Holotropic Breathwork

A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy

By: Stanislav Grof, Christina Grof, Jack Kornfield - foreword

Narrated by: Paul Brion

The definitive overview of this transformative breathwork.

In this long awaited book, Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof describe their groundbreaking new form of self-exploration and psychotherapy: Holotropic Breathwork.

Holotropic means "moving toward wholeness," from the Greek holos (whole) and trepein (moving in the direction of). The breathwork utilizes the remarkable healing and transformative potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness. These states engender a rich array of experiences with unique healing potential - reliving childhood memories, infancy, birth and prenatal life, and elements from the historical and archetypal realms of the collective unconscious.

Induced by very simple means - a combination of accelerated breathing, evocative music, and bodywork in a safe and supportive setting - Holotropic Breathwork integrates the insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, anthropology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions.

The Grofs' work with holotropic states of consciousness has introduced revolutionary changes to psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Written in a clear, easily understandable style, this indispensable book summarizes their remarkable insights.

©2010 State University of New York (P)2020 Tantor

Worth it

Review of audiobook borrowed through Audible Plus, and I’m grateful for it.
Possible Spoilers:
The Foreword alone is a mind bender - or should I say, expander? I had to listen to it multiple times (6) before I felt I had enough grasp of an overview to start. The material is worth the time and attention.
Just as the organs of the body are interconnected and affect each other, this is psychology developed and practiced with spiritual, emotional, & physical aspects intertwined.
I really like the respect given to other established modalities - and the marvel that is our human body - without the arrogance & ignorance of modern corporate medicine.
Please note: in giving examples of their results, the authors do refer to what can loosely be called group seminars organized for individuals to practice this method.
Brion’s narration was ok. Not great but it didn’t detract from the publication.

Fascinating

Great book, fascinating work. For me, the narrator’s voice was computer-like and annoying. Would rather read this than listen.

Loved it all!

I loved this audiobook and the narrator’s voice. I’m so glad I was able to find this. This will absolutely enhance my breathwork facilitation and practice.

I wish I knew this earlier

At 1.2x (where I listen to all my audiobooks) the narrator reminded me of Tuvok from Voyager. The background and theory make sense and in fact I've known the theory for quite some time. What I did NOT know was that by merely breathing differently, I could access buried incidents. Given the thoroughness of this book, I feel confident I can master the technique and run with it without too much trouble.

The big question is would I have enough hutzpa to force myself to keep breathing through a past death? Although if you can help it, emotional traumas can be much more accessible. Now, I just need to see some YouTube videos of the process.

I can't begin to imagine how much better my life would have turned out had I known this technique when I was in my 20s. Sigh, I guess that I wasn't ready to hear the truth yet. Well, now that I am, it's time to radically and fundamentally transform my life. "To the journey!"

When ready

This may be one of the most important bodies of work that humans have the opportunity to participate in. Because ultimately, it puts the self-reliance, empowerment, and capacity for healing in the charge of the seeker.