In times of deep sorrow and grief, such as when you have lost your beloved animal companion, happiness and joy may be the furthest from your mind. You may find that all you can see is the emptiness left behind after your beloved animal friend is gone.
One of the things that have brought me most comfort after losing a beloved animal companion is connecting with my spirit guides as well as with the beloved animal that has passed. In this article I will be sharing insights from one of my spirit guides that can help you find joy in the midst of grief after the loss of a animal companion.
Insights from a spirit guide on finding happiness in times of grief
I connect with my spirit guide during a sacred spirit journey, and as I ask him for advice on how to find joy when you are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, he says:
“Choosing happiness is living in the light. Happiness is not something you seek on the outside, but a feeling, a state you find inside. It’s just as much an intention and perception, for ultimately it’s a choice you make. Each moment you choose where to put your focus.
Think of the classic example of the glass that you can perceive as half empty or half full.
It doesn’t mean you deny or suppress the dark – you acknowledge it but don’t let it rule you. You choose to acknowledge that there’s more than darkness; you choose to see the light in the darkness.
That same attitude can also help you when you have suffered a great loss – like the loss of a beloved animal companion. In that case acknowledge the grief, allow the grief to be there, for it goes together with loving deeply. But instead of seeing only the emptiness, the pain, and the grief, discover the joy, the love, the light – the happiness – that’s available.
And especially a deep gratitude. Contemplate how fortunate you have been to share your life with this incredible being. Think of all the fond memories, and how your life has been so enriched by having your animal companion in your life.
When you look inside your heart, you will see that the light, joy, love and happiness your animal companion shared with you all throughout their life with you, is still there.
Wouldn’t your animal friend want you to be joyful? Wouldn’t they want to see you happy? Connect with that joy, with the light, love and happiness again, and choose to let it be part of your life again. What better way to honor and celebrate your beloved pet?
Let the joy that they were, shine in everything you do.”
I thank my spirit guide and end the journey.
Action step
When you think of your angel animal, what are some of the memories of them and the qualities they had that bring you joy? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
A note:
The joy and the grief can go hand in hand – it’s not either or. It’s possible to find the joy even as you are grieving. As described above, practicing gratitude can be a way through grief to peace and joy.
Related posts:
You may also be interested in the article: “Insights on Forgiveness from an angel cat“.
The front boundary of our fence ran along our suburban street — The Bear used to watch for cars stopping at the corner, wait at that end of the lot… and “race” them from inside of the fence. He never tried to chase a car when we were walking with a leash — but clearly loved the game he invented.
What a beautiful message from your spirit guide Marianne. Wisdom for choosing joy amidst and through the grief… I have loved and lost quite a few animal companions during my childhood years and yet I always continued to feel their love.
Thank you for supporting Linda’s new book. I feel immense joy and gratitude to be sharing my story of #ChoosingHappiness.
joyful blessings, Tina