Laughter as a form of Compassion
Sometimes healing doesn't mean changing what is happening to us.
Sometimes, it means changing how we meet what is happening.
Today, we talk about Sunny: a beautiful man who leads with his heart and feels deeply in his soul. He is physically declining from an undiagnosed neurodegenerative illness.
Sunny watches his abilities diminish day by day. Spasticity has created so much instability in his legs that he is now confined to a wheelchair. He can no longer take walks through the woods or independently transfer from his wheelchair to his bed or the bathroom. He now needs assistance to move through much of his day.
His hands have started to weaken. Tasks that once required no thought, like brushing his teeth and holding a cup, are becoming increasingly difficult. Playing his beloved guitar has become impossible.
Experiences on the Massage Table
When new clients come to Live Your Light for a Medical Qigong session, they often wonder what to expect while they are lying on the massage table.
It’s a surprisingly difficult question to answer because every session is a uniquely personal experience.
Today I thought it would be fun to share both the common and the knock-your-socks-off experiences that clients have had recently.
Instead of “Sorry” say “Thank you”
Growing up, I knew my place in the world. I said please and thank you, and I apologized for any possible misstep.
Walking through a grocery store, my mom would pull me to the side to let other people pass. As I stepped out of the way, I would lower my head and say, "Sorry."
I didn't want to be a burden. I didn't want to be an inconvenience. I was taught to not take up space.
"Sorry" was my go-to response in many situations.
Sharing tight public spaces and trying not to bump into someone: Sorry.
Making a phone call: Sorry to bother you.
Needing a ride home: Sorry you had to go out of your way.
Causing someone to wait for me: Sorry I took so long.
Showing up late: Sorry I was late.
Not having the answer to a question: Sorry, I don’t know.
Tears rising unexpectedly during a conversation: Sorry that I’m crying.
Recently, my daughter and I were talking about social interactions, and we began exploring the energetics behind our responses. Specifically, we talked about empty apologies that are unnecessary.
AcuDetox comes to Live Your Light
Over the last few months, you may have noticed a new face at Live Your Light. I'd love to introduce you to Addison Hegge, who offers AcuDetox during some of my Thursday Activate, Empower, Heal group healing sessions.
Addison is a Reiki Master and Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist who was born and raised in Louisville, Colorado. What inspires me most about Addison is her commitment to her own healing journey over the past decade.
She has overcome tremendous challenges through natural and alternative medicine. Addison has recovered from injuries sustained in a major car accident during her childhood. She has worked through teenage substance use and healed from mold exposure, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and many other health challenges. Along the way, she has embraced the deep emotional healing that often accompanies those experiences.
Through significant dietary changes, a variety of energy medicine modalities, and intentional lifestyle choices, Addison has created remarkable transformation in her life.
And now Addison is offering healing modalities to support others on their journeys.
When I learned she was certified in AcuDetox, I immediately invited her to offer treatments during my group healing classes. I was delighted when she said yes.
79 year old Woman Experiences Profound Healing!
I love working with children. They change so rapidly, shifting the trajectory of their lives in a single session. They haven't spent decades reinforcing patterns, habits, and limiting beliefs the way adults have. Children simply allow healing to happen.
Or so I thought.
Recently, I met a 79-year-old woman who completely expanded my understanding of what is possible. Rapid, life-changing transformation doesn't belong only to the young.
Her name is Lucy, and witnessing her profound healing has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
When Lucy first came to see me in mid-April, simply getting to my office was an accomplishment. My office is on the second floor, requiring her to climb twenty steps. Supported by her husband, it took nearly fifteen minutes, but she was determined to make it up the stairs.
Lucy believed she was in the final chapter of her life.
She was living in constant pain. She had completed chemotherapy and radiation treatments for bladder cancer, and was left with a weak bladder. She had severe abdominal pain near the spleen that was excruciating from any movement or light touch. Sciatica radiated down both legs. Her feet were numb. She struggled to walk, couldn't drive, and depended on others for nearly everything.
