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BREEMA 0101
Introduction to Breema: Harmony in Daily Life
A Gentle Path of Presence and Balance
8 hours
Welcome to the Breema 0101 course, a heart-centered approach to bodywork and mindful movement that cultivates presence, balance, and natural vitality. This comprehensive 8-hour intensive will guide you through the foundational principles and practices of Breema, providing you with practical tools to enhance your well-being and bring greater harmony to your daily life. Through gentle bodywork sequences, Self-Breema exercises, and an exploration of the Nine Principles of Harmony, you'll discover a transformative path toward deeper connection with yourself and others. www.breema.info
Course Description
Heart-Centered Approach
Breema is a holistic practice that harmoniously blends gentle bodywork, mindful movement, and simple self-care exercises to support daily well-being. This gentle yet deeply revitalizing practice creates a foundation for living with greater presence and ease.
Nine Principles of Harmony
Through Breema's Nine Principles of Harmony—including body comfort, mutual support, and full participation—participants experience deep relaxation, renewed vitality, and an authentic sense of presence both on and off the mat.
Embodied Mindfulness
This course emphasizes nurturing an embodied experience of mindfulness, presence, and relational harmony, empowering students to integrate these profound, yet accessible practices into everyday life.
Breema offers a unique pathway for cultivating both inner balance and harmonious connection with others. Unlike many bodywork modalities that focus primarily on physical techniques, Breema integrates body, mind, and feelings to create a unified experience of presence. This introductory intensive provides a comprehensive foundation in both the philosophy and practical application of Breema principles.
Throughout the course, you'll learn to recognize and release unnecessary tension, move with natural rhythm and fluidity, and develop a more nurturing relationship with yourself and others. The practice of Breema creates a nurturing environment where both giver and receiver benefit equally, experiencing renewed energy and a deeper connection to the present moment.
By the end of this introductory course, you'll have gained practical tools to bring more centeredness, clarity, and harmony into your daily activities, relationships, and professional work. Whether you're seeking personal well-being or looking to enhance your existing wellness practice, Breema offers accessible wisdom that supports living with greater ease and authenticity.
Prerequisites

Open to Everyone - This course welcomes participants of all backgrounds, body types, and experience levels. No previous bodywork or movement training is required to participate fully and benefit from the practices.
Breema is designed to be universally accessible, meeting each person exactly where they are in their wellness journey. Unlike many bodywork or movement disciplines that require specific physical abilities or prior training, Breema emphasizes natural movement and comfortable positioning for both practitioners and recipients.
The only requirements for participation are:
  • An openness to experiencing new approaches to movement and touch
  • Willingness to work with partners in a respectful, mindful manner
  • Ability to sit, lie down, and move on floor mats (accommodations can be made for those with physical limitations)
  • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows freedom of movement
While no specific preparation is needed before the course begins, arriving with an attitude of curiosity and receptivity will enhance your learning experience. Those with existing bodywork, yoga, meditation, or movement practices often find that Breema complements and deepens their current disciplines, though such background is entirely optional.
If you have any specific health concerns or physical limitations, please contact the instructor before the course begins so that appropriate modifications can be arranged to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the program.
Course Format
This immersive course is delivered entirely in-person, creating an optimal environment for experiential learning and embodied understanding. The in-person format is essential for Breema practice, as it allows for direct guidance, immediate feedback, and the invaluable experience of giving and receiving touch with mindful awareness.
Throughout the 8-hour intensive, you'll engage in various learning modalities designed to deepen your understanding and experience of Breema principles and practices:
Experiential Practices
Hands-on learning through guided Self-Breema exercises and partnered sequences that allow you to directly experience the principles in your body.
Mindful Movement
Gentle, flowing movements that cultivate body awareness, natural rhythm, and effortless presence.
Partner Exercises
Structured partner work that develops sensitivity, receptivity, and the ability to give and receive supportive touch.
Reflective Discussions
Group conversations that deepen understanding, process experiences, and explore practical applications of Breema principles.
Instructor-Guided Sessions
Demonstrations and personalized guidance to refine technique and enhance understanding of core concepts.
The course environment is designed to be supportive and non-competitive, creating a safe space for exploration and growth. While structured to ensure comprehensive coverage of core material, sessions also allow for organic development based on the group's needs and questions.
Frequent breaks are incorporated throughout the program to allow for integration, rest, and informal connection with fellow participants. The course materials include a detailed handbook with illustrations of key sequences, principle descriptions, and reflective exercises to support your continued practice beyond the classroom.
