Balancing Sadness and Joy To Help You Find Hope Amidst Grief

First, I just wanted to say, I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is the worst pain, maybe the worst pain you've ever felt. I know I'm going through it as well. The grieving process, the sadness, the, the depression, the loneliness, the pain. We can feel overwhelmed with all of these emotions. And finding joy.

Amidst all the sorrow and sadness can seem impossible. I understand that. How do you find joy? How do you find joy when you've lost your true love?

But it is important to remember that sadness and joy can actually coexist. You can think of good in the midst of all the sorrow that you're going through. And we know that each person's journey through grief is very unique. It's very personal and it's okay to honor your own path. Today, I'd like to explore a gentle meditation to help balance these emotions, offering hope and a little bit of compassion as you navigate your loss.

So, just begin by finding a comfortable position, allowing your body to relax and your mind to settle, and close your eyes gently and just take a few deep breaths, inhaling peace and exhaling any tension.

As you settle into this moment, bring your awareness to your heart. Notice any feelings of sadness, pain, or heaviness that may reside there. Acknowledge these emotions with kindness and compassion. Just understanding that they are a natural part of grieving. Completely normal.

Now imagine a soft, warm light surrounding your heart. This light represents love, understanding. and the possibility of joy. Now, with each breath, feel this light gently expanding, bringing warmth and comfort to your heart.

As you breathe in, silently repeat the word sadness. And as you breathe out, silently repeat the word joy. Go ahead and continue this pattern, allowing yourself to feel the coexistence of both emotions within your heart, sadness and joy, sadness and joy.

Now, if you can reflect on a cherished memory with your pet, a moment that brought you immense joy and happiness. Picture this memory vividly in your mind, just feeling the warmth and love that it brings. It

might even bring a small smile to your mouth. And if it does, just know it's okay to feel joy, even in the midst of all the sadness.

As you hold this memory in your heart, notice how the feelings of sadness and joy can coexist. It's natural to feel both emotions and honoring them can bring a sense of balance and peace.

If the sadness feels overwhelming, I totally get it. I am right there with you. Had those feelings before. Just remember that it's okay to lean into the support of the warm loving light surrounding your heart. Let this light remind you that you are not alone in your grief. and that it is possible to find moments of joy and hope.

Go ahead and take a deep breath in,

and as you exhale, release any tension or resistance you may feel.

Allow yourself to be present with both the sadness and the joy, understanding that both are part of your journey through grief.

Now, if you're able to, imagine your pet's spirit surrounding you with love and comfort. Feel their presence in the warm light, offering you a sense of peace and reassurance and know that they would want you to find joy and happiness even as you mourn their loss.

We're going to go through five affirmations. And feel free to silently repeat these affirmations to yourself. It's okay to feel both sadness and joy as I grieve my pet's loss.

I honor the love and joy my pet brought into my life.

I allow myself to find moments of happiness knowing my pet's spirit is always with me.

I embrace the coexistence of sadness and joy, finding balance in my emotions.

I am gentle with myself as I navigate the journey of grief, allowing space for both sorrow and hope.

As we approach the end of this meditation, take a moment to just express gratitude for the love and joy your pet brought into your life. Acknowledge the impact they had on your heart and the beautiful memories you will always cherish.

Let's go ahead and take a final deep breath. Go ahead and inhale peace

and exhale any remaining tension.

Know that you have the strength to hold both sadness and joy in your heart as you continue to heal.

When you're ready, Gently open your eyes and return to the present moment, carrying with you just a sense of balance and hope that joy will gradually re enter your life. Thank you so much for meditating with me.