Hi there!
I lost my beautiful cat 4 weeks ago after 17.5 amazing years together. And I've been busy doing instead of feeling. Then a few days later on the weekend, whilst out walking, I injured my left ankle 3.5 weeks ago... I managed to sprain my lateral ankle muscle and lateral ankle ligament whilst walking out in nature when all the beautiful autumn leaves fell. And all I want to do over this past month is go on my usual daily walks in nature.
This has created the much-needed space to get quiet, feel, grieve and mourn my beautiful feline friend for a life well lived, and acknowledge all the incredible learning.
So, now my healing has been my priority literally physically and emotionally And through this healing and quiet reflection, I have written these blog for you on my journey and the 11 lessons that have unfolded thus far.
Lesson 1 The energy of Allowing and Acceptance
I have realised that I can't rush the process Things take time to heal And that is ok And so, I will allow this journey to unfold and I accept that it will take as long as it takes both physically and emotionally 💓💓💓
Lesson 2 Listening To My Body and Find The Balance
I always aim for pain-free movement. And therefore, don't push past that point. Pain is a message that we've gone too far sometimes. And sometimes it's a message that we haven't moved enough and been to immobile
So it’s a dance… We have to figure out for ourselves which is which. At present, my ankle pain tells me when to rest and put my feet up and be still 💓💓💓
Lesson 3 Love and Attention
Giving my body what it needs emotionally as well as physically to heal on all levels requires active listening Listening and hearing requires me to quieten my mind so I can truly hear what my body asks of me 💓💓💓
For my ankle that is lots of rounds of icing, kinesio-taping, rest, compression and elevation (lying and sitting with my leg up. For my heart, this requires self-love….. 💓💓💓
Embracing where I am in my journey of healing my broken heart. I know not everyone can relate to losing a pet and that’s ok. My beautiful cat was an important part of my life for the past 17.5 years and his presence brought me such joy.
He opened my heart to a level that I could not with human connection, to a depth that I didn’t think possible with so much unconditional love. So the loss I feel now is way beyond I have ever felt with human loss (which I have experienced).
Saying goodbye to one of my biggest teachers in my life was heartbreaking. It felt like my heart broke into a million pieces. And I know and accept that this will take time. 💓💓💓
Lesson 4 Feel And Own Your Emotions
There is so much power in this!!! It’s easy to numb ourselves from feeling…. Really feeling….
It takes courage to feel deeply But there is much rich learning and self-exploration in this if we are open and ready to go there! It’s so important to acknowledge and really feel our emotions….
So, if you are wondering how I usually do this? I usually movement, dance, nature, emotional expression that feels authentic at the time, breathing, and journaling
What I am working on lately is feeling into my body to where the emotions sit in my body at that moment….
And really feel them… And this is something new for me and like all new things it can be a bit clunky until this is something that becomes second nature. And that is ok!
I realised something really important through conversations with dear friends lately…. We only feel loss and grief when we have loved deeply and allowed ourselves to Love and Be Loved.
So, this is a beautiful and rare gift that is to be cherished 💓💓💓
I know that to some, this may be minor compared to the challenges’ others have faced especially my clients. But the lessons and the messages remain the same...... and that is why I am drawn to share this with you.
I hope it helps you on your journey.
To Your Enhanced Mobility, Health and Wellness
With Love and Gratitude
Natalie xx