Holotropic Breathwork
Moving toward wholeness…
The name Holotropic means literally “moving toward wholeness” (from the Greek “holos”=whole and “trepein”=moving in the direction of something).
Developed by Stanislav Grof, MD, and his late wife Christina, Holotropic Breathwork® is a “powerful approach to self-exploration and personal empowerment that draws on our innate inner wisdom or healer and its capacity to move us toward positive transformation and wholeness.” The goal in this form of breathwork is to acknowledge, access, and support the inner healer within the breather.
The theoretical approach of Holotropic Breathwork® draws upon consciousness research, anthropology, various depth psychologies, transpersonal psychology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions of the world,
As a certified Holotropic Breathwork® facilitator through GTT, I adhere to the Principles of HB as written by Christina Grof and Stanislav Grof and the Ethical Agreements for HB.
The process itself is a mix of accelerated breathing and evocative music in a special set and setting. Breathers close their eyes and lie down on a mat as they use their breath and music to take them into a non-ordinary (dream-like) state of consciousness. In this state, the ego takes a back seat, and the natural inner healing process of the individual’s psyche emerges. When this happens, there will often be a particular set of internal experiences that come up related to the breather’s personal journey of healing and transformation. The quality and content of the experience is unique both to the individual and the time and place it is practiced. While recurring themes are common, no two sessions are ever alike.
In addition to the internal experience, the process can also include focused energy release work. When the breather is finished with the breathwork, I encourage them to engage in the critical spiritual integration practices such as. mandala drawing, soul collage, and group sharing. Holotropic Breathwork® is often most powerfully done in groups, although individual sessions are also possible. When breathing in a group, people work in pairs and alternate between the roles of “breather” and “sitter.” A sitter’s role is simply to be present and available to assist the breather—not to interfere, interrupt, or try to guide the process. Additionally, while the trained facilitators may assist with energy work when needed or requested, it is his/her role also to simply be present and hold “safe space” for the breather(s).
Ready to experience it yourself?
Join the upcoming Holotropic Breathwork Workshop in-person this January.