Recently, did my first-ever holotropic breathwork class. The new-ish practice involves controlled, quickened breathing patterns to shift your emotional or physical state. Unlike other ancient forms of breathwork, it was only developed in the 70s, after LSD use was banned. It’s pretty close to hyperventilating, and the idea is that you’ll move into an altered state of consciousness in order to facilitate healing, move through trauma or experience a sense of enlightenment.
We were briefed twice to prepare us for what might happen (involuntary movements or sounds, intense waves of emotion, tingling, T-Rex hands). I went in open minded, but without expectations. I sucked air into my diaphragm as directed: In through the mouth and back out through the mouth in short, sharp gulps. For a period, nothing really happened,…
