief resurface go to a place where you feel safe and nurtured. A place that you know you will not be disturbed. That may be a place in nature, a cozy chair, or maybe even your car.
2. Make sure you feel comfortable.
3. Take a few breaths and focus on the one emotion you are trying to push away. Try to pick just one right now.
4. Try not to judge or change what you are feeling. Just allow yourself to fully have the feelings you are having.
5. Once you identify the feeling take a “look” as to where it is “setting up housekeeping” in your body. Is it your heart? Solar Plexus? Gut? Head?
6. Take a moment to breath and feel where you are holding this emotion in your body.
7. Ask your emotion, “What do you need right now?”
8. Wait for the answer. It may surprise you. Please be patient because this exercise can take a few tries. The answer will come. It may come through as, “I need quiet,” “I would like for you to consider another dog/cat/horse, etc.” “I need to sleep,” “I need to cry,” etc.
9. When you get your answer acknowledge your emotion and act on what your emotion is asking.
Insight for Transformational Pet Loss Grief:
If you aren’t getting answers, it may not be time yet. Not to worry keep this handy for when you are.
Wendy Van de Poll, MS, CEOL
There are so many ways to allow for expansion when opening up to the possibility of transformational pet loss grief. This is just one I teach my clients. Once, you practice this exercise you will begin to notice a different way in which you navigate your journey.
Healing Steps
- Please be gentle with yourself when practicing this step towards transformational pet loss grief. Just do a short practice each day.
- Remember you are exactly where you need to be with your journey. If you are not ready for this that is okay.
- Keep in mind . . . your breath. It is important while performing this exercise. Take is slow and easy.
