Christina Grof (1941–2014)

Stanislav Grof was an early researcher into the use of psychedelic drugs as a tool for psychiatrists and psychologists to use in treating patients with mental difficulties. When the federal government shut down access to these drugs, the research virtually died and society temporarily lost contributions into well being that these drugs seemed to promise. In recent years these research restrictions have been relaxed and, once again, there is some potential for impacting difficult things like show more PTSD and depression.

Grof realized altered states of awareness had great healing potential. When drugs couldn't be obtained, he turned his attention to natural ways of producing altered states. He settled on developing a breathing technique that he called "holotropic breathwork".

I've had 4 breathwork sessions over the past 10 years with two different certified practitioners. My experiences are my personal treasures providing me with some remarkable insights. If you are interested in self exploration and are willing to confront past difficulties and traumas, this might be worth considering. It isn't a light read.

Jim Fisher show less

This is an interesting book. More from the point of view of assuring people who believe in alternative views of reality that they aren't necessarily insane just seeing the world in a different way. Also interesting in that Mr (actually Dr) Grof is a qualified psychologist and recognises that persons going through this kind of problem may be labeled as clinically suffering from some form of mental illness when that is not the treatment they need.

Grof is one of the big names in LSD research, and this book is his attempt to help people try to recreate some of the psychedelic experience through deep breathing who don't have access to the drug itself.

From Spiritual Emergency to Healing and Rebirth
Increasing numbers of people involved in personal transformation are experiencing spiritual emergencies — crises when the process of growth and change becomes chaotic and overwhelming. Individuals experiencing such episodes may feel that their sense of identity is breaking down, that their old values no longer hold true, and that the very ground beneath their personal realities is radically shifting. In many cases, new realms of mystical and show more spiritual experience enter their lives suddenly and dramatically, resulting in fear and confusion. They may feel tremendous anxiety, have difficulty coping with their daily lives, jobs, and relationships, and may even fear for their own sanity.

Unfortunately, much of modern psychiatry has fai... Source: Publisher show less