Target Audience
This introductory Breema course has been thoughtfully designed to serve a wide range of individuals seeking to enhance both personal well-being and professional practice through mindful, holistic approaches. The accessible nature of Breema makes it valuable for people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
Wellness Professionals
Massage therapists, bodyworkers, and somatic practitioners looking to expand their toolkit with gentle, presence-based techniques that benefit both practitioner and client.
Movement Instructors
Yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, and movement educators seeking to deepen their embodied awareness and integrate principles of harmony into their teaching.
Caregivers
Healthcare professionals, therapists, and caregivers looking for sustainable self-care practices and ways to bring more presence and ease to their caregiving relationships.
Self-Growth Seekers
Individuals on a personal wellness journey who want practical tools for reducing stress, increasing vitality, and cultivating more harmonious relationships in daily life.
The course is particularly valuable for those who work in helping professions where burnout and compassion fatigue are common challenges. Breema's emphasis on mutual support and body comfort provides sustainable approaches to giving care without depleting personal resources.
Additionally, those exploring mindfulness practices will find that Breema offers a uniquely embodied approach to presence that complements meditation and other contemplative disciplines. The practical nature of Breema makes it accessible even to those who find traditional meditation challenging.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this introductory Breema course, participants will have gained a comprehensive foundation in both the theory and practice of this holistic discipline. These learning objectives reflect the multi-dimensional nature of Breema as both a bodywork modality and a philosophy for harmonious living.
Understand
Articulate the foundational principles of Breema, including its history, philosophy, and the Nine Principles of Harmony that guide practice. Explain how these principles create a framework for both bodywork techniques and mindful living.
Perform
Demonstrate basic Breema bodywork sequences and Self-Breema exercises with proper body mechanics, appropriate pressure, and mindful presence. Execute movements with natural rhythm, comfort, and ease rather than mechanical precision.
Cultivate
Develop a deeper sense of embodied presence, relaxation, and inner harmony through regular practice. Experience reduced tension, increased energy, and greater mind-body integration through consistent application of Breema principles.
Apply
Integrate Breema principles into daily activities, personal relationships, and professional contexts. Use principles such as "No Extra" and "Mutual Support" to enhance efficiency, connection, and well-being in various life situations.
Reflect
Engage in meaningful self-reflection about how Breema practices influence personal well-being and interpersonal dynamics. Develop a sustainable plan for incorporating Breema into ongoing self-care and professional development.
These objectives reflect both the practical skills and transformative potential of Breema practice. Rather than focusing solely on technical proficiency, this course emphasizes embodied understanding and authentic integration of Breema principles. Success is measured not by perfect execution of techniques, but by the quality of presence and ease that develops through consistent practice.
By the end of the course, students will have experienced firsthand how Breema's holistic approach can support greater harmony in body, mind, and feelings, creating a foundation for continued exploration and deepening practice.
Session 1: Breema Foundations and Embodied Presence
Throughout this first session, participants are encouraged to prioritize their own body comfort and to approach each exercise with curiosity rather than striving for perfection. The emphasis is on developing embodied understanding rather than memorizing sequences.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and bring a water bottle. All other materials including floor mats will be provided.
The first two-hour session introduces participants to the essential foundations of Breema practice, creating a supportive container for exploration and learning. This session balances conceptual understanding with direct, embodied experience, allowing students to immediately begin experiencing the benefits of Breema's approach to presence and harmony.
1
Welcome & Orientation
  • Introductions: Creating connection through simple presence exercises
  • Course overview: Setting intentions and expectations for the program
  • Breema origins: Brief history and philosophical foundations from Kurdish traditional wisdom
  • Breath awareness and grounding practice: Simple exercise to arrive fully in the present moment
2
Introduction to the Nine Principles of Harmony
  • Overview of the principles: Body Comfort, No Extra, Firmness and Gentleness, Full Participation, Mutual Support, No Judgment, Single Moment/Single Activity, No Hurry/No Pause, No Force
  • Guided exploration: Simple exercises to experience each principle directly
  • Group discussion: Reflecting on how these principles might apply in daily life
3
Self-Breema Practice
  • Introduction to Self-Breema as a personal practice for centering and vitality
  • Gentle floor exercises emphasizing natural weight, comfort, and ease of movement
  • Developing awareness of body's relationship to gravity and natural direction of movement
  • Practice sequence: "Reaching Up and Leaning Back" and "Side-to-Side with Stretched Legs"
4
Partnered Breema Practice
  • Guidelines for respectful touch and mindful partnering
  • Introductory partnered movements in seated and supine positions
  • Focus on "Mutual Support" and "No Force" principles in giving and receiving
  • Partner feedback and guided reflection on the experience
Session 2: Harmonizing Touch and Deepening Practice
Building on the foundation established in the first session, this three-hour segment deepens both the conceptual understanding and embodied experience of Breema practice. Participants explore more complex sequences while refining their ability to remain present and work with the Nine Principles of Harmony in both Self-Breema and partnered practice.
