Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Chronic Stress, and Find Your Freedom

by Jasmine Marie

From breathwork practitioner and the founder of black girls breathing®, a practical path for Black women to heal trauma, combat chronic stress, and find freedom in their own bodies and minds—think What Happened to You? meets Breath for readers of Rest is Resistance.  It's no secret that Black women have been oppressed for centuries and, as a Black woman herself, Jasmine Marie knows the impact that intergenerational trauma and systemic racism have had—and continue to have—on her community. Those experiences are why she founded a breathwork company dedicated to helping Black women access somatic practices and understand the power of the mind‑body connection to undo the trauma the carry. In Black Girls Breathing, Jasmine Marie shares the science-backed tools and wisdom of her program to help Connect more fully to their bodies. Give themselves permission to rest. Heal the chronic stress they carry in their bodies and nervous systems. Address their emotional pain. Rebuild themselves and their communities. Ultimately, this book is a long-overdue resource for every Strong Black The woman ready to break cycles of trauma, heal the internalized beliefs of perfectionism and conditional self‑worth, and listen to the wisdom of her inner voice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Race, African American, Feminism, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 17, 2024

Reviews

[tre be · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐓𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 - 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.” ((Important message for the 92% to heed as we enter a season of darkness))
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When I first started therapy, I would always scoff when my therapist would give me breathing strategies. I would think, my life is falling apart and you're telling me to breathe?!!
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Well, since I started yoga during the pandemic when my anxiety was at an all time high, I saw the benefits of breathwork first hand. How healing and calming and good it is for my spirit. Not only during times of distress, but when my raging thoughts consume me.
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“Black women have been programmed to keep pushing beyond their emotional, physical, and mental limits rather than caring for themselves and their bodies. We have this magical ability to exist in extremes without any issues”
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“It is revolutionary to slow down enough to turn inward and begin to unpack all the ways in which we’ve house trauma the trauma that we’ve experienced directly and the trauma that was passed down to us. And it can all start with your breath.”
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In Black Girls Breathing, the author dives deep into the need for Black women to center breath. My favorite portion was learning about “oceanic breath”, and pairing it with positive affirmations, to help “create a sense of safety in your body”.
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This self-help guide was helpful. I loved the different breathing techniques that were introduced, but would’ve liked more details about them, as well as how to make breath work more of a natural instinct/trigger when stress and anxiety kicks in.
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Carrying the world’s burdens and overextending ourselves to our own detriment is no longer our plight in life! The resounding message is clear - it’s time to break the cycle of carrying the burden, and take time to rest, breathe and heal our bodies.

[Candice Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love letter to Black girls. All Black women need to read this book. Your heart, body, and mind will thank you.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to @gcpbalance for my gifted copy‼️

You never know what you need until you need it . . . I feel like this book will be that for many who decide to pick it up. It’s a guide to help you understand and uncover hidden traumas, suppressed feelings you’ve kept bottled up for years, the stress these situations have caused and how they not only impact your life but your mind, body, and health.

Throughout the book the author touched on so many topics and themes. A few being how Black women carry so much of the burden of those around us because we have to be everything to and for everyone. We have to be the caretakers, mediators, Mrs. Fix It, the do it all’s in our careers, the strong Black woman, the dependable friend/family member and so on.

As Black women we have to wear a million and one hats and do it all with grace and a smile on our face otherwise we’re deemed as the angry Black woman. In doing so we forget to make time for ourselves and lose sight of who we are and what we want to be because we’re too busy being everything to other people. Or we overwhelm ourselves trying to be there for everyone and never stop to rest or reset.

Stress is a tough thing to deal with because half the time you don’t even realize how stressed you are until it begins to affect you physically. While this book alone may not help you combat stress it’s definitely a great starting point on your healing journey. It’s also not something that can be breezed through as there are prompts, exercises, and different techniques mentioned that will require some thought.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this. The authors goal with the book is to help you connect more fully to your body, give yourself permission to rest, heal the chronic stress you carry in your body and nervous system, address emotional pain and rebuild your sense of self and your community.

