Who was Stanislav Grof

asks Seeker:

A. He is a Czech psychiatrist who now lives in California. He retired recently after 40 years researching non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by psychedelic substances and various non-drug techniques, such as Holotropic Breathwork.

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Q. What's that then
A. Holotropic means 'moving toward wholeness'� (from the Greek 'holos' - whole, and 'trepein' - moving in the direction of something).

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Holotropic Breathwork is used for self-exploration and healing. It's a blend of influences from anthropology, transpersonal psychology, Eastern spiritual practices and other mystical traditions.

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Most spiritual experiences, it is claimed, are a form of holotropic state.

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Q. How does it work
A. It combines fast breathing and special of music in a chosen setting. Participants close their eyes and lie on a mat. Then they use their breathing to take them into a 'non-ordinary state of consciousness'. The theory is that this activates the natural inner healing process and results in an experience which is unique to each person and to each session.

Grof himself says: 'Typically, the experience is very intense, even overwhelming and 'real', yet a person usually does not completely lose touch with everyday reality. A holotropic experience is often accompanied by extraordinary changes in day-to-day sensory perception, with profound changes in colour, shapes, sounds, smells and tastes as well as profound perceptions that have no counterpart in this realm. With eyes closed a person is often flooded with visions drawn from personal history and the collective subconscious involving various aspects of the cosmos and mythological realms.'

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Q. Wow. Where can I find out more
A. Visit Grof's official website

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By Sheena Miller