Holotropic Breathing: An Immersion

In the Cauldron

by Pamela Zino, November 30, 2010

Demons; spirit guides; celestial lights; rebirth; divine love… for nearly three hours, I sat rapt as Dr. Stan Grof described the transformative qualities of Holotropic Breathwork. Utilizing special music and breathing patterns, it’s possible to experience transpersonal, mystical states and to be revitalized, enlightened, and scared to shit.

Curious about this “alchemical cauldron,” I had come with one hundred and twenty-something other participants, to the weekend workshop in the Berkshire Mountains. After Grof’s lecture, we each chose a partner to work with the following day. Then we divided into six smaller groups, each led by three Breathwork  facilitators who outlined the next days’ events.

Each partner would take turns being “breather,” and “sitter.” The breathers were to lay supine, eyes closed, on a mat. As music played, the breathers would deeply inhale and exhale, without pause between breaths. This would elicit the healing trance state. The sitters were to watch intently. Tissues, blankets, and water should be given to the breathers, if needed. The sitters should help the breathers stay safely on their mats. It was possible that their internal experiences could impel them to move in ways harmful to themselves or others. The facilitators would also assist.

I was relieved to hear of these safeguards. I’d been intrigued by Holotropic Breathwork since learning that many breathers re-experienced their births while in a trance state. Consciously re-experiencing the claustrophobia and fear inherent in the journey from womb to world was reportedly integral in ridding the subconscious of phobias lodged there during labor and delivery.

If I were to re-experience my birth would the feeling of doom so often shadowing my life disappear?  It was worth a try. But I was also afraid. My original passage had left my mom hemorrhaging and scarred. What would happen a second time? Would I lose my mind, my self-control? It was a good thing that help was lined-up.
“Each couple should decide tonight who’s going to take the first turn as breather or sitter in the morning session,” we were told. “Some people prefer to eat a light breakfast if they’re breathing in the morning. There will be plastic bags available though, if anyone needs to vomit.

“So… any questions before we break? I know it’s been a long evening, and we meet here early in the morning.”
“Yeah, I came late. I’m not sure what you mean by the breather and the sitter… should I?”  The thin female with short, spiky hair spoke laconically, as if it were no great importance to her whether she knew or not.