Transpersonal Shamanic Breathwork: A Full-Day Immersion into Holotropic States of Consciousness

A powerful experiential practice for self-exploration, emotional release, and inner transformation. It supports access to holotropic (expanded) states of consciousness and is inspired by Holotropic Breathwork and the work of Stanislav Grof, rooted in transpersonal psychology and enriched by shamanic and ceremonial traditions. At its core is the understanding that each person carries an innate inner healing intelligence a deep wisdom capable of restoring balance, clarity, and wholeness when supported within a safe, intentional, and well-held space. The term transpersonal refers to experiences that extend beyond the personal ego, opening awareness to the body, psyche, soul, and collective field. Through breath, sound, ritual, and focused intention, participants are guided beyond ordinary states of consciousness into deeper layers of insight, healing, and integration.
Foundations & Lineage
Transpersonal Shamanic Breathwork is informed by decades of research and practice in:

Transpersonal and depth psychology
Consciousness studies and non-ordinary states
Somatic and body-based healing modalities
Indigenous and shamanic ceremonial traditions
Eastern spiritual philosophies and mystical systems

This framework recognizes the psyche as multidimensional, encompassing not only biographical life experiences, but also perinatal (birth-related) and transpersonal realms. These domains may include archetypal imagery, collective symbolism, ancestral themes, and spiritual or mystical insight. Rather than directing or interpreting the experience, this practice honors the individual’s inner healer- trusting that what arises is meaningful, purposeful, and capable of supporting long-term integration and transformation.
The Breathwork Process

This breathwork journey weaves together:
Conscious, accelerated breathing
Evocative, ceremonial, and shamanic-inspired music
Psycho-somatic, emotional, and energetic release
Ritual elements that support grounding, intention, and integration
A carefully held, trauma-informed, and supportive setting

With eyes closed and resting on a mat, participants use breath and sound as gateways into a non-ordinary state of awareness. In this expanded state, the psyche naturally activates its own healing process, allowing experiences to unfold that may be emotional, physical, psychological, symbolic, ancestral, or spiritual each unique and precisely aligned with what is needed in that moment. Shamanic perspectives recognize these states as doorways to inner guidance, archetypal imagery, ancestral memory, and direct insight from the subconscious and collective field.

Each session is guided from within, and no two journeys are ever the same.
What This Practice Supports

Greater self-awareness, clarity, and emotional resilience
• Regulation of stress and nervous system responses
• A deeper connection to the body, intuition, and inner guidance
• Safe release of stored tension, emotion, or trauma
• Insight that supports personal, spiritual, and professional growth
• A renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and direction
• Cultivation of compassion, empathy, and meaningful connection
• Increased energy, vitality, and overall mental well-being
• Support in navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and addictive patterns
• A grounded sense of relaxation, presence, and inner stability
• Connection through shared ceremonial experience and community

Breathers and Sitters
The breathwork session is typically conducted in group settings. Participants work in pairs, alternating roles as:

Breathers, who journey inward
Sitters, who provide silent, non-intrusive support

The space is held by breathwork facilitators and psychosomatic practitioners, who offer support only when needed, allowing the breather's inner process to unfold organically.

Additional elements include focused bodywork, expression through art, and verbal integration, helping to ground and make meaning of the experience.

 
Breathwork & Embodied Freedom
Breath is the foundation of well-being, used for thousands of years across shamanic, yogic, and ceremonial traditions for healing, purification, and expanded awareness. It can be a gentle entry into wellness or a powerful complement to an existing practice.

Once learned, breath becomes a lifelong resource, accessible anytime, anywhere, supporting nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and the release of physical and energetic tension.

In this workshop, deep, accelerated breathing is used to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, allowing what is ready to be seen, felt, integrated, or released to naturally emerge.

What You Will Gain

  Increased self-awareness, clarity and emotional resilience
  Tools to regulate stress and nervous system responses
  Deepened connection to your body and intuition
  A safe space for release, reflection, and renewal
  Empowered mindset for personal or professional growth
  A sense of community and shared understanding
  Insights that support long-term transformation
  Reconnection with your inner voice and purpose

Theoretical Framework

  Transpersonal and depth psychology
  Psychedelic therapy and consciousness studies
  Anthropology and shamanic traditions
  Eastern spiritual practices and mystical systems
  Core theoretical principles of Holotropic Breathwork- understanding expanded states of consciousness and inner healing processes

It offers a comprehensive map of the psyche, which includes not only biographical experiences, but also perinatal (birth-related) and transpersonal (beyond the personal ego) dimensions- realms that include archetypes, collective symbols, and spiritual or mystical experiences.

 
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, April 21st: Preparation session (6-8pm on zoom)- Join us for a live welcome and preparation session, offered via Zoom. This session will cover everything you need to know about the breathwork process, including how to prepare, what to expect, integration practices, and important logistical details.

Sunday, April 26th: 10:00am - 7:30pm (2 breathing sessions, in- person)

Each participant takes part in two sessions, one as a breather, entering a deep inner journey through breath and music, and one as a sitter, offering quiet, grounded presence to support their partner's process. This respectful exchange creates a safe, balanced container for transformation and connection.

Tuesday, April 28th-  Integration session (6-8pm on zoom)

Join us for a live integration session, offered via Zoom. That will be held for all participants to fully process and embody the insights from their breathwork journey, offering space for reflection, sharing, grounding practices, and continued support.

 
Meals & Nourishment
A nourishing lunch will be provided on Sunday, served between the two breathing sessions to support grounding and restoration.

Throughout the retreat, we'll offer drinks, a variety of teas, and light snacks to keep you refreshed.

Feel free to bring your favorite snacks or potluck-style meals to share with the community members!