Breath: The Pulse of the Universe

Courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

"Breath, the Pulse of the Universe," the creation of Pam Johnson and Lynn Birdwell, is a three-part experiential homage to the breath. The program begins with a mesmerizing short film, produced by Rivet and directed by Birdwell, followed by a mandala breath troupe performance by Johnson and the Tadasana Breath Troupe. The night closes with a short, guided breath meditation.

The short inspirational film, featuring Johnson’s velvety and unbelievably slow movement, 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. Viewers observe and become keenly aware of the sound and movement of the life force, the breath.

This experience is further deepened as Johnson leads the breath troupe in a devotional, orderly slow-motion mandala offering, performed to the music of their breath. Both the film and the performance were created to capture and inspire awareness about our constant companion, the breath, and 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 led by Birdwell leaves participants with a lingering and subliminal experience of spirituality and art.