Dear friend,
It’s Marybeth Haines here, Animal Communicator and the caretaker of Misty, the Harmonic Egg, at my newly established Wellness Center in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
If you’ve been following my podcast, you may have noticed a recent shift in my focus. As of August 1st, I’ve expanded my practice to include sound and light therapy for both people and animals. This development excites me immensely, and I’m eager to share more about this journey with you.
Today, however, I want to delve into a topic that feels deeply personal and poignant: change and grief. When I tune into my own feelings about change, my heart space often contracts—a physical manifestation of the emotions I’m experiencing.
Change, as we know, is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s moving to a new home, starting a new job, welcoming a new family member, or dealing with the loss of a loved one, change presents itself in many forms.
For me, consistency feels like safety. Change, while often beneficial, can sometimes disrupt my sense of stability.
How about you? Do you thrive on change, or do you prefer a more predictable routine? Only you can determine what feels healthy for you, just as I navigate my own path.
Grief and loss, particularly the loss of a loved one, can be especially challenging. I’ve been working with grief and loss since 2012, having authored several books on healing from the loss of beloved pets. Yet, despite my professional experience, personal loss remains difficult.
Losing a loved one, whether human or animal, is a profound experience that can leave us feeling lost and heartbroken.
Today, I want to offer a space for us to connect and heal, whether you’re grieving a recent loss or something that happened years ago. Let’s explore the nature of grief and how we can navigate through it.
Understanding Grief and Mourning
When dealing with grief, it’s essential to understand the difference between grieving and mourning. Grieving is an internal process. It involves our feelings, thoughts, and memories as we navigate the emotional landscape of loss. Mourning, on the other hand, is the external expression of grief. It includes activities like holding a memorial service, writing a letter, or planting a tree. Both grieving and mourning are crucial for healing.
In my own life, I’ve experienced what I call “grief bursts.” These are sudden, overwhelming waves of sorrow triggered by reminders of a lost loved one. For instance, after the passing of my bearded dragon, Darwin, I would sometimes experience intense moments of grief triggered by simple reminders of him. These bursts of emotion can feel all-consuming, but remembering that they have a beginning, middle, and end can provide some comfort.
The Journey of Healing
Grief isn’t linear. It’s a winding path with ups and downs. It’s important to find what works best for you in your healing journey. Ask yourself: How do you deal with grief? Do you keep it inside, or do you express it outwardly? Finding a balance between internal grieving and external mourning can help you with navigating life's transitions with compassion and moving forward.
For me, understanding that grief bursts are part of the process has been invaluable. Recognizing that these moments have a beginning, middle, and end helps me navigate through them. This awareness applies to other forms of emotional pain, like trauma, as well.
A Space for Connection and Support
If you’re looking for support, I encourage you to join the Facebook group “Amongst Friend - Pet Loss Support,” which I previously managed and is now overseen by my wonderful colleague, Susan Young. This group offers a safe space to share your experiences, find support, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember losing a dear friend, Richie Gent, during my school years. The grief I felt was profound, and years later, I had a dream where Richie conveyed that he had not truly left; he had simply changed form. This message has stayed with me, reminding me that while our loved ones may no longer be physically present, their essence continues in another form.
Scientists have discovered that energy cannot be destroyed; it merely changes form. This principle holds true for our loved ones as well. Their physical presence may be gone, but their spirit remains with us. This understanding can offer comfort as we navigate our grief.
Moving Forward While Navigating Life's Transitions with Compassion
In closing, remember that grief and loss are deeply personal experiences. Understanding how you process grief, finding ways to mourn actively, and recognizing that your loved ones’ essence continues can help you on your healing journey.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope this discussion has provided some comfort and insight. If you need support, remember that there are communities and resources available to help you through these challenging times. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
With love and compassion,
Marybeth Haines
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