[Celesté · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually started reading this on my kindle in late September but stopped when I realized the Audible was releasing in mid December. I tend to focus better with non-fiction in Audible format.

This book is LOUD and right, I just needed more solutions 🫠

[Chahdael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. As a therapist, who works with racial trauma in black and POC women, this book is amazing. I found that it really breaks down the complex dynamics of navigating the world as a Black woman and healing.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely eye opening. To think, there are generational traumas we don’t even realize we carry. Really good self reflecting read.

[Mysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Black Girls Breathing takes all the lessons from Jasmine Marie's groundbreaking initiative and combines them into the self-help book of self-help books for Black girls. This book truly read me for filth in the best way possible.

I’m not typically a non-fiction girl, but I genuinely enjoyed this from beginning to end. I listened to my ebook using Speechify, and it felt like I was listening to lessons straight from my elders. I could honestly see this entire book working as a podcast—I flew through it so quickly because it’s packed with so many gems. Every chapter saw me completely, and I left with such a deep sense of being seen and cared for.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC and cannot thank Grand Central Publishing and Jasmine Marie enough. I’ll be purchasing copies for all the Black women I love because this book is a gift.

CAWPILE
Credibility/Research (C): 8
Authenticity/Uniqueness (A): 9
Writing/Readability (W): 7
Personal Impact (P): 9
Intrigue (I): 9
Logic/Informativeness (L): 8
Enjoyment (E): 9

[Donnakay'sBookWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 This was such a timely read. I'm so happy I was able to sit and digest the tools expressed in this book. What I appreciated most were the practical exercises at the end of the chapters and the knowledge base from which the author spoke. These tools are easily applicable to real life and can ultimately make a difference in your all-around well-being. I love how concise and to the point this book was. The author gave merit to the impact of real-life events and gave helpful tips to comabting not only present-day stress but also the latent traumas that we may not even realise are still weighing us down.

In a world that is increasingly stress filled as more and more tasks are piled upon us, this book encourages us to be a little "selfish" with our health and serves as a needed reminded of the importance of taking care of oneself. The stress and pain we hold can have long-term detrimental effects on our health and quality of life. My bestie is always reminding me to take that breath sis! And now I have this book and the exercises to help me to do just that. It's okay to do nothing but be for a few minutes. You deserve to rest! And don't feel guilty about it either.

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing an e-arc

[Onehellofalady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black girls breathing is a must read for woman on their healing journey. I plan on buying a physical copy because it’s filled with different exercises to try that require writing. As you read through each chapter there are different breath work techniques as well as mirror work. This book was right on time for me as it touches on healing from generational trauma, being a good giver and receiver as well as putting yourself first while not shutting others out. If you are ready to put the work in and really dive deep I recommend taking your time and really reading through this book while taking in all that it has to offer. The author gives advice while also speaking on her own relatable experiences.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! Jasmine Marie discusses the trauma and stress that black women go through on a regular basis. This book provides exercises where you can ask yourself some important questions about what you’re going through, how you’re feeling & what you can do to move through your healing journey. I love that all of the topics also include breathing exercises. I read the Kindle version, but I’ll definitely be purchasing this book because it absolutely needs a physical spot on my shelf and re-reads!

[Jamison Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Good Trouble · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25

[Shahira8826 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to like this book, but I found it terribly repetitive and boring!

[Ast · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Allowing your body to be present and take up space—rather than always existing in fight-or-flight mode—is true freedom. We deserve to harness and cultivate this freedom for ourselves and in community while we await the opportunity to be fully free in the world."

