Healing from Pet Loss with Bach Flower Essences

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03/10/2009

Losing a pet is hard. It’s not only the loss of a dear and loyal friend, but also, oftentimes the loss of a major source of unconditional love, affection and comfort. We get so attached to our pets that when they are no longer in our lives, the steadfastness of their love and friendship still remains in our hearts. Often we are blindsided by the depth and intensity of our grief when we lose our pets. It’s hard to find our way through the difficult emotions and find a sense of peace and forward movement.
Sometimes it’s easier to focus on outward expressions of our mourning, like memorializing our pet in the garden with a pet grave marker or some other type of formal pet memorial. While these are important rituals for us to go through, we still need to find gentle ways in which to address the delicate emotions that are brewing inside of us.
 
When we are unable to let go of the intense emotions surrounding our loss, and get stuck in thoughts of the past, unable to accept and be in the present, it is often a good time to consider trying flower remedies and essences.
 
Bach Flower Remedies are a collection of 38 plant and flower based remedies developed by British physician Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. Bach flower essences can help you to manage the emotional demands of life and to ease the intense feelings that grief and loss bring on. There are specific Bach Flower remedies that can help with the emotions associated with grief, loss, guilt and hopelessness. Each remedy represents a particular emotional archetype, like fear, anxiety, attachment to the past, despondency, etc.
 
Recognizing your dominant emotions is the key to choosing the most appropriate Bach Flower Remedy. Sometimes this can be confusing, as our mental and emotional states can be a mixture of several emotions which might require a combination of corresponding flower remedies. . If you're having a hard time pinpointing which of your emotions should be addressed first, ask a friend to help you sort through your feelings. You can also download a very help Bach Flower Remedies Desk Guide here.
 
The emotional states listed below are common in the grieving pet owner. There are some remedies that are also safe to give to any co-pets, since they too are probably grieving. There is also a mixture called Rescue Remedy Pet which is very effective.
 
Add 3-4 drops of the appropriate remedy to a glass of water. Sip frequently until your emotions transforms into a more manageable state. If you’re using more than one type of oil, add 2 drops of each applicable essence.
 
Here are few commonly prescribed flower remedies for grief, healing and loss, and their key indicators:
 
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
For recovering from shock or trauma, past or present, if your loss was sudden and unexpected. This also helps animals who have suffered traumas or abuse. This essence provides soothing, healing qualities with a sense of inner divinity.
 
WALNUT
If you’re having a hard time adapting to the loss, walnut works as a “link-breaker” to help you to let go and release your pet. Walnut is also safe for your other pets who may be grieving too. This essence eases transitions.
 
PINE
For getting over the “guilty feeling”, if you are struggling with euthanasia, or having had to make a very difficult decision to let your pet go. Pine helps with self-acceptance, self-forgiveness and freedom from inappropriate guilt and blame.
 
GORSE
For the feeling of hopelessness, especially when you feel discouragement, darkness and resignation. Gorse brings deep and abiding faith and hope; equanimity and light-filled optimism.
 
SWEET CHESTNUT
In extreme cases of loss of hope where nothing rejuvenates the mind and darkness overshadows one's life. Sweet Chestnut brings courage and faith in life.
 
HONEY SUCKLE
When our mind escapes the present, clings to the past, and longs for what was. Helps one to learn from the past while releasing it.
 
WHITE CHESTNUT
If particular thoughts and dreams of your lost pet repeat frequently, almost making you feel imprisoned. This will bring inner calm and a quiet, clear mind
 
ASPEN
For any unexpected surges of anxiety that you may be feeling about the health of your other pets, in spite of their good health. Aspen brings trust and confidence to deal with unknowns.
 
If you would like to learn more about the application of Bach Flower Remedies email Amit Karkare, a Homeopathic Consultant & Certified Bach Flower Practitioner and grief counselor. Or learn more on his website.
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