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.
The Science of Breathwork
As I often share in class, breath is the very foundation of Qigong.
The word Qi can be translated as breath or vital life-force energy.
Gong means cultivation or skill developed through steady practice.
Together, Qigong is the cultivation of breath. It is the development of vital energy in the body.
Every form of Qigong, whether movement, meditation, or clinical healings, center around nurturing this life-force energy and expanding our capacity to receive breath.
Yoga instructor Sharon Gannon reminds us that:
“Life begins with an inhale and ends with an exhale. In between that inhale and exhale is our life.”
To breathe is to live! Without breath, there is no life.
You can imagine my interest upon hearing that a scientist would speak about the clinical impact of breathwork on the human body. On October 11, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Sundar Balasubramanian as he shared his research on the power of the breath.
In retrospect, I wish that I had invited all of you; without exaggeration, his talk was life changing.
Published in Voyage Denver Magazine!
I was recently interviewed by Voyage Denver, an online magazine that features local entrepreneurs.
This means that someone nominated me for this opportunity. Please fess up so that I can thank you!
Longtime friends say that they learned something new about me and Live Your Light in the article. I hope you take a moment to read and enjoy.
Thanks for the honor of being featured!
https://voyagedenver.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-ann-bruinsma/
Session Opening Ritual
At the beginning of Clinical Qigong sessions, I touch clients' feet and say a few words to open the session. It’s similar to a guided meditation, helping you to relax into your body, ground, become present, and receive the transformation that is offered.
Clients frequently comment about these words, and the guidance they provide for the session.
In this article, I share the opening ritual that I use to set intentions for a session, and the purpose behind them.
Happy Anniversary to Live Your Light!
This month, Live Your Light is celebrating 7 years in business and 6 years at my Lafayette location! We made it through covid and the first difficult years of growth.
I love numbers and statistics; here are a few exciting ones:
Over 700 unique clients served
Over 2500 one-on-one sessions performed
Over 950 hours of classes taught
Clients reside across the US and in 8 countries
Thank you for getting excited with me, talking about this work in your social groups, and sending in your family and friends! PTs, Therapists, and Hairdressers are referring their clients. Book clubs and friend groups talk about this work and send members to see me one at a time. I have the honor of working with family members when they are visiting from out-of-town, along with neighbors, and best friends. Your referrals have made this business thrive and it's an honor to work with your loved ones.
Earth Element and Spleen Health
In terms of Chinese Medicine, we are currently in the season of the Earth element. It is that time of the year when the hot expansive summer (Yang) is starting to wane, the days are getting shorter, and we start moving toward a cool internal-focused winter (Yin).
Earth is represented by Indian Summer, when we have hot days and cool nights. Our gardens are ready to harvest. There is abundance dancing around us; all we need to do is receive.
I am taking a 12-month class with Robert Peng called "The Way of Virtue". Over 100 students diligently meet every Sunday online to activate acupuncture points, detox organ systems, and nourish each organ's Qi. Using breath and chanting, we open the energy flow in the 12 major organ meridians to increase physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual alignment.
The last four weeks have been focused on the Earth element, specifically the Stomach and Spleen meridians. I have come to understand that many of my physical and emotional complaints are related to imbalances in these meridians.
I share in case these symptoms resonate with you.
Emotional aspects of Earth
When Earth is constricted, it is difficult to digest what is happening in life. There is a ruminating mind, trying to make sense of the world, worrying about what could be. There is a tendency to give yourself away, taking care of others to your own detriment. When the Earth is out of balance, a person feels unsupported and has difficulty in being able to receive.
When Earth is healthy, there is a feeling of abundance: an awareness that you already have access to anything you could possibly need. With a quiet and clear mind, you are able to prioritize and receive.
Eating French fries? Your body can absorb the nutrients you need from those fries.
Lonely? You are able to receive deep fulfilling love from the relationships you already have.
Financially strapped? You have the clarity to prioritize and find that you have enough financial means for anything that you need.
A stable and supportive Earth reminds that you are abundant, right here in this now moment.
