THE HERO’S JOURNEY – Double breathwork workshop

During therapeutic work with expanded states of consciousness, processing important life issues often involves realizing that this is not the first time something like this has happened.

We may discover that something similar already occurred in childhood, around the time of birth, or even within our family lineage—experiences that carried a similar emotional tone. This is often why our reaction to a current situation can feel so intense and overwhelming.

At times, however, we encounter challenges that appear completely unique and unprecedented. In such cases, archetypal experiences often emerge during the process. People may begin to identify with figures who have faced similar situations throughout human history.

During these transpersonal experiences, we may identify with:

• a mother losing her child

• a soldier at war

• a dictator making a tragic decision

• suffering children

• cave dwellers preparing for childbirth

• or heroes from myths and legends

Through such experiences we are able to process extremely difficult emotions that trouble us, while also drawing from the resources and wisdom that humanity has accumulated across generations.

Archetypal experiences reveal that our struggles are not isolated or unique, but are part of the larger story of humanity. Others have faced similar challenges thousands of years before us, and their wisdom remains accessible.

The stories of countless known and unknown heroes have left traces in the human psyche—traces that we can draw upon during our own Hero’s Journey.

During this part of the workshop we will explore:

• how archetypal processes unfold

• practical exercises that help us touch this dimension within ourselves

• preparation for the deeper experiential work of the following days

Later, through Holotropic Breathwork, a method oriented toward deep experiential exploration, we will work with whatever processes are most alive and active within us.

HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK

Holotropic Breathwork was developed by Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina Grof.

The inspiration for this method came from psychedelic psychotherapy research conducted by Grof at a time when such work was still legal.

During these therapeutic sessions, patients often experienced profound psychological and spiritual states. The results were so promising that when legal restrictions made psychedelic therapy impossible to continue, Grof began developing an alternative method.

His goal was to create a practice that would allow people to access deep states of consciousness with therapeutic benefits—without the use of pharmacological substances.

Holotropic Breathwork combines elements of:

• ancient shamanic practices

• depth psychology

• art therapy

• group process dynamics

The method can support both:

• people experiencing significant suffering (trauma, difficult childhood experiences, personal crises)

• and people who feel relatively well but seek a powerful tool for deeper exploration of life and consciousness

WHAT MIGHT YOU EXPERIENCE DURING HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK?

Describing exactly what you will experience during these three days is difficult, because no one can predict where your process will lead.

One of the fundamental principles of this work is trust in our inner wisdom, allowing it to guide the experience.

This means we cannot promise that the types of experiences described in Grof’s books will happen to you. To be honest and transparent, we cannot guarantee what exactly you will experience or take away from the workshop.

It is also important to emphasize that Holotropic Breathwork is not a magical method that solves all life problems, especially after a single weekend workshop.

However, people practicing this method around the world frequently report experiences such as:

Healing painful and traumatic experiences

During sessions, participants often revisit difficult memories, allowing them to be processed and released so they have less influence on their lives.

This may include experiences we have long forgotten, as well as those that still occupy our thoughts too often.

“One breathing session gave me more than 20 years of talk therapy.”
— Angel Cassidy Borst, USA

Spiritual and mystical experiences

As in many cultures where shamanic practices have been used successfully, spiritual experiences occur quite frequently in holotropic sessions.

Some participants report experiences resembling descriptions found in mystical literature, and long-term practitioners often describe the method as a powerful spiritual practice.

Experiences of support and total acceptance

One of the facilitators’ most important tasks is to create a safe and supportive environment.

This begins during preparation and continues throughout the session, where facilitators remain present and available as long as needed—sometimes supporting a participant for hours.

For many people this becomes the first experience of feeling truly safe and cared for in a group setting.

“It’s wonderful to know that no matter how strange or unusual my process may be, the people there will respond with openness and understanding.”
— Magda, workshop participant

Trust in yourself and your inner resources

The method is based not on suggestions from others but on your own intuition and inner process.

Participants often finish sessions with a stronger sense of responsibility for the direction of their own lives.

Full emotional and physical expression

Few spaces allow people to express themselves fully—physically and vocally—without judgment.

When done in a safe and supported environment, such expression can have powerful therapeutic effects.

“It’s the only place I know where heart-wrenching crying, uncontrollable laughter, intense body movements and loud cries of anger can happen in a room full of people—and no one judges you.”
— Kirsten Kairos, USA

Connection with like-minded people

Participants in holotropic workshops come from many different backgrounds but share certain qualities:

• openness

• willingness to work on themselves

• readiness to face difficult truths

• respect for the processes of others

This creates a deeply supportive atmosphere.

Deeper understanding of your life

In expanded states of consciousness, memories and life situations often appear in new ways, allowing us to see patterns and connections that were previously invisible.

Working with experienced facilitators

Facilitators of holotropic workshops undergo many years of training and hundreds of hours of practice, ensuring that participants are supported by people with extensive experience in working with intense psychological processes.

Adventure and exploration

Beyond its therapeutic and spiritual aspects, the experience can also feel deeply adventurous and creative.

Participants sometimes report vivid visions—riding horses, climbing snowy mountains, or dancing with wild joy.

Stronger connection with the body

Because the sessions engage the body intensely, regular practice often leads to greater body awareness and the release of long-held physical tensions.

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE

Day 1
Preparation exercises for the breathwork sessions.

Day 2 & Day 3
Two breathwork sessions each day.
Participants work in pairs, and each person breathes twice during the workshop.

Day 4
Integration of the experience and practical guidance for continuing the process afterwards.

INVESTMENT

Workshop price:

• 1600 PLN until March 20

• 1700 PLN after that date

For returning participants:

• 1500 PLN until March 20

• 1600 PLN after

A non-refundable deposit of 400 PLN / 300 PLN reserves your place.

WORKSHOP HOURS

Thursday: 11:00 – 21:00
Friday: 9:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00

REGISTRATION

Registration takes place via email:

info@holotropicpoland.pl

Sleeping at the venue is possible for a small additional fee.

WHAT TO BRING

• an eye mask or scarf for the breathwork sessions

• notebook and pen

• comfortable clothing

• blanket and pillow

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Holotropic Breathwork workshops are designed for personal development and do not replace psychotherapy.

Sessions may involve intense emotional and physical experiences.

The workshop is not suitable for people with:

• pregnancy

• serious heart or cardiovascular conditions

• severe hypertension

• certain psychiatric conditions

• recent surgery or fractures

• epilepsy

• acute infectious diseases

• bipolar disorder

• or certain intense emotional instability

If you are experiencing a deep psychological or spiritual crisis, or if you have any doubts about participation, please consult your doctor or therapist and contact us before registering.

All participants complete a medical questionnaire to ensure safety.

Participants who have not worked with us before will also receive a short preparatory phone call.

IMPORTANT

All four days are an integral part of the workshop and cannot be attended separately.

If a participant does not attend the first day, it is treated as a cancellation and the deposit cannot be transferred to another workshop.

To register, simply send us an email and we will send further details:

info@holotropicpolandd.pl

See you soon!