Breema
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Breema is a unique, gentle, and mindful form of bodywork that benefits both practitioner and recipient. Founded in 1980 in Oakland, CA by Jon Schreiber, D. C., and a group of colleagues, Breema has been described as a cross between partner yoga and Thai massage, though its central aim is to nurture an experience of presence. By performing a series of simple and flowing movements that seem to evoke a forgotten naturalness, the Breema practitioner supports the recipient to recognize a sense of peace, calm energy, clarity, and well-being.
A Breema practitioner does not diagnose or treat illness nor does she manipulate the body in an effort to conform it to a standard of health. Rather, a Breema bodyworker practices the art of being present in each moment. By being fully aware of both her body and that of the recipient, the practitioner’s touch and movements facilitate the comfort, relaxation and release of tension in the recipient.
At the heart of Breema are the nine Universal Principles, which have been distilled from the greater laws that energetically and physically govern all life. The nine Principles are Body Comfortable, No Extra, Firmness and Gentleness, Full Participation, Mutual Support, No Judgment, Single Moment/Single Activity, No Hurry/No Pause and No Force. While these may sound mysterious, they are in fact a very practical and accessible interpretation of the laws of matter and energy and apply not only to bodywork, but also to all aspects of our lives. The philosophy of Breema affirms that the body understands these laws innately; by recognizing and applying the Principles in a Breema session, the practitioner eventually unlocks and releases this innate knowledge. When this wisdom becomes available to us in our daily lives, we are transformed and infused with health and vitality.
Because the practitioner views the Breema session as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and presence in the moment, both recipient and practitioner benefit from the exchange. This unique feature of Breema makes it an excellent tool for those who seek the energy and enthusiasm to meet the needs of their many obligations compassionately and unfailingly. By giving (or receiving) Breema sessions, caregivers may maintain clarity and deep connection with themselves and their clients; some of the greatest rewards of any wellness practice.
Self-Breema refers to a vast repertoire of exercises that are a part of the comprehensive system of Breema. These exercises can have a transformative effect on body, mind, and feelings.
“Self-Breema exercises are not for muscles, bones, and joints. They are to help us discover who we really are. The mind participates in Self-Breema, as do the feelings. Like Breema bodywork, Self-Breema is a unifying method. Body, mind, and feelings come into harmony in a common activity. We become present, and in that, we find a presence that has the simple knowledge that “there is a body.” When that knowledge is present, we experience an appreciation for the fact that we have life, and a connection to all of life. We recognize the enormous value of experiencing “body breathes, body has weight.” This nonphilosophical experience is the first step in coming from the mind’s interpretation of life to the actual experience of “I exist,” and the taste of “I exist in harmony with the totality of life.”
from Self-Breema: Exercises for a Harmonious Life by Jon Schreiber and Denise Berezonsky
The Nine Principles of Harmony:
Body Comfortable
When we look at the body, not as something separate, but as an aspect of a unified whole, there is no place for discomfort.
No Extra
To express our true nature, nothing extra is needed.
Firmness and Gentleness
Real firmness is always gentle. Real gentleness is always firm. When we are present, we naturally manifest firmness and gentleness simultaneously.
Full Participation
The most natural way of moving and living is with full participation. Full participation is possible when body, mind, and feelings are united in a common aim.
Mutual Support
The more our Being participates, the more we are able to support life and recognize that Existence supports us. Giving and receiving support take place simultaneously.
No Judgment
The atmosphere of nonjudgment gives us a taste of acceptance of ourselves as we are in the moment. When we come to the present, we are free from judgment.
Single Moment/Single Activity
Each moment is new, fresh, totally alive. Each moment is an expression of our true nature, complete by itself.
No Hurry/No Pause
In the natural rhythm of life energy, there is no hurry and no pause.
No Force
When we let go of assumptions of separation, we let go of force.
Breema and Self-Breema are taught at the Breema Center in Oakland, CA, and by Certified Breema Instructors worldwide. An extensive list of Practitioners and Instructors can be found at the Breema Center’s web page, The Breema Center.
[edit] Related publications
- Freedom is in This Moment, by Dr. Jon Schreiber, D.C.
- Self-Breema: Exercises for Harmonious Life (Second Edition), by Dr. Jon Schreiber, D.C. and Denise Berezonsky