Healing as a Wave - not a Particle
We wonder about energy healing. How does it work? Why does it work?
In our physical world, we look to science to explain everything. The rules of science determine how things interact, from cells to atoms to photons of light.
We like to think there are clear and straightforward answers to all of our questions. However, deeper explorations into Quantum Mechanics reveal unexplainable mysteries of the material world. As this fascinating field continues to evolve, the discoveries offer pieces of the energy-healing puzzle.
I continue to hypothesize about why and how miracles happen in my healing practice:
Deep physical pain that lifts after a one-on-one healing session
Chronic anxiety that subsides into a peaceful mind after a Clinical Qigong session
The experience of lightness and presence after attending a Group healing
In each session, we interact with Qi: Life Force energy, which circulates through the meridians of the body. We release stagnation, enhance flow, and remind the body of its innate wisdom to heal itself. How does this work?
Today we brush the surface of quantum mechanics to consider all of this.
Gut Health and the Nervous System
Many of you know that I've been focused on my gut health for years.
Gluten free, Dairy free, sometimes meat, oil, grain, alcohol, and sugar free.
I've aimed to heal my gut by:
eliminating consumption of certain foods
receiving physical and energetic bodywork
detoxing
using supplements and probiotics
healing from infections
Along the way, I learned a tremendous amount about what works and doesn't work for me, and how my experience of digestion has changed overtime.
What's the magic solution? What foods do we need to cut out to return to a state of gut health?
I've come to realize that it's not about the food!
Eagles Take Flight: Proud Mama
Please allow me an article to brag about my kids... I will try to tie it all in with Qigong and a harmonious energetic expression!
My heart overflows with pride to share that my son James (18) and daughter Allison (16) just achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. They were engaged, committed, and focused over the last 5-7 years to attain this distinction.
At the end of June, they were honored with 8 other scouts from our troop. Together, they were called the Tenacious Ten, because tenacity is exactly what you need in order to complete the rigorous requirements to achieve Eagle Scout.
The Daily Camera newspaper interviewed the teens in this pdf article!
The scouts share their favorite memories, adventures, and leadership roles. Allison's interview was front and center, as she was the 1st female Eagle Scout in our troop. Being a trailblazer had its share of challenges and rewards. Our family is grateful that we could enjoy Scouts as a family, regardless of gender.
I recognize the complicated feelings many people have about Boy Scouts (now Scouting America) after the scandals of the last half-century. We are fortunate to have a rewarding and enriching experience, supporting the many virtues we cultivate in Qigong: Harmony with nature, Empowerment, Compassion, and Engagement.
I aim to share a little glimpse of what it looks like to be an Eagle Scout.
What’s in your First Aid Kit? Homeopathy for the Wilderness
Disclaimer: I am not a certified medical professional. Contact your physician with any health related concerns.
My big vacation for the summer is a 60-mile backpacking trip with the Scouts! Next week, we are heading to New Mexico's renowned Philmont Scout Ranch to traverse mountains, engage in pioneering activities, cook over a fire, and tent camp under the night sky for 12 days.
We are a crew of 5 boys, 2 girls, and 4 adults, ready for adventure.
(Wish me luck!)
When spending time in the wilderness, it's important to be prepared for difficult situations. We are filling the First Aid kit with common materials like gauze and antiseptic, BandAids and anti-diarrheals.
From a holistic perspective, I always bring additional supplies that can support quick healing in scary situations. Specifically, I bring a handful of important homeopathic remedies.
A little history for you...
The founder of Homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann chewed on the bark of a Quina/ Cinchona tree. He began to feel symptoms similar to malaria. Upon giving the bark to a person with malaria, he found that the patient quickly healed. The Quina/ Cinchona bark reminded the body how to heal itself from those symptoms.
From this experience, Homeopathy was born with the fundamental principle of "like treats like".
A homeopath takes substances from nature, puts them in water, and dilutes the solution until the original substance can no longer be detected. The water contains the energetic signature of the original substance.