1
Review & Deepening Understanding
We begin by revisiting the Nine Principles through guided discussion and brief experiential exercises. This segment focuses on how these principles create a framework not only for Breema practice but for approaching daily activities with greater presence and harmony.
  • Paired exploration of how each principle manifests in everyday situations
  • Deepening understanding through concrete examples and personal reflection
  • Mini-practice of a simple principle-based activity (mindful walking)
2
Self-Breema Practice
This segment expands the repertoire of Self-Breema exercises, focusing on sequences that promote energetic balance, structural support, and inner quieting. Participants learn to move with natural rhythm while maintaining awareness of breath and body sensations.
  • Learning new sequences: "Alternating Stretching with Leg Movements" and "Holding the Feet to Side"
  • Practicing transitions between exercises with continuity of presence
  • Exploring how intention affects the quality of movement and experience
3
Partnered Breema Practice
The core of this session focuses on partnered Breema sequences that emphasize supportive touch, rhythmic movement, and mutual benefit. Through instructor demonstrations and guided practice, participants develop greater sensitivity and ease in both giving and receiving.
  • Demonstrations of foundational Breema bodywork sequences
  • Practice of "Nine-Pointed Brush" and "Coming Together and Moving Away"
  • Focus on using natural body weight rather than muscular effort
  • Learning to recognize and release habitual tension patterns
4
Partner Exchanges and Reflection
The session concludes with structured partner exchanges where participants practice complete sequences while receiving supportive feedback. This segment includes time for reflection and integration of the day's learning.
  • Full sequence exchanges with multiple partners
  • Specific feedback to enhance comfort, presence, and natural movement
  • Guided group discussion on experiences, challenges, and insights
  • Journaling exercise to capture personal discoveries
Throughout this extended session, participants are encouraged to work at their own pace, honoring body comfort while gradually expanding their range of movement and awareness. The instructor provides individualized guidance as needed, helping each person find their natural expression of the principles within the structured sequences.
Session 3: Breema Integration and Ongoing Practice
The final three-hour session focuses on integration and practical application, helping participants develop a sustainable personal practice while deepening their understanding of how Breema principles can enhance daily life. This session brings together all elements of the course in a holistic experience that prepares students for ongoing independent practice.
This final session creates a bridge between the structured learning environment and independent practice. Participants leave with concrete tools, personalized guidance, and supportive resources to continue their Breema journey beyond the course.
"The most valuable thing we can do for ourselves and others is to be present. In that presence, we become available to receive support from the unlimited reservoir of universal intelligence."
— Jon Schreiber, Director of the Breema Center
1
Self-Breema Exercises
This segment introduces new Self-Breema sequences that emphasize the principle of "Firmness and Gentleness," teaching participants how to find the optimal balance between structure and flexibility in their movements and approach to life.
  • Practice of "Firm and Gentle While Kneeling" and "Gathering Energy to the Center"
  • Exploring the relationship between effort and ease in movement
  • Creating a personalized routine of Self-Breema exercises
2
Breema Partner Sequences
Building on previous sessions, participants learn and practice more comprehensive Breema sequences in side-lying and extended supine positions. This segment emphasizes the principle of "Single Moment/Single Activity"—being fully present in each touch and movement.
  • Demonstration and practice of "Side-Lying Brushes and Leans" sequence
  • Extended "Harmonious Exchange" sequence in supine position
  • Focus on breath synchronization and rhythmic flow
  • Developing compassionate touch through presence and receptivity
3
Integration & Closing Circle
The course concludes with practical strategies for incorporating Breema into daily life and professional practice, along with a meaningful closing circle to honor the journey shared together.
  • Guidance for establishing a regular Self-Breema practice
  • Discussion of ways to apply Breema principles in work and relationships
  • Reflective sharing of insights, experiences, and intentions
  • Guided meditation embodying harmony and presence
  • Certificate presentation and closing ceremony

By the end of this session, you'll have a complete toolkit of Self-Breema exercises, partner sequences, and practical applications of the Nine Principles to support your ongoing practice and integration.
Recommended Texts and Resources
While this course is primarily experiential in nature, the following resources provide valuable support for deepening your understanding and continuing your Breema practice beyond the classroom. These carefully selected materials complement the hands-on learning with philosophical context, visual references, and practical guidance.
