The Inner Journey: Holotropic Breathwork

This is a unique opportunity to experience Holotropic Breathwork at Esalen, the place where it originated. Holotropic Breathwork is an experiential method of self-exploration and healing that uses deep, expanded states of consciousness induced by a combination of simple means: accelerated breathing, evocative music, and releasing bodywork. The theory and practice of Holotropic Breathwork integrates experiences from more than a half-century of psychedelic therapy, transpersonal psychology, non-drug experiential psychotherapy, and modern consciousness research. One unique feature of Holotropic Breathwork is that it utilizes the self-healing intelligence of the psyche and body that becomes available in holotropic states of consciousness. The process of self-exploration is spontaneous and autonomous, rather than following the instructions of a particular school of psychotherapy. It opens access to a wide range of biographical, perinatal, and transpersonal experiences.

In the group sessions, participants work in pairs and alternate in the roles of “breathers” and “sitters.” Trained facilitators supervise the process and work with participants individually when needed. Following the breathing sessions, we will use paintings of mandalas and small-group sharing to facilitate integration of the experiences.

The program leaves enough time for participants to enjoy Esalen’s natural beauty, the baths, and various forms of massage and bodywork offered by experienced practitioners of the Esalen staff.

Note: Please be familiar with Holotropic Breathwork contraindicators, which can be found here: www.grof-holotropic-breathwork.net/page/hb-faqs#faq13. This is an intensive workshop; participants agree to attend all sessions. This workshop is deeply experiential and may involve intense and energetic emotional release.