This book exceeded my expectations. I didn't know exactly what it would offer, but I knew that there was knowledge that I gain from reading it. It was so much more than that though. It was an experience, where I learned about breathwork and how to identify emotions in my body; affirmed some of my thoughts and decisions that felt audacious; suggested I show myself grace; encouraged reflection and acknowledgment through exercises and prompts; equipped me with tools and practices that I keep; and offered my optimism for the future. Despite the overall positivity I felt while reading this book, this was by no means easy to engage with. The intensity is what I imagine people mean when they say that bell hooks' All About Love is difficult for them to get through. If there are aspects of your life that you want to work through this might be hard to get through. There may be tears. This is the kind of book that you pick up when you're ready. I am grateful for all of the effort it took Jasmine to get to the level of expertise that enabled her to be a source of wisdom in this topic. I can't remember how I learned about this book, it could've been through a Goodreads list, but I appreciate the stars that align for me to find it when I needed it. I will be adding this book to my collection because it is a resource that I could come back to. This book is for every black girl. There's great nuggets in here for every black boy. Breathwork, though, everyone could benefit from it.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many topics touched on in #BlackGirlsBreathing. This book found me at just the right time and in the right space. I know this work will be helpful for so many others as well. If you know the overwhelming feeling of having to be everything to everyone in your life and not finding any love or time for yourself, this is for you. There are many different experiences, techniques, and nuggets of information throughout this book that will help heal parts of you, while also showing you the path forward. As we enter yet another era of uncertainty, strife, and heartbreak – this time while needing to remain extra vigilant and “strong” – breathwork will be an even more important part of my self-care routine thanks to #BlackGirlBreathing. I will be buying multiple copies of this book upon official release and gifting them across my community. If you can, please gift this to a Black woman in your life, request it at your local libraries, and donate a few to a free library or book-sharing space near you <3.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a review copy of #BlackGirlsBreathing. All feedback is my unbiased opinion, not paid, and simply for the love of books.

[Tasha Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Māori woman reading Black Girls Breathing, I felt so much of myself reflected in the struggles and experiences Yassmin Abdel-Magied shares. While our cultural backgrounds are different, there are so many similarities in the way both Black women and Indigenous women navigate a world that often doesn’t see or understand us. This book spoke to the mental health toll that comes with constantly fighting against systems of oppression, and I could relate to that deeply.

Yassmin does a beautiful job of discussing the emotional and mental weight of being a woman of colour, especially in spaces where we are expected to just “push through.” Her reflections on breathing—both literally and metaphorically—were powerful, and I found myself thinking about how often we, as Indigenous women, are told to carry on regardless of what we’re going through.

The writing felt like a conversation with a friend. It’s honest, raw, and filled with practical advice that anyone, especially women of colour, can relate to. It’s a book about taking care of your mental health, about learning to breathe through the hardships. It’s a reminder that we deserve space to feel, rest, and heal.

[Jae (spoiler free reviews)]

Black Girls Breathing is a refreshing and necessary addition to the self-help and wellness space, offering a deeply affirming guide tailored specifically for Black women navigating trauma and chronic stress.

What sets this book apart from other self-help books is its culturally specific focus. While many wellness books take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach, Black Girls Breathing acknowledges the unique social, cultural, and historical factors that impact Black women’s mental and emotional well-being. Jasmine Marie seamlessly blends practical breathwork techniques, mindfulness exercises, and empowering affirmations that feel both accessible and deeply resonant.

Black Girls Breathing encourages Black women to reclaim their peace, prioritize self-care and find freedom in their healing journeys. Recommended for anyone seeking holistic emotional wellness.

[LaKeisha W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book I Didn’t Know I Needed

Black Girls Breathing by Jasmine Marie has been nothing short of transformative for me. This book found me at a time when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it. Jasmine’s words felt like a warm hug, an acknowledgment of struggles I’ve often carried silently, and an invitation to breathe through them with intention.

The practices and insights she shares helped me reconnect with myself in ways I didn’t think were possible. Her approach is so affirming and rooted in the unique experiences of Black women it felt deeply personal, like it was written just for me.

