Grief is a powerful emotion that most people would rather avoid. Whether you are grieving a friend, lover, a beloved dog, or a family member, grief is an important constant in life and yet no one teaches us how to grieve. These three suggestions can help you move through the plethora of emotions that is grief with grace and ease.

Grief is an inevitable part of life and these three suggestions will help you move through your loss and process all the emotions that come from grief with loving kindness. You can do this and you will be alright.

Create a memorial. When I lost my beloved dog I made a makeshift altar on the end of my dining table. Sitting under the table waiting for me to give him a treat was one of his favorite activities so the dining room felt like the perfect place to honor his memory. To make an altar you need only think about the things that brought joy to your loved one and place those there. For my Pepe, I put his food bowls and a bunch of treats on top of his blanket, which I laid down as a base for his altar. I added a plant (because he liked to pee on them), photos, a candle, his ashes, and eventually all the cards and gifts that people sent in remembrance of him.

Have a wake. A wake can be a powerful experience of acknowledging  the emptiness that can result from losing someone you love. This doesn’t have to be a somber event, it’s what you make it, and it’s for you…not the deceased! Laugh, cry, hire a DJ, and tell jokes, whatever you want. Chances are the people around you are feeling the loss as well. No matter how spiritually evolved you are it can still be difficult to make the transition from a person or thing being in your life physically to their no longer being with you.  This is the time for you to celebrate the life of your loved one. It’s about remembering so share stories and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.

Talk out loud. In many circles from religious to mystical to spiritual, it is thought that the energy of our loved ones can come to visit us. Some say that their souls linger for three days after transitioning while others say that they can come and visit us in the physical realm for as long as we need them. Whatever your belief is give yourself permission to speak with them. Say everything you need to say and even say it out loud. Not only is this appropriate, it will save you thousands of dollars in therapy. I talk to my grandmother who passed 23 years ago and I swear I can feel her when I do. When I come home I know my beautiful Pepe won’t physically be greeting me at the door but I still say “Hello” when I walk inside. It just feels good.