Anne Biging is on a quest to heal the world.
The onetime travel journalist-cum-marketing executive and consultant had long embraced yoga, meditation and wellness practices. It was while exploring the Himalayas, though, that she and business partner Elisabeth Ixmeier were inspired to officially combine their passions for globetrotting and transformation: In 2006, they created Healing Hotels of the World, now a primary resource for discovering holistic destinations on six continents.
In 2014, the women reemphasized their commitment to promoting widespread inner and outer compassion when they established the Healing Summit, an event that unites seekers and foremost authorities on health, sustainability, compassion, wellness and peace. This year’s event is a must and will take place on March 6th and 7th, 2017 in Berlin, Germany.
Here, Anne Biging explains why learning graciousness is key to global happiness:
Live The Process: The common thread in all your work has been travel. To what do you attribute your love of exploration?
Anne Biging: I have always wanted to go beyond borders and see other cultures. Even as a child, I was fascinated just by finding the Netherlands on a map, which is one hour away from my hometown.
LTP: How did you come to make the transition from journalist to marketing executive to wellness seeker to co-founder of Healing Hotels of The World?
AB: I was bored by the ego play of the media in the 1980s, especially when dealing with politics, but my interest in travel continued to grow. Since I had majored in marketing and PR during my studies, I was able to open up a company that represented governments globally and advised them on travel and tourism. By that time, I had already traveled the world as a journalist; I also loved hotels. I remember clearly: One day, I was at the Ananda in the Himalayas (for which we consulted at that time) and I experienced such strong healing through just being in this sacred energy of the place—in addition to the super yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments. And it was luxurious at the same time, which I enjoyed. So, my two passions came together: my own search for healing experiences and my love for hotels.
LTP: When and how did you come to launch The Healing Summit?
AB: It was out of frustration about the existing wellness industry get-togethers or conferences, where I always felt misplaced and sad because what is most essential to humanity—the deep soul healing and sensible approach to who we truly are and how we can learn to live a life of inner and outer graciousness—was totally missing.
I knew I had to do it, propelled by that same inner force that moved me to create the Healing Hotels of the World. I thought, “No one is doing this, so I (we) will do it.” I have to include my partner Dr. Elisabeth Ixmeier, who is actually a painter and art historian and joined my life and company fifteen years ago. She co-founded both organizations.
LTP: What wellness rituals and regimens keep you personally feeling balanced and healthy?
AB: My personal healing rituals include early morning yoga and meditation. I cannot be without! Also, I have lemon and water in the morning. I am vegan for many years and very strongly follow my diet. But I love it; it’s not a sacrifice at all. I love all things organic and natural!
LTP: What does happiness look like to you?
AB: If I am in touch with my heart, then all is well in my life. How do I get there? The aforementioned meditation and knowing that there is something much bigger in life than ego. Being in touch with my heart and soul, I feel completely liberated from outer circumstances, people, success etc.
"Being in touch with my heart and soul, I feel completely liberated from outer circumstances, people, success etc."
LTP: What does it mean to you to “Live The Process” and how can we all do that more each day?
AB: Accept what is; detach from outer things. Be compassionate, but do not get involved in daily ups and downs. Be humble and learn from everything that life presents and puts in front of you. Let go of being too judgmental. Love people!