My Breathwork Mini Retreat Experience
A few months back, I attended a holotropic breathwork mini retreat in Central Europe, and let me tell you, it was an experience I didn’t see coming. I decided to write about it, because I think that some of my clients might find this inetersting! :)
I walked in, as I usually do, without any expectations. I was perhaps just hoping to find some relaxation, maybe a bit of inspiration... What I got was so much more.
Holotropic Breathwork: What Is It?
For those unfamiliar, Holotropic Breathwork is a practice developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof. It involves deep, accelerated breathing patterns, accompanied by evocative music, to reach altered states of consciousness. It’s like a mental and emotional deep-cleaning session. This isn’t just slow, meditative breathing; it’s intense, powerful, and can lead to some strong emotional and physical responses. People often report releasing deep-seated emotions, reliving past experiences, or gaining clarity on certain aspects of their lives.
The Setup: Breathers & Sitters
The sessions are generally structured so that participants work in pairs, taking turns as "breathers" and "sitters." Essentially, one person would breathe heavily to music, blindfolded, for about 3 to 3.5 hours. The other person would be the "sitter," there to ensure everything went smoothly for the breather. After a break, we’d switch roles.
I was paired with a lovely guy who was looking to get out of his comfort zone and explore spirituality - we hit it off immediately—chatting away before we even started, which I think helped us both feel more comfortable. And then, the music started, and off we went.
A Wild, Beautiful, and Chaotic Ride
Being the breather was… intense. The heavy breathing, combined with the music, was like diving headfirst into the unknown. I heard sounds all around me—screams, cries, even laughter—but I had to just stay in my experience, blindfolded, and go through it. And honestly, it was bizarre yet beautiful. I felt myself relaxing more and more, to the point where, toward the end, I was almost dozing off. But the best part? I ended up laughing. Like, genuine, spontaneous, belly-laughing—something I didn't realize I needed so much. It was the kind of laughter that comes from deep down, completely unplanned, perhaps a little freaky - but absolutely perfect.
When I switched to being a sitter, I got to witness how powerful this process can be. I saw a person from the group dancing, another person shaking through their entire session.. and much, much more but there is only so much I am allowed to share:). It was as if a mix of joy, fear, release, and freedom was unfolding all at once. A lot of emotions came out that day—some good, some bad....
What I Took Away From This Experience
For days after, my mind was clear, relaxed, and brimming with ideas. I found myself reflecting on my new mini business, coming up with new concepts, and feeling incredibly inspired. And on a more personal note, I made some wonderful new friends who I’m sure I’ll stay in touch with. It’s amazing how much bonding can happen when you share such raw, vulnerable experiences together. It has made me appreciate this wonderful, spiritual journey I have found myself on since starting massages... :)
Why Breathwork Can Transform Your Life
Some of you will know that I am a huge advocate for breathwork. Breathwork isn’t just about the session itself; it’s about what happens after. Holotropic breathwork has been known to help with stress relief, trauma processing, creative blocks, and even spiritual exploration. It teaches you to surrender, to let go of control, and just breathe through whatever comes up. It may sound simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. (also - super powerful orgasm!! but we will talk about that a bit later....;)))
It can also remind you of how connected everything is. As I lay there breathing, I thought about my heartbeat, my lungs, my mind, all working together. There’s something about being in tune with your breath that makes you realise how beautiful and resilient the body truly is.
If you ever get the chance to try a breathwork retreat, even if you go in without expectations like I did, do it. You might just find yourself laughing, crying, or discovering a part of yourself you didn’t know existed. And if nothing else, you’ll leave feeling a little more in tune with your body, and maybe even with the world around you.