Grief and sadness are very difficult feelings to deal with, especially when they are stemming from the loss of a loved one. We often try to avoid these feelings as we really don’t want to feel that way, yet it’s inherent during different times of life to experience loss. It’s all part of the human cycle.

I’m Dr. Deb Sandella, founder of the RIM® (Regenerating Images in Memory) Institute and here are 3 healthy ways you can manage sadness and grief coming from the loss of a loved one:

1. Grieving Is A Process: Receive Your Feelings

Although loss often happens all at once, GRIEVING is a PROCESS that can take 1 to 2 years, depending on the significance of the lost relationship. Rather than resisting natural feelings of grief, receive them. Imagine waves of feeling coming in and washing over you and then naturally receding just like ocean waves. The process flows through in many waves.

2. Be Gentle With Yourself

Grieving includes many feelings like shock, denial, anger, blame and depression, before arriving at acceptance. Be gentle with yourself as you encounter and lovingly embrace each of these feelings.

3. Allow Your Feelings As Much As Possible

Allowing your feelings as much as possible keeps them flowing through, rather than getting stuck in your body and creating hidden blocks.

In this 5 minute video with Dr. Deb, experience an easy activity to facilitate allowing emotional waves to wash over you effortlessly, and get that much needed relief you’ve been yearning for:

For more than 40 years, Award Winning and Best-Selling Author & Psychotherapist Dr. Deb Sandella has helped thousands heal trauma, move through grief and gain access to more laughter, greater financial success, and deeper, more loving relationships. This former university professor developed the RIM® (Regenerating Images in Memory) Method that alleviates suffering and supports you to claim the happier, healthier life you deserve. RIM® is used by therapists, coaches, organizational consultants and school social workers globally and has helped countless individuals transform past trauma for a more fulfilled life. She frequently brings her teachings to Jack Canfield’s events.