Core Texts
Breema and the Nine Principles of Harmony
by Jon Schreiber, Director of the Breema Center
This essential text provides a comprehensive introduction to Breema philosophy and practice. It offers clear explanations of the Nine Principles of Harmony with practical examples of their application in daily life. The book includes philosophical foundations, personal essays, and guidance for deepening your understanding of presence-based living.
Self-Breema: Exercises for Harmonious Life
by Breema Center Staff
An illustrated guide to Self-Breema exercises that can be practiced independently. This practical manual includes step-by-step instructions, clear photographs, and guidance for creating a personal practice routine. An invaluable resource for continuing your practice at home.
Supplementary Resources
  • The Taste of Being Present — A collection of aphorisms and short contemplations by Jon Schreiber that capture the essence of Breema's approach to mindful living.
  • Breema Center Website — Offers articles, videos, and information about continuing education opportunities (www.breema.com).
  • Monthly Breema Journal — Free email newsletter with practice tips, articles, and upcoming events.
Course Materials Provided
  • Comprehensive course handbook with illustrated sequences
  • Practice journal for recording insights and experiences
  • Principle cards for daily contemplation and reference
  • Digital access to guided Self-Breema practice recordings

All required course materials are included with your registration. The recommended texts are optional but highly valuable for deepening your understanding and supporting ongoing practice.
Books will be available for purchase during the course at a special student discount, or can be ordered directly from the Breema Center's website.
Certification
Upon successful completion of all components of the Introduction to Breema course, participants will receive an official certificate of completion from the Bright Moon Institute. This certification acknowledges your dedication to learning the foundational principles and practices of Breema bodywork and represents the first step in your Breema journey.
Certificate Requirements
To receive certification, participants must:
  • Attend all three sessions in their entirety (8 hours total)
  • Actively participate in all practice components and discussions
  • Show proficiency in foundational Self-Breema exercises
  • Successfully perform basic Breema partner sequences with proper body mechanics
Professional Recognition
This certificate may provide:
  • Continuing education credits for massage therapists and bodyworkers
  • Professional development hours for yoga instructors and movement educators
  • Foundation for further Breema studies and certifications
  • Recognition of competency in basic Breema principles and techniques
Continuing Your Journey
This introductory certification opens pathways to:
  • Intermediate and advanced Breema workshops
  • Practitioner certification programs
  • Specialized intensives in Self-Breema
  • Integration seminars for healthcare professionals
  • International Breema retreats and conferences
The certificate serves as tangible recognition of your achievement, but the true value of the course lies in the embodied understanding and practical tools you'll gain for enhancing your well-being and bringing greater harmony to your daily life and interactions with others.
For those interested in pursuing more advanced Breema training, this introductory course may open the door for further study with the Breema center who offer courses internationally. www.breema.info
The Essence of Breema
"Breema is not just a technique—it's a way of relating to yourself, to others, and to all life with harmony, clarity, and kindness."
This profound statement captures the essence of what makes Breema unique among bodywork and mindfulness practices. While the techniques and movements can be learned relatively quickly, the true depth of Breema reveals itself through consistent practice and the gradual integration of its principles into everyday life.
Breema offers a holistic approach to well-being that transcends the boundaries between bodywork, meditation, and life philosophy. Unlike practices that separate physical techniques from mindfulness training, Breema unifies body, mind, and feelings in a cohesive experience of presence and harmony.
At its core, Breema invites us to move beyond mechanical execution of techniques into a more alive, responsive, and authentic way of being. Through the Nine Principles of Harmony, we learn to release unnecessary tension, connect with our natural vitality, and interact with others from a place of genuine presence rather than habitual patterns.
The beauty of Breema lies in its accessibility and practicality. The principles that guide Breema practice—such as Body Comfort, No Extra, and Mutual Support—provide concrete tools for navigating daily challenges with greater ease and clarity. Whether applied during formal practice sessions or integrated into everyday activities like cooking, working, or conversing with others, these principles offer a pathway to more harmonious living.
As you embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, remember that Breema is not about achieving perfection or mastering complicated techniques. Rather, it's about cultivating a quality of presence that allows you to participate more fully in each moment of your life. The real measure of success in Breema practice is not how many sequences you can memorize, but how present you can be with yourself and others in ordinary daily activities.
We invite you to approach this course with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experience something new. Whether you're seeking physical rejuvenation, emotional balance, or deeper connection with yourself and others, Breema offers a gentle yet powerful path toward greater harmony and well-being.