This is one of those questions I'm asked often and it's a good one. NeuroDynamic Breathwork that I facilitate is rooted in Holotropic breathwork, but these are two distinct practices that deserve to be understood on their own terms not measured against each other.
Stan Grof opened a door with holotropic breathwork. Using ancient practices to understand that the breath, combined with music and an intentional set & setting, can facilitate profound states of healing and self-discovery has inspired a generation of practitioners and seekers.
NeuroDynamic breathwork grew from that same tradition developed by facilitators with decades of holotropic experience, it has used those roots and adapted into a format that works online & shorter in person as its own distinct practice into expanded states of consciousness work.
What is holotropic breathwork?
Holotropic breathwork was developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Dr. Stan Grof and his late wife Christina Grof. It emerged from Grof's decades of research into non-ordinary states of consciousness which began with LSD-assisted psychotherapy and continued, after LSD became illegal, through the discovery that extended, rhythmic breathing could access many of the same expanded states.
The word holotropic comes from the Greek holos (whole) and trepein (to move toward). Moving toward wholeness. The premise is that each of us carries an innate healing intelligence, and that altered states of consciousness accessed through breathwork, evocative music, and focused bodywork allow that intelligence to do its work.
In Holotropic breathwork each breather, breathes for 3hrs.. Participants typically work in pairs, alternating between the role of breather and sitter. There is music, there is physical support, and there is a trained facilitator holding the space. Sessions are followed by mandala drawing and group sharing.
The results, for many people, are profound emotional releases, insights, somatic shifts, experiences that are genuinely difficult to put into words. By design, an in-person practice.
What is NeuroDynamic breathwork?
NeuroDynamic breathwork was developed by Holotropic facilitators with decades of experience in holotropic breathwork. With the clear intention to honour the depth and integrity of the holotropic tradition while making expanded-states breathwork accessible to a far wider audience.
NeuroDynamic breathwork is rooted in the same transpersonal framework. It works with the understanding that the breath, combined with music and an intentional container, can facilitate access to expanded states of consciousness and the body's own healing intelligence.
The key differences are practical ones:
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NeuroDynamic breathwork can be done online, from your own home
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Sessions are shorter 60 - 90 mins
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While one session can be profound the format allows for this as a practice to support long term change
Who is NeuroDynamic breathwork for?
NeuroDynamic breathwork tends to resonate with people who:
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Sense that something deeper is available emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and are ready to explore it.
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Are navigating a significant life transition and feel called toward deeper self-inquiry
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This practice is available to all, I’ve noted below who I tend to see the most
Healers and therapists doing their own deeper work. Those who hold space for others typically know the importance of doing their own inner work. NeuroDynamic breathwork offers a deep experiential process and regular practice.
Everyday mental and emotional fitness. NeuroDynamic breathwork as a regular practice is a way to process accumulated stress and anxiety, stay connected to yourself and build emotional resilience by taking intentional time out from our ever increasingly busy over subscribed lives to reset your nervous system and access the natural peace that is within us all.
Integration of plant medicine experiences. The regular practice of NeuroDynamic breathwork can be a powerful integration tool, helping you deepen, embody, and make meaning of what arose.
No prior breathwork experience is needed. No particular belief system is required. Sessions are online, which makes showing up regularly possible, consistency is where lasting change takes place.
Book a session - Thursdays 7pm
If you have questions about whether this is the right practice for you or if now is the right time to engage in this practice. Feel free to reach out here.