Reading this book was a reminder to prioritize my peace, embrace my resilience, and lean into the power of my breath. It’s not just a guide, it’s a lifeline. I listened to the audio of this book and I’m so glad I did because of the breathing exercises. But Im definitely buying the physical because I’ll be returning to it again and again, and I know it will remain a source of strength and healing in my life. Thank you, Jasmine Marie, for creating something so special.

[denice ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am so grateful for the opportunity to support Jasmine in this creation! Just like Sunday Balm breathing sessions, this book was incredibly healing and comforting. I adore Jasmine’s voice and how tenderly she held us as she discussed topics that can be triggering or heavy. My heart space feels so full. I am so happy my heart space and mind were open to this books teaching and oh my gosh the guided meditations, accompanying pdf, and restructuring exercises were incredibly helpful and thought out! I’m so happy I read this book in January as I honestly feel a bit more grounded and prepared for this year ahead. I really hope she writes and narrates more books as she is an absolutely lovely and easy to follow writer!

[Wanda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, a must read for Black women, especially us Baby Boomers who are unlearning the fears and patterns we needed to survive during Civil Rights Movement and what our parents who've been through worse showed us. To the 92%, it's time to take care of ourselves and equip ourselves with the tools to stop stress from wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds! It's important to take your time with this read and do the exercises as well. It will be a different experience if you take the time to do the reflective prompts and breathwork; I was tempted sometimes to speed through the the chapters but reminded myself I got this book to learn to slow down. Will be recommending this for my book club!

[Kandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the book please also listen to the audiobook to know how the breath work sounds. I may not have understood what was expected. I will buy the book for the journaling aspect and for reference.

As an avid user of the Calm app, Black Girls Breathing helped me to appreciate all of the Calm exercises I use for stress and anxiety. But, BUT, Jasmine Marie takes it to a whole new level for US who are occupying this space as black women who seek to just feel better starting on the inside. Fantastic.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was actually a very interesting book to read. It talked about daily struggles that people have in their own life’s. It told you how to cope with some struggles too. One of the things it talked about was negative and how to turn something negative into something more positive. I think others may really enjoy the book. I read this book because there is a reading challenge I been trying to achieve on here and this book was on the challenge part.

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As the title suggests, it’s definitely written for Black girls, and there was so much in these pages that I could deeply relate to. While the breathing techniques are valuable, this book offers so much more: healing, reflection, and reclaiming space for ourselves. Sometimes, it just feels good to be reminded that we’re not alone in the feelings we carry as Black women. This one is powerful and affirming.

[Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like how the author repeatedly referred to readers as “black girl” or “black women” even though it’s written for African American women, I feel as though this book can be very helpful for women coming from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Some chapters I found helpful, the written prompts I didn’t participate in. Is this a good book to help heal internalize racism, self image issues and self limiting beliefs? Yes. Would I read it again? No

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book on breath work. It's real and informative and the audiobook has moments of breathing together that really helped me to understand the style of breathing described AND I realized the moments that I actually needed to take a breath. I'll definitely incorporate what I've learned through this book in my meditation offerings moving forward.

[Toccara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compassionate and relatable approach makes this book feel like a warm conversation with a friend, offering tools that can be applied to everyday life. If you’re looking for a book that will uplift, empower, and help you reclaim your peace, this is it. A must-read for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery!
Thank you Jasmine!

[Tee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLACK GIRLS TO THE FRONT PLEASE!

This book was like a hug that was long overdue. I feel seen, heard and appreciated in every relationship in life. The breathing exercises and the advice were all well needed. Thank you, thank you!

[Vet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written dive into the healing and emotional work of being a Black girl. I loved the support it provided as I went through each chapter. I resonated with damn near every page, and felt freed and lifted by the insights. Highly recommend!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. I truly feel like the exercises and examples are really helpful with addressing and handling stress and triggering matters. I'm not usually a non-fiction/self help reader, but this is a book I would recommend to any Black girl, or woman, dealing with life's issues.

[RaNiyah Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book. I think it would’ve been 5 stars if I had a physical copy and could see the images referenced