Member Reviews
Jasmine Marie’s Black Girls Breathing is a powerful, compassionate guide that centers on the healing power of breathwork, specifically designed for Black women navigating the weight of intergenerational trauma, chronic stress, and the impacts of systemic racism. Written with deep care and understanding, this book offers not just practical techniques, but also a transformative approach to self-care and inner healing for those of us who have long been taught to carry the world on our shoulders.
As a Black woman herself, Jasmine Marie understands the unique pressures that come with being a Strong Black Woman—the expectation to always push forward, to be resilient, and to perform despite the emotional toll it can take. In Black Girls Breathing, she gives readers permission to pause, to breathe, and to let go of those burdens. What makes this book so special is the way it speaks directly to Black women, honoring our experiences while creating space for healing in a way that feels both personal and empowering.
The core of the book is centered on breathwork, an often overlooked but profoundly effective tool for connecting the mind and body. Jasmine Marie makes breathwork accessible, explaining its benefits and guiding readers through exercises designed to address the stress and trauma stored in our bodies. These exercises aren’t just about relaxation—they’re about deep, intentional healing. The way she weaves together somatic philosophies with the lived experiences of Black women creates a holistic approach to wellness that feels culturally attuned and deeply relevant.
One of the most important aspects of the book is how it encourages us to reconnect with our bodies. For many Black women, the chronic stress of navigating a world built on racism can leave us feeling disconnected from our own physical selves. Jasmine Marie’s guidance on how to inhabit our bodies with intentional breath is a profound act of reclamation. The exercises help break down the armor we’ve had to build over the years and remind us that we deserve to feel safe, whole, and at peace within ourselves.
Marie also tackles the perfectionism and conditional self-worth that many of us internalize. In a world that demands we be exceptional just to survive, Black Girls Breathing offers a counter-narrative: that we are enough as we are, and that healing requires us to give ourselves permission to rest and be imperfect. This is perhaps one of the most revolutionary aspects of the book—its gentle yet firm assertion that we do not need to earn our worth through overperformance or overextension. We can simply be.
The book’s focus on community is another strength. Jasmine Marie doesn’t just view healing as an individual process but recognizes the collective power of Black women coming together to heal. Through her work with black girls breathing®, she has already created a movement, and this book extends that work, offering tools for not just personal restoration but also communal solidarity. The idea that we heal better when we heal together is woven throughout the narrative, reinforcing the importance of support networks.
For those of us who have carried the weight of being "strong" for too long, Black Girls Breathing offers a deeply needed respite. Jasmine Marie’s writing is compassionate and clear, her exercises are approachable, and her insights are profound. She creates a space where we are allowed to feel, to process, and to heal—without guilt or shame.
Final Thoughts:
Black Girls Breathing is more than just a guide to breathwork; it is a call to Black women to reclaim our breath, our bodies, and our freedom. Jasmine Marie provides a practical and heartfelt roadmap for healing the trauma and stress that so many of us carry, empowering us to step into a future of rest, self-compassion, and community care. This book is a must-read for any Black woman ready to break cycles of pain and discover the transformative power of simply breathing. It’s not just a resource—it’s a revolutionary act of self-love.
I think this is a great intro to trauma work for folks who are not in the world of therapy and healing.
Black Girls Breathing by Jasmine Marie is a transformative and empowering book that offers a much-needed space for Black women to heal, reflect, and grow. Jasmine Marie’s words are deeply comforting and inspiring, as she beautifully intertwines personal stories, practical advice, and powerful affirmations. The book is not just a guide but a companion for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of mental health, self-care, and self-love. Every chapter is filled with wisdom and encouragement, making it a truly uplifting read. Black Girls Breathing is an essential book that resonates on a profound level, offering a sense of community and understanding that is both rare and precious—highly recommended for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery.