Where our emotions feel “activated”, is where the pain is hiding and where the healing begins. Remember that an emotion that is denied or suppressed may prolong the grief and pain of the loss. There is no time frame to move through these emotions. When you feel ready, this can be an opportune time to start sharing your feelings. When you are able, Recognize your experience, Allow (Accept) it to be what it is, Investigate (Inquire about) your emotions from a neutral space, and Nurture the emotions you are feeling. Utilizing the self compassion R.A.I.N technique, common in meditation, helps to bring mindfulness to the grieving process and honors the experience you are moving through. It takes time to learn how to live with your loss in a new way, because nothing will ever be the same. The emotional reactions of grief can be rather extensive. Some of the emotions you may experience are:

• Feeling guilty at times

• Feeling angry at times

• Feeling guilty or angry over things that happened in your relationship

• Feeling guilty or angry over things that didn't happen in your relationship

• Feeling intensely angry at your loved one for dying and leaving you

• Feeling like it should have been you instead

• Feeling your mood change over the slightest things

• Intensified reactions / responses

• Crying at unexpected times 

These are all natural and normal grief responses.