Loving Support for Loss and Grief
During the Holidays
Holidays can be a very painful time if we are experiencing our first (or second, third, or umpteenth) special holiday without our loved one who has died. When we've  lost a deeply beloved one, no matter how much time has gone by, sometimes a variety of triggers can bring back or intensify our feelings of grief--sights, smells, sounds, special places or times such as anniversaries or holidays. If this is your situation this holiday season, please know that loving support is available.

There are many things we can do to care for ourselves to make such days and seasons a time of conscious coping and gentle healing rather than what can feel like blinding pain over which we have no control. Several sources of specific support are offered in this newsletter with links to more detailed information including free articles, talks and website support, on-demand teleclasses ranging from 2 to 8 hours, consultations, pet prayer flags, books and more.

For everyone hurting from grief this holiday, special prayers and love are being sent to you. You are not alone. You are understood, acknowledged, respected and loved for being a person who loves and mourns animals as much as you do. May the thoughts, ideas and resources listed here help to support you through the holidays and beyond.

With Much Love and Blessings for the souls of all our loved ones who have gone before us, and for the full and gentle healing of our hearts ~

Teresa 
Pet Loss and the Holidays: Four Things to Consider When Grieving During the Holidays
(an article filled with practical ideas and emotional support)

1. If you feel sad, depressed, annoyed, impatient, turned off or even angry about the holidays, that's ok. You're not Grinch, you're grieving.

2. Perhaps most importantly, we need to give ourselves
empathy for our pain. 

3. We need to give ourselves the time and space we need to heal, each in our own way.

4. It is empowering and healing to take stock of our blessings, to reflect upon and document the many gifts we've received from our time on earth with our loved one(s). 

Read Full Article
Dealing with Grief During Holidays and Anniversaries When You've Lost An Animal Loved One
(An on-demand teleclass with 2 hours of digital audio,
a separate guided meditation recording, and a 17 page handout package)

Holiday seasons and other special days can amplify our grief, even when our loss is not recent. This class offers many strategies to not only "get through" the emotional and social challenges of such times, but to also find solace and meaning. You will receive practical help, hope, loving comfort and the knowledge that you are in the company of others who also walk this pathway in their healing. Presented by Judy Tatelbaum, author of The Courage to Grieve, and moderated by Teresa Wagner.

The Emotional Freedom Technique for Illness, End-of-Life Care, Caregiver Stress & Healing Grief
(An on-demand teleclass with 5 1/2 hours of audio and 104 pages of handouts)

EFT is a highly effective, easy to use, self administered tool that can help us cope with and heal the challenging and sometimes overwhelming emotions of grief and loss, including anticipatory grief and caregiver stress. It is often referred to as the emotional version of acupuncture that uses tapping on meridian points with our own fingers instead of needles. EFT is an extremely powerful yet very gentle healing tool to find relief from grief related emotions such as sorrow, anguish, fear, yearning, guilt, anger, depression or any feelings that may be hard to cope with as we are experiencing or anticipating a loss.
Very specific how-to information is included to serve as a life long reference tool. 
Legacies of Love,  A Gentle Guide to Healing From the Loss of Your Animal Loved One 
(An on-demand teleclass with 8 hours of audio and 97 pages of handouts)

This class weaves together the presentation of supportive information and inspiration about grief healing with hands-on exercises to help us express our grief, understand our grief, explore many strategies to cope with and heal our grief, and to identify and find comfort from the mutual gifts and lessons of the relationship--the legacies that transcend physical death. The class is beneficial for those who have lost an animal recently or in years past and want to feel more peacefulness and closure about their loss. The content can be returned to again and again over time when support is needed to continue healing, and for any future losses.
Memorial Candle
~  May the Spirit of my Beloved Animal be blessed with peace, grace and love for all time

Candles have long symbolized the light of hope, of love, of healing and of connection with our loved ones in Spirit, providing a focus of solace and comfort for our hearts' vigil in memory of loved ones. This candle was created to honor the souls of beloved animals who have left the earth, and to comfort the hearts of all who grieve. Tall and elegant at 8 inches high by 3 3/16 inches in diameter, the candles burn for 150 hours. Each candle order includes a free copy of the audio book Legacies of Love, A Gentle Guide to Healing from the Loss of Your Animal Loved One by Teresa Wagner. Gift orders include personalized cards.

More Support from Animals in our Hearts
Consultations to talk with your animal loved ones (on the other side and here)

Articles on loss, grief and healing

Grief Relief flower essence formula for both animals and humans

Website section on Comfort and Healing in Your Time of Grief

Free one hour talk on Finding the Grace in Grief

Prayer Flags, Books, CDs & More to help during times of love and grief
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