Breath, The Pulse of the Universe
Honoring International World Breathing Day, observed annually on April 11
ABOUT
Breath, the Pulse of the Universe the creation of Pam Johnson and Lynn Birdwell, is a three-part experiential homage to the breath, beginning with a mesmerizing short film, produced by Bird House Productions and directed by Birdwell, followed by a mandala breath troupe performance by Johnson and the Talasana Breath Troupe, and closes with a short, beautiful guided breath meditation.
The short, inspirational film, featuring the velvety and unbelievably slow movement of Pam Johnson, is an elegant study of light and breath, honoring the technique and style of Bill Viola’s timeless video art. It captures the metaphysical essence of slow motion, rhythmic breath and luminosity. The audience observes and becomes keenly aware of the sound and movement of the life force, the breath. This experience is further deepened when Johnson leads the breath troupe in a devotional, orderly slow-motion mandala offering, performed to the music of their breath. Both the film, and then the performance, were created to capture and inspire awareness about our constant companion, the breath. It is the essence and integrity of the ancient healing practice of yoga, as well as our innate human capacity to create and manage our internal spaces. The guided meditation lead by Birdwell leaves the audience with a lingering and subliminal experience of spirituality and art. Participants are encouraged to quiet external distractions, tap into their internal senses and allow this intimate and timeless work of art to take over fully.
VIDEOS
“Experiential BREATH Event”
“The next great frontier of human exploration is not outer space, but inner space — the development of the human mind.”
“BREATH Art Film”
“Although this film is a visual study of light, and a rich and enveloping audio experience, the viewer will most likely find themself physically breathing along with the film, without conscious awareness of having begun to do so. There is a physical awareness and connection that each viewer will have in each part of the performance. The beauty and artistry of the use of symbolism throughout the program, the pace of the breath, and the elegant lines and shifting light in the film, are all-of-one conscious physical experience.”
– Lynn Birdwell
TROUPE MISSION STATEMENT
The precision mandala breath troupe’s sole purpose is to demonstrate through movement and breath, the techniques of focusing energy, balancing the body, tuning the mind, and harmonizing with the calming vibrational sound of the ujjayi breath and the universal sound of OM.
Based in the whole brain learning techniques of ancient Himalayan yogic healing and meditation practices, Breath, the Pulse of the Universe captures the essence and integrity of toning the vital organs, enhancing the senses, and merging both outwardly and inwardly with the frequency of sound and refulgent light.
DIRECTORS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, PAM JOHNSON
Pam Johnson, is a yoga educator and breath coach practicing and teaching ancient classical Himalayan yoga for the past 30 years. She is the founder of The Heights School of Yoga as well as a museum-level fine artist, specializing in large-scale black and white drawings and biomorphic sculptures. For Pam, these two disciplines nurtured the creation of Breath, the Pulse of the Universe. Pam’s passion is teaching breath-centered yoga and studying physics.
FILM DIRECTOR, LYNN BIRDWELL
Lynn is a staunch defender of television and film development in Houston. She provides production services as an Executive Producer for Bird House Productions, which includes film, series, commercials, music videos, content and photography for world-class artists, production companies, directors, photographers, and global brands.
Performances
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Rothko Chapel, Houston, TX
EASTSIDE YOGA, AUSTIN, TX - OFFERING FOR SRIVATSA RAMASWAMI
PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON
“Smita and I thank you and Pam for an exhilarating experience. The Breath creation drew us out and then in … as we shared in the homage with all our senses. Thank you for the film! I got lost in the gentle, elegant movement, the subtle shifts in focus and light, and in the rhythmic breath. The symbolism involved in all the elements captivated my conscience self. The highlight of the evening for me was the guided meditation – which Smita and I are still talking about these days. The language was spiritual and artful, the pace led to contemplative following, and we were left encouraged to enter internal spaces undistracted. Peace…” Jamie Johns
“Beautiful and very impressive…. No reason why more sequences can (not) become dance, because the breath becomes the background music. (The experience) is different than the routine yoga asana. People were very impressed. I’m happy that it is an art expression.” Srivatsa Ramaswami, The modern day authority on Vinyasa Krama
“I thought the whole event and especially the breath awareness felt very “personal”. It felt astonishingly intimate, an inner experience of breath.” Randall Morton, Past Executive Director of The Progressive Forum
“It was inspiring to me and I learned a lot.” Ann Hyde
“To the uninitiated, attending “Breath: The Pulse of the Universe” could be a life-changing experience. To the rest of us, it bordered on nirvana. The combination of riveting video with hypnotic live action delivered a breath of fresh air to the standard yoga room meditation, opening our eyes, ears and soul to the universe and beyond.” Lou Congelio
“I was there and loved it.” Nan Hall Linke
ROTHKO CHAPEL
“Breath, the Pulse of the Universe connects us to that essential rhythm–internal and external–that is fundamental to our existence. It resonated even more fully inside the Rothko Chapel.” Christopher Rothko, Chairman of the Board, Rothko Chapel
“Breath, Pulse of the Universe, at the Rothko Chapel was a revelation, a multi-sensory experience that practically defies language. It invites the audience into rapt attention; we are changed in our very participation.” Claudia Horowitz, Former Interim Executive Director, Rothko Chapel
“Such a wonderful performance Pam. Awe inspiring! You are an absolute inspiration to me! The whole team who worked on this did an incredible, spiritual journey.” Stephanie Cole
“What a wonderful evening. It was so good to slow down with a beautiful presentation and film.” Carrie Glassman Showemake
EASTSIDE YOGA, AUSTIN, TX | OFFERING FOR SRIVATSA RAMASWAMI
“During the performance there was a moment when I saw immense light radiating. Normally, performing can be a nerve-racking experience, but because this practice and performance is focusing on the breath which leads you back to the heart, the spiritual center, it was a calming and peaceful experience, an experience that was shared between performers and audience. Being part of the Troupe has deepened my own personal practice and has given me the opportunity to share my heart, my light, my soul with the world.” Simone Olivier, Austin Troupe Member
“Simply exquisite. The energies of the evening stayed with me and were delightful and wise and peaceful companions throughout the night and the next day. I would recreate that experience every day.” Don Gordon
“Exquisite program and performance!” Adrienne Johnson
