Holotropic Breathwork, a gateway to altered states of consciousness, a door to the subconscious, a door to yourself.
Inone of the previous posts titled "The Importance of the Present", I discussed that it is not necessary for us to modify our breathing. And this is true; breathing flows naturally, without our need to control it. We don't need to consciously think about breathing, as it is an automated act in our bodies from birth, for the majority of us.
The most important thing we can do with our breath is to observe it, just as we can observe thoughts and bodily sensations (emotions), without attachment. One of the first steps to train the mind in this meditative state, or full awareness of presence, can be the observation of the breath.
In doing so, the conscious mind begins to free itself and detach. Gradually letting go of control over the internal, and as the practice progresses, extrapolating this to external events. It can reach, even if just for a brief moment, full presence observation, where the mind disidentifies from the self-imposed egoic "I". The Self is no longer perceived as the thoughts that arise because you observe them with distance and see that they disappear as quickly as they form, but you continue to exist. Similarly, with emotions or bodily sensations, when you observe that they change in accordance with thoughts and are as transient as them, they no longer define you.
And in that moment arises the big question: if I am not the mind, nor the body, what am I?
Welcome to the inner journey of self-discovery. At this point, breathwork or conscious breathing is a tool that can assist you on your path of self-exploration.
"Holotropic breathwork induces altered states of consciousness in the mind."
Due to the neural connections formed by the type of breathing performed, your mind opens up, the ego subsides, cells begin to release the stagnant energetic load within them, and hence, emotions, visions, and 'psychedelic' experiences are so common in holotropic breathwork practice.
I began the post by talking about not modifying our breathing. However, we can consciously alter our breathing. By observing what happens in our body when we modify it, we can use it as a natural 'medicine' to change our state momentarily.
Continuing with holotropic breathwork, one of the simplest and most profound techniques I have tried in my life. All that's required is you, continuous circular breathing, immersive music, and being open to letting go completely and embracing whatever may arise in the session.
At a scientific level, what occurs when breathing at a very rapid pace for a certain period is an increase in carbon dioxide levels while oxygen in the blood decreases. Under normal health conditions, this induces a kind of "psychedelic" state, where the deepest emotions and sensations emerge. From this space, it becomes easier to access the content residing in our unconscious.
And indeed, this practice leaves no one indifferent. The experience can range from unlocking emotions, releasing traumas, regressions, visualizations, complete disidentification of body and mind, connection with the true Self, a sense of unity, peace, and as many possibilities as there are individuals.
What I believe is important to mention or recommend is that when practicing holotropic breathwork or another technique of active breathing that generates strong sensations in the body, do not get hooked on the sensations. Remember that it is a tool for self-discovery, understanding, and healing, but it is more than just sensations. If you stay on the surface, your ego will become stronger, and your mind, instead of healing, will be captive to the intense sensations. It would be something akin to drug consumption in that case.
That's why whatever you practice, do it consciously. Keep training the mind to perceive the subtle, to feel even when the sensation is almost imperceptible (blood in the veins, very subtle sensations, cells vibrating, rapid thoughts...), and thus, little by little, the mind becomes more refined, centered, clarified, focused, trained to be in presence. Breathe and connect with your true state of Being.
And let's not forget, in practices as powerful as holotropic breathwork, the post-exercise period, which is the integration period. Possibly longer than the experiential period of breathing.
Take your time, don't try to understand everything that has arisen rationally, listen to yourself, and give yourself what you need, don't repress. And if you need external help from a professional, seek it. Because these types of experiences, like psychedelics, do nothing without integration.
If you are interested in this technique or other conscious breathing practices, at Merak, I offer individual sessions, group sessions, holistic therapy, and creative work from the subconscious. Feel free to check out the website; it could be your first step into the deepest journey of your life
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