Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing (and a Giveaway!)
December 29, 2011 by Erin
Having dipped my toe into the meditation waters a few times, I was excited when Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing landed in my mailbox. What mom doesn’t need to take a moment (or 20) to herself every now and then to just breathe? Turns out, I had to test out the DVD after putting my daughter down for a nap, thus breathing deeply for the DVD and holding my breath that she didn’t wake up too soon.
More of a guided meditation than a workout, Breathe combines elements of yoga with meditation, with the focus placed on breathing (obviously) and moving and stretching with the breath. It’s not billed as a prenatal DVD, so while it wasn’t intense or sweat-inducing—think more cat-cow than warrior poses—I did have to modify some of the positions to accommodate my current pregnant state. There were stretches of time where I had to lie on my side instead of lying on my back, and I did child’s pose instead of lying on my stomach.
With an instructional segment that teaches the breathing basics and 20- and 40-minute routines, any mom can find a segment that will fit her schedule. While meditation can be pretty hippity-dippity, this DVD is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t make meditation skeptics roll their eyes. The production quality is great and the scenery is beautiful. Model Yamila Díaz (of Victoria’s Secret fame) is a well-cast star, as the instruction is done by voiceover by yoga pro Fabio Andrico.
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★1/2
Fit Bottom Line: It’s not a sweat-inducing workout, but when you need a break from a hectic day or just want gentle stretches on a rest day, Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing, is an excellent way to catch your breath and a perfect guide to meditation for beginners.
Need to breathe yourself? Just comment to tell us why below for a chance to win this DVD! Winners will be chosen in about a week; U.S. residents only, please! —Erin
I find I’m always telling other people to breathe, and realizing I need to do more of it myself!
I’m pregnant *and* trying to finish writing a book, so I can really use the relaxation!
This DVD sounds great. I always think that finding time to connect with myself and our new baby inside (I’m 24 weeks!) is important, but it is not always easy to do that and focus on ‘myself.’ The DVD would create a great time and space to center myself and baby
As a busy Mom of twins and a teen, scout leader, VA nurse caring for our service-connected veterans and recent grad school finisher, I’m ready to take a few minutes and just breathe, hopefully on a regular basis.
Breathing is the core of life. I Through our Breath we heal, de-stress, tune in to our bodies and feel our center. Important DVD for all.
I have never meditated outside of yoga class, and I would love to try it out on my own!
This sounds amazing. Having recently gone through a breakup and realizing how easily I lost myself, I am making it part of my resolution this year to focus on me. I have been researching meditation for a bit now and think this dvd is a great way to get me in the door and hopefully use it as a tool to help me center myself again.
I have been a shallow breather all my life and its time to learn how to breathe
I really need to stretch more. I’d love to win!
I have a tendancy to hold my breath, so something that will help me learn to breathe would be helpful, since breathing is kinda vital for life and all.
I love doing massages but realize I need to take time to care for myself as well. We are trying to become pregnant soon and de-stressing my body with mediatation is the perfect way to prepare….
I need some mindfulness living . . .
I really need this!
Sounds perfect for the times yoga class is not an option (like the middle of the night when you can’t seem to fall asleep…)!
I have always loved yoga but the breathing part still gives me trouble so this DVD could help
I am a shallow breather as well and even hold my breath when stressed or concentrating really hard. I literally have to tell myself to breathe. Practice makes perfect I guess, so yes, I could really learn from this DVD! Thanks for the review.
I’d love to win this DVD because I love yoga, and what I love about yoga is connecting the breath to movement. It’s always so centering.
My heart could use the relaxation techniques.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
One goal for 2012 is to practice yoga, meditate & BREATHE each day. This DVD would really be useful! Thanks for the chance!
My goal for 2012 is to slow down a little and focus. This DVD would be a great start. Thanks!
We all need to channel our breath and relax in order to function fully. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Would love this , I work with moms dealing with drug addiction and this would be helpful for them and their babies
Hello! One of my New Years Resolutions is to spend at least 15 minutes a day focussing on me – I spend a lot of time taking care of my family and extended family, and realized late 2010 that I needed to take care of myself, too. I would love to use this DVD to bring some calm and focus to my self.
One of my new year’s resolutions is to try to meditate once a week, and this would be perfect to help me do it!
Due to job/home/relationship/financial craziness, I need to have some sort guidance in my life to help me just sit and BREATHE. I do attend yoga class regularly, but sometimes, savasana just isn’t enough. I’d love to win this and help save my sanity!
I keep saying I need to meditate more, but haven’t done it on my own. A DVD would help getting me moving in the right direction.
I’ve never felt like i breathe correctly, and I think this would really help.
As a homeschool mom of three, I can certainly use some downtime! This DVD could teach me how to do it.
Congrats to No. 5 Debra W. for the big win! Expect an email shortly with details!
-FBM Erin