The Nine Principles

The Nine Principles of Harmony make Breema bodywork unique. They distinguish it from all other methods, even those which include movements that appear to be similar. Yet, the principles of Breema are universal. They can be applied to other techniques and methods of bodywork, health improvement, health maintenance and, in fact, to any activity in life. You can begin, in your own way, to apply those principles with which you find an inner resonance. If you find the principles inspiring, you will eventually want to support your study by participating in a class or workshop, because both practicing and receiving Breema bodywork are extremely helpful for deepening your Self-understanding.

Every one of the Nine Principles of Harmony can support us to come to the present and live life more fully.

Jon Schreiber, Director

Body Comfortable

Blooming red rose with a spring green background

The first principle of Breema is Body Comfortable.

Take a few breaths, and experience that your body is breathing, and that your body has weight. Almost immediately you can experience the refreshment of becoming available to yourself and to your immediate situation.

Real comfort is a dimension of Consciousness where everything is working in harmony with our Timeless nature.

No Extra

Walking bridge over a double waterfall surrounded by lush green mountain side

We exist as a part of the whole of Existence, in perfect harmony with the whole. To express our true nature, nothing extra is needed.

When our Being is participating, we are able to accept our thoughts and feelings because they no longer hide our true nature or keep us from living life in harmony with Existence.

Firmness and Gentleness

Glacial blue lake with purple lupine flowers in front of mountains and deep blue sky

Firmness and gentleness are never separate. They complement each other. In Firmness and Gentleness we can find the possibility of harmonizing our mental and emotional activity, so that they can support each other.

Firmness comes from the knowledge that “there is a body.” Gentleness comes from the presence of our natural feelings which, nonverbally, express gratitude for being alive. When we are present, the body naturally manifests firmness and gentleness.

Full Participation

A field of purple onion flowers blooming

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. When the mind and feelings participate fully in the activity of the body, they are free from associative thoughts and reactions and we can let go of imaginary separation.

The taste we receive of full participation is the taste of a unified presence.

Mutual Support

Julia Heliconian butterfly resting on white flower

Any time you give support, Mutual Support is taking place, because you are receiving support simultaneously. When you are in a position to give support, it is because you have been supported to be in that position.

At any moment you manifest in harmony with your understanding, in harmony with your Conscience, in harmony with your True nature, you are being supported.

No Judgment

Our thinking mind is incapable of comprehending the timeless nature of reality. The mind thinks in concepts, imagining everything to be outside of itself. That is the root of our judgmental attitude toward life. The present is the domain of our Being, not of our mind. Through being present and actualizing the principle of No Judgment, an atmosphere of acceptance is created. Touching another body in this nonjudgmental way can show us that we are not separate from anything in the universe.

Single Moment/Single Activity

Alpine valley with river under blue sky with scattered clouds

When you are present, there is a single moment. Your receptivity to the moment becomes a single activity. In the absence of thought and feelings, you enter into the present, and there is one moment and one activity.

No Hurry/No Pause

Brilliant red poppy field un clear blue sky at dawn

Through connection to the body, we enter the present. Our Being participates, without hurry or pause, and our rhythm is the rhythm of Existence. Our movements and activities are in harmony with the natural flow of life energy.

No Force

Variety of fall colored trees outlining a road littered with fallen leaves

Moment after moment, Awareness emanates, and the timeless process of Existence flows without force.

To be in harmony with Existence is our nature. When we express our true nature, we use no force. All that’s necessary is to let go of assumptions of separation.