Her health history was extensive: frequent urinary tract infections leading to a kidney infection, decades of severe constipation, fibromyalgia, diverticulitis, SIBO, celiac disease, a heart murmur, dizziness, removal of the gallbladder, appendix, uterus, and ovaries. Chronic pain had become her daily reality.
Emotionally, she was equally burdened.
Lucy had endured fifty years in a verbally and physically abusive household, leaving her feeling powerless and hopeless. She carried guilt for not protecting her children from the abuse. She couldn't sleep because of pain and constant trips to the bathroom. After decades of learning that speaking up only made things worse, she had stopped standing up for herself altogether.
Yet underneath all of that, there was still a spark. I saw determination in her eyes. She wanted to heal. She wanted to live.
Lucy stretched and moved every day despite the pain because she refused to give up on herself. That willingness matters.
As always, my role is simply to offer healing energy. What a client does with that energy is entirely their own.
And Lucy absolutely knocked my socks off.
Lee Harris Immersion!
Over the past few weeks, I've been immersing myself in the work of Lee Harris.
I listened to his audiobook, The Future Human, to prepare for the July book study in Lafayette. Then I had the opportunity to attend his event, The Oneness Experience, at the Boulder Theater. Together, these experiences left me feeling hopeful, connected, and open to the infinite possibilities before us.
If you're not familiar with Lee Harris, he is an intuitive and channeler from the UK who spent several years living in Boulder, CO. I appreciate his continued connection with our community. Lee’s channeling shares messages from his guides, the Zs, who offer perspectives on personal growth, humanity's evolution, and the energetic shifts occurring around us.
Optimizing Health with Structured Water
Several years ago, I wrote an article about how I filter my water at home and in my office. Since tap water is my primary source of hydration, filtering out chemicals and sediment from city water felt like an important health choice. Click to Read
Today, I want to revisit the topic of water.
For more than a decade, the healing practitioners I trust have recommended Structured Water. (The process of structuring water is done in addition to filtration, not as a replacement for it.)
While mainstream science remains skeptical about the impact of Structured Water, alternative and holistic practitioners continue to explore its effects on living beings. This is not settled science, but rather an emerging area of interest that invites personal experimentation and observation.
The premise behind Structured Water is that water in its natural state is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body's cells. Rather than existing as individual H₂O molecules, Structured Water is said to form a community of water molecules, in a hexagonal atomic structure of H3O2. Structured Water is said to resemble the water found within our cells and is therefore more readily utilized by the body.
Supporters of Structured Water believe that modern water treatment systems alter water's natural structure. The pressurization, chemical additives like chlorine and fluoride, and long periods of stagnation in pipes disrupt the water's structure. They also suggest that electromagnetic fields, pollution, and heavy metals further degrade water's structure. By the time water reaches our homes through pipes or plastic bottles, it no longer exists in a form that can be optimally utilized by the body.
One of my favorite resources on this topic is an article by Marie McMahon, PhD, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at San Diego Miramar College. She explains the concept of Structured Water in laymen's terms and includes helpful illustrations and examples. Rather than attempting to summarize her work, I encourage you to read her article for yourself.
https://sdmiramar.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/Structured...
Pregnant Woman Repositions Baby!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or certified health care practitioner. I have not been trained in prenatal health. Contact your doctor or medical professional with any symptoms or questions.
This week, I was honored to work with a woman in her 32nd week of pregnancy.
Her first child was breech from 12 weeks of pregnancy until birth, never moving into the head-down position. Labor and delivery were traumatic, ultimately ending with a cesarean section.
Her second child was born through a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), an experience that she hoped to repeat.
As she approached the final weeks of her third pregnancy, anxiety around deliver had begun to grow. Baby #3 had been transverse in the womb for months. Physically, the pregnancy had become increasingly uncomfortable, with baby’s feet pressing the spleen, pancreas, and large intestine. Mom was experiencing significant tailbone pain for weeks.
The anxiety was fueled by both discomfort and uncertainty.
What if baby doesn't turn into the head-down position?
What if another C-section is unavoidable?
