Welcome to this practice.
My name is Stacey Ray,
Your guide.
I am here to offer you some guidance with moving through the emotions of losing a pet.
Before we begin,
Find a comfortable place where you can relax and be undisturbed.
I created this practice from a tender place of grief over the loss recently of one of our beloved pets and understand so clearly and vividly the levels of emotion after losing a beloved pet.
Our loving pets are extensions of our family,
So when we experience the loss of them,
It is normal to feel heartache.
The connection and bond we share with them is remarkably special.
We love and cherish them,
And in return they bring into our lives so many gifts that touch our hearts and souls.
They teach us many lessons on unconditional love,
Being present,
And patience.
They tickle the parts of us deep in our souls that stimulate affection,
Laughter,
And joy.
They are so innocent,
They are loyal,
And simply wonderful companions,
Which is why when we lose a pet,
Either from illness or injury or age,
We can experience the most heart-wrenching pain and loss.
If it feels comfortable to do so,
Close your eyes,
Easing and settling into your space.
How is your body and your mind feeling?
Let's check in.
Gently scan from the top of your head to your toes.
How is your inner world feeling?
No need to judge anything or push anything away.
Just notice.
When we take a moment to connect with our inner worlds,
It softens our mind and our body,
Enabling us to choose to respond to emotions and feelings rather than subconsciously reacting to them.
Now that you've had a moment to get in touch with your mind and your body,
Feel into the sensations as if you are watching them on a picture screen.
Allow them to be however they show up.
Start to take a few deep relaxing breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth,
Pausing slightly at each breath at the top of the inhale.
This helps to keep awareness to the body and the mind in the moment.
Breathe in.
Breathe out,
Allowing your body to soften.
Take two more of those at your own pace.
Begin to feel how your body is more relaxed after connecting with your breath.
Losing a pet can create a longing in our hearts to have them with us again.
We miss them and experience deep sadness when they are gone.
Yet remembering how they were a part of our family and offered companionship along with so much love can actually help soften these painful feelings and emotions around loss.
All sorts of emotions can surface after losing a pet and it's completely natural to experience these.
Not only might you experience sadness but you may also experience feelings of guilt and sorrow.
You may even ask yourself questions like,
Did I care for them in the best way they needed or was possible?
Did I do enough for them?
Did I love them enough?
Did I spend enough time with them?
But just as you can experience sadness in the next moment you may be flooded with happy memories like how they often stopped you in your tracks as a result of the way they were sleeping upside down,
Furry bellies exposed,
Or their cute uniqueness or funny playful moments and next thing you know you find yourself laughing out loud.
I believe our pets come into our lives for a reason.
It's not hard to see how they love unconditionally or how they are present in each moment of their lives or how resilient and stoic they are.
They really do teach us so much in addition to loving us.
Coming back to your breath notice the stillness the quietness of each soft inhale.
Each breath bringing in tenderness.
Our breath is always here for us.
It anchors us into the moment and when we practice connecting with our breath we enable trust in ourselves to heal and soothe us during emotional and stressful times.
Breathe in,
Feeling how your body moves so effortlessly with each breath connecting you to your sense of self,
Calming your nervous system.
Breathing out,
Our breath has the ability to settle us right down in a few seconds when we connect to it.
There is a safeness in our breath that brings in peace helping us to feel grounded and centered.
Take a moment to remember your beloved pet and how they brought you joy.
Perhaps it was the way they played with a favorite toy or the way they snuggled in close to you just when you needed it or the way they always greeted you at the door.
Whatever memory comes to mind feel into it and use your breath for strength.
Breathe in.
I would like to offer you these gentle reminders during these sad times and while you're grieving.
Be kind to yourself when emotions arise.
Allow your breath to do what it does best,
Bringing in courage to move you forward and soothe your soul.
You may also find journaling helpful.
I find that it can be a huge relief to use it to get my thoughts and emotions out of my head and down on paper to help me move through whatever it is that I'm struggling with.
Take care to stay nourished by eating healthy foods that are light and easy on your system and stay hydrated.
Be open.
Emotions can sneak up on you in the coming weeks and months.
Just come back to your breath during these times and remember its amazing ability to soothe you and get you through anything challenging.
Also when the painful tears come allow them to flow with love.
When we cry we release cortisol from our body and that's always a good thing.
Know that you loved your pet in the best way that you knew how and your pet always loved you for that.
Our beloved pets will always be in our hearts and our memories along with the lessons that will undoubtedly continue to show up.
Just hold them close.
Begin to come back into your space.
Feeling your body being supported.
Perhaps move your head gently from side to side.
Gently stretch out your arms and your legs.
Maybe wiggle your toes and your fingers.
Just bringing movement and awareness to your body.
Slowly blink your eyes open and come back to the room you're in.
Thank you so much for practicing with me in the deepest gratitude and peace from my heart to yours.
