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MeditationGrieving a Pet

Grieving a Pet

Losing a pet is hard and what you’re feeling is valid. Take a moment to surround yourself with love and compassion with this healing meditation.

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Hello, and welcome to this healing meditation designed to support you through the grief of losing a pet. My name is Rosie, and it's an honor to guide you through this practice today. Like many of you, I've experienced the profound sorrow that accompanies the loss of a furry family member. To me, they are cherished companions that help us navigate the world. The pain we feel can be overwhelming, especially since grieving for a pet is often misunderstood or stigmatized. You might find yourself grappling with a rollercoaster of emotions, from deep sadness to guilt or even relief if your companion was suffering. Know that whatever you're feeling is valid. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and there's certainly nothing wrong with the depth of sadness that you feel. Your grief is a testament to the love you shared with your pet, a love that transcends words. And this meditation will create a safe space for you to explore and honor your feelings. It's okay to feel whatever arises, whether it's overwhelming sadness, numbness, or a mix of emotions. Remember, healing isn't about erasing the pain. It's about gently guiding ourselves forward and finding a way to carry our love and memories with us as we navigate life without our beloved companion. If you become overwhelmed with emotion, feel free to pause this meditation and come back when you feel ready. Let's begin by settling into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Feel the breath filling your lungs, bringing a sense of calm and presence to your body. Feel the base of what is beneath you, holding you up. As you continue to breathe deeply, allow yourself to notice any sensations or emotions that arise without judgment, without resistance. Simply observe what is present within you. Notice if you feel a heaviness in your chest or a knot in your stomach. Whatever it is, let it be. Now, I invite you to bring your attention to the center of your chest, the place where love resides within you. Visualize a warm golden light glowing at the center of your chest, radiating love and compassion in all directions. With each inhale, imagine this loving light expanding, filling your entire being with warmth and tenderness. And with each exhale, allow that love to flow outward, enveloping your cherished pet in a cocoon of loving kindness. Now, internally repeat to yourself or out loud, "May my beloved companion be free from suffering. May they be at peace wherever they may be. May the love we shared continue to illuminate their journey. May the love we shared continue to light my path. May my beloved companion feel free from suffering. May they be at peace wherever they may be. May the love we shared continue to illuminate their journey. May the love we shared continue to light my path." Continue to breathe gently, bathing yourself and...

Details

TypeMeditation
Duration10 min

About your teachers

  • A former Buddhist monk, Andy has guided people in meditation and mindfulness for 20 years. In his mission to make these practices accessible to all, he co-created the Headspace app in 2010.

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  • Eve is a mindfulness teacher, overseeing Headspace’s meditation curriculum. She is passionate about sharing meditation to help others feel less stressed and experience more compassion in their lives.

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  • As a meditation teacher, Dora encourages others to live, breathe, and be with the fullness of their experiences. She loves meditation’s power to create community and bring clarity to people’s minds.

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  • Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.

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  • Rosie Acosta has studied yoga and mindfulness for more than 20 years and taught for over a decade. Rosie’s mission is to help others overcome adversity and experience radical love.

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