Her doctors had recommended an ECV (External Cephalic Version) for the following week. During this procedure, mom is medicated with muscle relaxers and pain killers. Practitioners manually apply pressure to the womb in an attempt to guide baby into a head-down position. My client was worried about the process being painful for her and baby.
This was our first session together. We met remotely on Zoom, as this client lives in a different time zone.
Her intentions centered on emotional balance. She wanted to enjoy pregnancy more, feel less overwhelmed, and be less reactive to the daily antics of her children. While supporting these intentions, I also wondered if we could energetically support the baby in finding a more comfortable position. It was an interesting consideration to include in the session.
Freedom from the Past
In sessions, you hear me talk about letting go of the past.
“Let go of the story, the labels, the judgments, the grief and sadness, the regrets and resentments, even your accomplishments.
You are not the same person you were 20 years ago and you are not the same person you were yesterday.
The past does not have to define how you FEEL or ACT in this moment.“
It’s easy to say these words. It’s more difficult to live truly independent of our past. Part of being human is learning from experiences. We make logical choices based on what has happened in our lives. How do we let go of the past?
I feel compelled to share a story about an experience that invited me to show up differently in the present moment.
Recently I awoke at 3am, contemplating my marriage.
Whenever we are close to someone, a friend, partner, or relative, our identities become interwoven with big emotions; Emotions about what we said or did; Emotions about how we were treated; Feelings of rejection and abandonment and loneliness. Even in a good marriage, there are times we feel separate and alone.
The Power of Setting Intentions
In every class and individual session, I ask students and clients to set an intention. Sometimes you squirm in your seat, not sure what to say. Sometimes you come prepared with a list of goals, because you know I will ask.
A student recently asked for more guidance on this intention setting practice.
Why do we set intentions? What can be included in the intentions?
I believe that intention setting is one of the most important steps to open a session. Each participant has an opportunity to share a struggle, a goal, a feeling. The focus can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual:
- My knee hurts. I would like healing for my knee.
- My mind is spinning all the time. I would like a calm mind.
- I am struggling with boundaries with a family member. I would like to feel peace, acceptance, and hold my energy when engaging with them.
- I want to be connected with my Divine guides.
The objectives can vary greatly. It is a way of expressing the priorities for your healing.
Anger in the Home
As the seasons change and we enter spring, it feels like the ideal time to talk about my story, which is strongly associated with the Wood element.
People frequently ask how I got into energy healing. I either talk about the incredible healings I saw in my kids, or share a shortened version of this story.
The most profound shifts I experienced from energy medicine were the quieting of my internal angst and the birth of my empowerment. Emotions are complicated and multi-faceted; in the belief that this story is relatable, I attempt to put it into words.
As a child, I was ultra-aware of other people’s emotions. I could read the room, and feel when to engage and when to fade into the shadows. I was good at walking on eggshells, falling under the radar, or performing according to expectations. I didn’t experience anger; life could be managed by contorting myself to fit the space.
Expressions of the Wood Element
In Chinese Medicine, springtime is represented by the Wood Element.
The plants are sprouting, breaking through the earth, and growing. Each sprout is determined to fulfill its purpose, and has the motivation to grow into the dandelion or tomato plant or elm tree that it is destined to become.
Imagine the feeling of a sprout, unable to break through the surface of the earth and achieve its purpose. The sprout begins to grow, only to be stopped by the soil’s impenetrable crust. The sprout becomes frustrated, feels stuck, can’t find a path forward: this is the recipe for Anger.
Recording: Peace & Collective Healing
Thank you for attending the Peace Event last month.
With only one week notice, we had 44 attendees between in-person and online! I was blown away by the tremendous response.
The energy of the room was palpable. It was powerful to move energy as a group. With a singular focus, the energy became magnified!
If you missed the event and feel called to watch the recording, the links are below.
Sleep: Those Nighttime Hours
Today we talk about sleep.
As a chronic poor sleeper, I have tried many methods over the last 20 years to chase the elusive ‘good night's sleep’. Many of my clients talk about issues falling asleep and staying asleep, finding themselves reliant on sleep aids. It is a massive problem facing so many in our society.
