Davina HerbertGrief is not a once and then done experience. When those that we love leave us – whether through death or other life circumstances, we feel grief. We all experience grief differently. Even when we think that we have moved on with our lives, grief can pop up unexpectedly. We think that we are fine and have finished grieving. Then a song plays on the radio or you will see something that will remind you of your loved one. Then the grief can well up again – in a different and maybe more subtle ways.
Since grief can vary, we need various ways to process it and a way to honour those who we have loved and lost. One of the tools that I share in my Pet Energy Therapy Grief Workbook is having a memorial garden to help with the grieving process. That is something I have personally used. Early in 2024 we had a couple of young male calves in our lives. They weren’t in our lives for long, but one of them in particular (Jed) made a big impression on me. Recently I was at the shops and found a garden statue that reminded me of Jed. I bought it home and have put in the garden near our front door. Now every time I go outside, I see my new garden ornament and remember the boys and the contributions that they have made to my life. I recall happy memories from our short time with the boys. In this particular case, I don’t feel grief and loss when I look at the statue, I remember their curious natures and the love that I felt from them.
Sometimes it is easy to get caught in the guilt of the things that you ‘should’ have done with your beloved animal companions. This is particularly true of those animals who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Yes, I am speaking from experience here. After my Mare, Doll, died I felt all the guilt of the broken promises about riding her again. I was full of good intentions, yet I always let other things get in the way of what I said that I wanted to do. However, that is in the past and I have a choice. I can continue to wallow in the past guilt, or I can change it up to memories of the fun and many good times that I had with Doll. I know which one is more honouring of her and our times together.
When our animals companions leave us, it can be heart breaking. If you are experiencing the roller coaster of emotions around losing a beloved friend, a Pet Energy Therapy Session can help. I can help you to develop your own personalised plan for dealing with the grief and loss in ways that honour both yourself and your animal companion.
To book a session, use the link below.
Davina helps you navigate your grief journey when your beloved animal companion crosses over the Rainbow Bridge.
Christine Sanson Maudy
Ann Moir-Bussy
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