When treating a patient, a homeopath identifies the substance from nature (plant, animal, mineral) that acts most similarly to the given symptoms. When the correct homeopathic remedy is selected (that's the difficult part!) , there can be an instant improvement.
The Power of a Coherent Heart
I'm so excited to share a recent experience...
Many of you have heard me talk about the Heart Resonance in classes.
The heart vibration is your essence.
It is your uniqueness. Your Soul’s signature.
No one has the same heart vibration as you do. No one loves exactly as you do.
Society celebrates our logical minds: thinking, analyzing, considering.
When we bring our awareness to the heart, we can feel our thoughts rather than thinking them. The heart is vibrating in the present moment, experiencing and feeling “What is” in this Now moment.
In the Gaia TV series “Rewired”, Joe Dispenza discusses the importance of Heart Coherence (episode 12).
Coherence is achieved when vibrations are organized and unified.
Consider two wave functions; when the waves are out of alignment (incoherent), they dampen each other and cancel each other out. When the waves are aligned (coherent), they magnify and enhance each other.
A coherent heart magnifies your vibration of love! A coherent heart enhances your essence and ripples your unique vibration of Love outward, inspiring more people with your kindness. Heart Coherence is a magical super power!
Constipation Remedies
When a handful of clients experience the same discomfort, it’s time to write an article about it!
Recently, both youth and adults have shared that they suffer from constipation. The common remedies, such as eating more fiber, taking magnesium, drinking prune juice, using laxatives, and changing their diets have not helped, leaving these clients frustrated and desperate.
It’s not a topic that people talk about in polite company, yet the health of the large intestine is of significant importance to discuss.
28 Day Upgrade
So many of us are experiencing difficult times right now:
Physical ailments at a heightened level
Exhaustion
Intense emotional expressions and sensitivities
Fear about the state of the world, as we witness the collapse of old structures
This video, put on by GFL Station, gives me comfort in the process.
It applies spiritual explanations to the geomagnetic, biologic, and societal events we are seeing on the planet.
Full disclosure: This is a channeled message provided for starseeds and lightworkers. If the concept of this message doesn't resonate with you, it's ok to let it go!
This video suggests that we are in the middle of a 28-day upgrade, beginning April 13. Intense solar flares and geomagnetic shifts are blasting the earth, affecting our physical and emotional bodies. We are told not to fear the solar events, but understand that they are transmitting ascension codes (light codes) which will raise our frequency to help us evolve. As our vibrations increase, the old limitations must be processed and shed.
Man Experiencing Neuropathy
Man experiencing Neuropathy
Disclaimer: I am not a certified health care provider. Consult your doctor with any health questions and concerns.
In the last year, a tremendous number of clients age 45-85 have come in with neuropathy symptoms: nerve damage causing pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness. Many experience a tingling sensation in their feet and toes, and have found minimal relief despite consulting doctors. Causes range from the side effects of chemotherapy to infection to unknown sources.
In March, a client reached out with alarming news. As a 50 year-old man in excellent health, he was shocked to find his body debilitated and non-functional. In just a few days, he went from highly active to unable to walk.
Tingling pins and needles from the knees and elbows down
Numbness
Double vision
Orbital headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Doctors stated that the myelin sheaths on his nerves were degenerating due to a recent infection. After nearly a week in the hospital, he was released with no treatment protocol other than rest. They expected basic functions to return in 8 weeks and a full recovery in 6 months.
He was in a state of shock and despair. 'Waiting" to feel better went against his nature.
Inspirational Near Death Experience
I have heard many Near Death Experiences (NDEs) over the years, and always find them to be thought-provoking.
Do they give us a glimpse into the after-life?
Can they guide us to live better in the present?
Here's a blog post I wrote in 2023 about NDEs, with recommendations of books, podcasts, and considerations. https://www.liveyourlight.care/blog/near-death-experiences
Recently, I listened to a podcast interview of Vinney Tolman, in which he recounts one of the most inspirational near death experiences I’ve heard. Vinney describes his experience in tremendous detail: the light, the colors, the vibrations, the feelings, the love of Heaven. He learned pivotal lessons that guide the way he lives now. He provides us with actionable recommendations to better live our purpose on Earth.