I hesitate to write this article without fully solving the sleep mystery for myself. And yet, the tips in this article have helped me so dramatically that it is time to share.
Why is Sleep important?
Everything in life needs rest; it is the Yin state.
We are currently in the winter months, when the Earth gets to rest. This is a time when the plants stop growing; they return attention to their roots and their essence; they regroup and reprioritize for next year’s growth. It is a time when animals hibernate and rejuvenate their bodies.
Rest is essential for human life. During sleep, the body is cleansed of toxins to make space for tomorrow's nourishment. Sleep repairs tissues, manages weight, and supports the immune system. Sleep supports our emotional well being and enhances our brain function for better focus and creativity. Without a quality sleep cycle, the human body is unable to operate at its best.
The Unfolding of 2026
Welcome to 2026!
You may be wondering what 2026 has in store for us. From an energetic standpoint, it is powerful energy that promises transformation.
In this article, I will share about the 2026 Chinese New Year, the year in numerology, and several messages from channelers about what to expect in the months ahead.
Feb 8: Peace and Collective Healing
During weekly classes, a growing number of you are setting intentions centered around the unrest we feel as a Collective. You are asking to feel more grounded, balanced, and supported. You are asking for a path to heal humanity and bring our world into a more peaceful state.
I am inspired to gather as a large group. You are all bright lights. You have powerful, loving hearts. When a group of people get together and share the same intention, the healing and Peace are magnified.
All are Invited!
Join me on February 8 from 9am - 11:30am
at Una Vida in Niwot and on Zoom to participate in a
FREE gathering to magnify Peace into ourselves and the Collective.
Meditations Available on Insight Timer
Thank you for listening to the meditations I share each month. And thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
You are listening to the meditations for mid-day resets.
You are listening to the meditations in the middle of the night to fall back to sleep.
You are starting and ending your day with meditations to clear your mind.
You are sharing these meditations with friends and family.
And so...I've decided to make these meditations more accessible and searchable.
25 meditations from Live Your Light are now available for free on the Insight Timer app.
To get started:
Download the Insight Timer app onto your device OR go to insighttimer.com
Content can be accessed as a guest; no account is needed.
Search the Teacher directory for Ann Bruinsma.
Click on the Follow button to support my work and to find me more quickly next time!
You will find meditations ranging in length from 2 minutes to 45 minutes on various topics.
Flu - Upgrade?
Welp...I got the flu.
This month's newsletter is delayed and shortened because the flu caught me and asked me (in a not so nice voice) to sit down and rest for a few days.
The flu was very persuasive!
The CDC tells us that this year's flu season is more severe than it has been since 2017. Media outlets are calling it the "Super Flu".
If you came down with this bug and lost all energy for a week, you are in good company. During the holidays, I was horizontal for days, unable to do basic things like showering and eating. Yuck!
It's humbling to be so sick. I take pride in caring for my health. I give my body high quality supplements. I am a healer. And yet the flu got me too. It is indiscriminate.
For the last several years, I've been shifting my perception of sickness. I no longer see myself as a victim of the flu. Instead, the flu is offering an Upgrade.
New Offering: Home Energy Clearings
In the last 6 months, many clients have reached out requesting an energetic clearing of their home.
I'm selling my house. Can you set the energy to attract a buyer?
Home renovations are experiencing a lot of delays. Can you clear the energy so that progress is easeful?
We found mold. Can you clear energetic imbalances in the house?
One room in our house feels 'off'. Can you clear intrusive energy?
It has been a pleasure to support these clients.
This month, I've added Home Energy Clearings as a standard service offering so that others can enjoy the benefits.
Announcing: Certification with the National Qigong Association!
I am proud to join the ranks of nationally certified Qigong practitioners and teachers!
During the week of Thanksgiving, I received much anticipated news from the National Qigong Association. (www.NQA.org)
...drumroll please
My two certification applications were approved!
I am one of 20 people nationwide to be officially certified as both a Qigong Clinical Practitioner and a Level III Qigong Instructor.