Body Wisdom: Grof® Breathwork and the Grofian approach to working with the body in non-ordinary states

Grof® Breathwork is the brand of holotropic breathwork currently offered by the Grof Legacy communities authorized by Stan and Brigitte Grof. Developed by Stan and Christina Grof at the Esalen Institute in 1974, holotropic breathwork is an experiential method of self-exploration and healing designed to induce deep holotropic states of consciousness through a combination of very simple means - accelerated breathing, evocative music, and focused bodywork that helps to release residual bioenergetic and emotional blocks.

By activating the unconscious and mobilizing blocked energies, Grof® Breathwork invites access to all levels of human experience including unfinished issues from our post-natal biography, traumatic physical or emotional events, perinatal memories, death and rebirth sequences, and a variety of transpersonal experiences that can reach mythological, archetypal, and universal realms. 

While Grof® Breathwork is an internal process led by the breather’s own intrinsic healing intelligence, trained facilitators may offer a range of supportive interventions with the agreement of the breather. In this workshop, we will focus on the Grofian approach to working with the body in holotropic states. You will learn how physical contact can enhance and help resolve what emerges experientially during a breathwork session.

What to Expect

In this immersive workshop, participants will:

• Explore Grof’s ‘cartography of consciousness’ and the Grofian approach to self-exploration and healing

• Receive a brief overview of the history of somatic therapy and its relevance to holotropic states

• Learn and practice techniques for working with the body, including demonstrations and hands-on exercises

• Discuss key considerations of consent, ethics, safety, and contraindications of bodywork

• Examine the significance of bodywork in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy and facilitation

• Participate in four Grof® breathwork sessions (two as ‘breather’ and two as ‘sitter’)

• Engage in integration practices to process and embody the workshop experience

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for: 

• Practitioners working with clients in deep or non-ordinary states of consciousness

• Breathwork facilitators seeking to deepen or refresh their skills in working with the body

• Individuals passionate about self-exploration and healing through breathwork

• Anyone interested in learning about or experiencing the transformative potential of Grof’s work

  
  

Facilitation Team

Marianne Murray

Jay Dufrechou 

Amy Burrell

Accommodations

The cost for residential participants is inclusive of workshop content, lodging for 6 nights, dinner Monday night, breakfast Sunday morning, and three meals per day on Tuesday-Saturday. Lodging options include single rooms with one twin bed or double occupancy rooms with two twin beds. All lodging options include private bathrooms. 

Schedule

Monday, May 12: 5:30-8pm (arrival and registration begins at 3pm)

Tuesday, May 13: 7:30am-7:30pm

Wednesday, May 14: 7:30am-9pm

Thursday, May 15: 7:30am-9pm

Friday, May 16: 7:30am-9pm

Saturday, May 17: 8am-7:30pm (optional early departure starting at 5pm)

Sunday, May 18: Optional breakfast from 8-9am

Contraindications

Grof® Breathwork is a transformative experience designed to facilitate deep self-exploration and healing. Due to the intense physical and emotional nature of the practice, certain health conditions may pose risks during breathwork sessions. To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, please review our health considerations before registering for a workshop. You may also view our health questionnaire prior to registration.

We strive to create a welcome and inclusive community that engenders a sense of belonging, respect, openness, and safety in order to facilitate a personally meaningful process for each participant.  Our intent is to support all participants in their work of self-exploration and discovery. Thus, limited sliding scale opportunities are available. Please inquire directly with Gianna at gianna@grof-legacy-training-usa.com.