Breath as Liberation: Empowering Black Women and Femmes to Thrive Unapologetically

Tai Salih (she/her)
ZORA
Published in
4 min readMay 31

A few days ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a wellness event hosted by the Congress of Black Women ON. Among the thought-provoking webinars, one, in particular, captured my attention and has stayed with me ever since. Dr. Krissy (IG @dr.krissy.phd) posed a question that struck a chord deep within me: “Are you breathing to survive or breathing to thrive?” As a Black woman navigating a world that often marginalizes and overlooks our experiences, those words held profound meaning.

Drawing on the wisdom of influential Black women writers such as bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Toni Morrison, we embark on a transformative journey of self-reflection and empowerment, shedding light on the vital role intentional breathing plays in reclaiming our agency and unapologetically thriving.

In a society that too often dismisses our voices and overlooks our contributions, it becomes crucial for us to reclaim our breath as a catalyst for liberation. Through intentional breathing, we tap into our inner strength and assert our rightful place in the world. Our breaths bear witness to our resilience, carrying the stories of our ancestors and the fire that burns within us.

Thriving becomes an act of radical self-love for Black women and femmes. It is an intentional choice to rise above societal expectations, dismantle oppressive norms, and embrace our multifaceted identities. With each breath, we reclaim our power and acknowledge our inherent worthiness. Through intentional breathwork, we cultivate a love for ourselves that is unapologetic, radical, and transformative.

Our breath becomes a powerful tool of resistance, enabling us to reclaim our agency and reimagine our narratives. In the face of adversity, intentional breathing sustains us, centering us within our bodies and providing a refuge where we find solace and reconnect with our innate power. We breathe in our greatness, exhaling the falsehoods that seek to diminish our light.

Thriving is not a solitary journey. It is nurtured within sisterhood, within the bonds of Black women and femmes supporting one another.

Through intentional breathwork, we create sacred spaces that celebrate our collective strength, wisdom…

Tai Salih (she/her)
ZORA
Writer for

Yogi E-RYT® 500, YACEP® | Founder @ Red Ma'at Collective | Integrative Counsellor www.redmaathealing.com