I found myself deep in thought about his story, and started looking for other interviews with Vinney. After listening to several podcast interviews and reading his book “The Light after Death”, I felt compelled to adopt new perspectives in my life. I think you will be equally inspired.
I won’t attempt to retell his near death experience, as the game of Telephone will hardly do it justice. My intention is to share enough details to pique your interest to listen to his account firsthand.
(Podcast linked in the picture).
Releasing Assumptions to Manifest your Desires
I’ve been on a path to stop making assumptions. They unnecessarily weigh us down, hold us back, build obstacles in our way. Assumptions are easy to make, and have large consequences on our lives.
Our experiences and emotions guide our perspectives and subsequent decisions. It’s easy to presume that others have similar backgrounds to direct their choices.
How are we missing out because we make assumptions?
What doors have we closed without giving them a chance?
Today I share a vulnerable story, a series of assumptions, which has kept me from a dream for over 20 years. It's small and inconsequential, and yet breaking the perspective is significant for me. I offer you a glimpse of the conversations inside my head, which do not match the strong, confident persona I express on the outside.
Synchronicity stepped in and helped me to unravel those assumptions, and I was surprised where it took me! There is a gift in staying open, being clear with yourself, letting go of expectations, and asking ‘Why?’
Secrets of Aboriginal Healing
A client recently piqued my interest with a book recommendation about Aboriginal healing.
I am always on the lookout for ancient wisdom and guidance on how to be in a state of health using traditional and natural methods.
What is the root cause of health and wellness?
How have native tribes practiced healthcare for thousands of years?
Secrets of Aboriginal Healing: A Transformational Journey with a Remote Australian Tribe by Gary Holz
Gary was at the pinnacle of his life: an award-winning physicist, successful businessman, and marathon swimmer. He enjoyed tremendous success in athletic and academic pursuits.
At the age of 33, Gary began experiencing numbness in his legs and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Gary followed doctor’s orders and used the recommended medications in ever-increasing doses, until the disease could no longer be kept at bay. He disintegrated into a chronic state of MS quickly, becoming a quadriplegic in 5 years and on the verge of multi-organ failure within 10 years of diagnosis. Doctors were out of options for him and gave Gary two years to live. Hopelessness and despair took over.
Embracing Chinese New Year
Welcome to the Year of the Wood Snake!
The Chinese New Year celebrations have begun! The 2025 festivities extend from the new moon on January 29 to the full moon on February 12.
This is an occasion to celebrate the new beginnings of spring. It is a time of family gatherings, traditions, good food, and fireworks.
We have entered the year of the Wood Snake. While many in western cultures have fears around snakes, they represent powerful symbols of transformation and rebirth.
Self-Love with a Twist
As we approach Valentine's Day, culture directs us to focus on those who hold a special place in our hearts. With flowers, chocolates, and candlelight dinners, we devote ourselves to nurturing relationships.
This year, I invite you to expand the narrative to include a very important person in your life: YOU.
Turn your devotion of time, energy, and appreciation inward.
Feel your emotions. Listen to your body. Say kind words to yourself.
Your state of health depends on it!
There are many misconceptions about Self-Love.
Many of us confuse self-love with self-care activities. We think that giving ourselves the gift of a manicure, relaxation time with a book, going on a vacation, or purchasing something nice for ourselves is sufficient.
Many of us feel guilty about the idea of self-love. Is it selfish to focus on ourselves? When we turn inward, does it take away from others? Am I worthy of this attention?
Recently I enjoyed a podcast interview of Matt Kahn on the topic of Self-Love. You are going to love it.
Matt is a spiritual teacher, intuitive healer, and truly heart-centered being. His description of Self-Love is unlike anything I have heard before: simple, clear, actionable.
Matt Kahn defines self-love in a unique way.
Self-Love is when you feel Safe within yourself.