Two areas through which human consciousness is being researched are nonordinary states of consciousness (NOSC) and consciousness development. A growing number of theories describe adult consciousness as having the potential to develop through vertical stage-like levels that represent the evolution of consciousness through the human experience. Holotropic Breathwork (HB) is a method of inducing NOSC to access the potential benefits that such states may offer. Although both of these fields are concerned with the nature of consciousness, there has been very little written about and, prior to this study, there has not been research showing a potential relationship between participation in HB and the vertical development of consciousness.

Twenty-two volunteers with previous HB experience were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed for reported life-changing effects that the participants considered to be related to their HB experiences. Additionally, self-reported descriptions of various aspects of the participants’ lives, both at the time of the interviews and retrospectively before having first participated in HB, were analyzed using the framework of Susanne Cook-Greuter’s Ego Development Theory to determine evidence of potential vertical developmental change. All participants reported effects that they characterized as “life-changing,” commensurate with the existing literature about HB. The retrospective, interpretive analysis of the data has also shown evidence of what appears to be vertical developmental movement for a majority of the participants between the time of their first session and the interview for this study. Thus, vertical development and engagement with HB coincided, and given evidence from previous research on the effects of HB, this study supports a potential relationship between HB participation and the development of consciousness up to the leading edge of consciousness within Western culture. Additional research is recommended and suggestions are offered.

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From States to Stages

Exploring the Potential Evolutionary Efficacy

of Holotropic Breathwork™

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