Breathwork: The Hidden Gem for Power and Unexpected Yoda Magic

If you're expecting a passive, calming hour where you lie there doing very little—think again. Breathwork isn’t about relaxing for the sake of it; it’s an invitation to connect deeply with the most vital energy source within you. Imagine igniting your inner fire, clearing emotional debris, and tapping into a wellspring of infinite possibility—all through the simple act of breathing consciously.

Yes, simple. Yet profoundly transformative. Breathwork has many side effects—like feeling more alive, more powerful, and surprisingly less anxious. Who knew breathing could be such an act of rebellion against the chaos of modern life?

My Personal Awakening: From Near-Death to New Dimensions

Six years ago, I was fresh out of a near-death experience. Bedridden with a broken neck, rib, and arm, I faced a new reality. Sure, I could still move and do basic things, but my career as a yoga teacher seemed to vanish overnight. My focus shifted from what I could do to what I could healingly activate within me. That focus kept me going—even through pain that felt like being repeatedly hit by a semi truck.

Deep down, I knew I had to go all in—no half-measures. I dove into healing rabbit holes, realizing I needed a full-package approach. You know the drill: body, mind, and spirit all at once. Eventually, I returned to earth with some mechanical help—two screws holding my C2 vertebra intact—but my inner landscape was still waiting to be explored.

That’s when I discovered Holotropic Breathwork. And yes, it sounds like a sci-fi gadget, but it’s actually a deep, ancient practice reimagined by Stanislav Grof (pictured below, and no, he isn't the cat), the grandfather of Transpersonal Psychology and a pioneer of psychedelic therapy before psychedelics got banned. His work with LSD in the '60s was groundbreaking—until big pharma and legal issues kicked in—and Holotropic was his way of accessing altered states without the actual illegal substances.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?
Imagine a 3-hour journey filled with techno beats ranging from Berghain to primal tribal sounds—awakening your ancestral depths—followed by a gentle integration phase, where you get to color mandalas in a dreamy state of bliss. It’s wild, it’s intense, and it’s deeply healing. (Trust me, there’s a reason it’s called “Holotropic”—it’s about moving toward wholeness.)

My Current Practice
However, what I offer isn’t quite the same as the intense, all-night journeys of Holotropic Breathwork. Instead, I facilitate conscious connected breath on a weekly basis—an accessible, gentle gateway into deep energetic cleansing. Because it’s practiced regularly, it allows space for subtle shifts to accumulate, creating a profound sense of purification over time. This steady rhythm gives the body and mind the opportunity to settle into the sounds and vibrations, supporting a sweet, effortless relaxation—think of it as a musical lullaby for the soul.

Breathwork was actually the key that unlocked my passion to DJ, and to be real, it feels weird not knowing how when living in Berlin—I seamlessly blend curated music sets that fill the space with intention. My goal? To craft a sonic environment that resonates with the diverse rhythms of the group. Sometimes, the music opens like soft dawn, inviting sweetness and calm. Other times, it ignites a fiery passion—a beat to burn resistance and break through barriers. And there are melodies that propel you beyond the familiar, carrying your consciousness to places you’ve never been.

In this practice, participants lie down comfortably, wrapped in their own cocoon of coziness. But it’s not about rigid stillness; it’s about permission—the permission to explore subtle, intuitive movements, to let the breath lead the way. Sometimes, the body wants to sway, tremble, or stretch—honoring these impulses can deepen the release and break through old patterns or beliefs that have outlived their usefulness.

My intention is to create a safe space where anything can happen—where the breath, music, and space itself support you in dropping beyond the mental constructs that might be holding you back. It’s about allowing the natural intelligence of your body to guide you, peeling back layers of resistance, and ultimately, reconnecting with your inner source of power and peace.

Beyond Relaxation: Emotional & Physical Detox
One of the most beautiful aspects of this practice is its capacity to facilitate emotional release. Many experience waves of emotion—tears, laughter, anger, or even moments of profound grief—as stored traumas and suppressed feelings surface to be felt and let go. Breathwork acts like an internal cleansing storm, washing away stagnant energy and freeing your emotional body from the grip of unprocessed experiences. Imagine the mind as a cluttered room—breathwork is the deep cleaning that leaves you feeling lighter and clearer.

Physically, the benefits are just as impactful. It’s an effective detox, helping to release toxins stored in tissues, improve circulation, and boost immune function. The rhythmic breathing encourages lymphatic drainage, stimulates the nervous system, and facilitates the release of old patterns held within the muscles and fascia. It’s like giving your body a reset button—elevating vitality and resilience with each session.

Spiritual Awakening & Soul Connection
On a spiritual level, breathwork can open portals to heightened awareness, expanded consciousness, and a sense of oneness with everything. Many practitioners report soul-level insights, glimpses into past lives, or encounters with heightened states of being. It’s as if the breath briefly dissolves the ego, allowing your true essence to rise to the surface.

These experiences often come unbidden—unexpected flashes of clarity, vibrant visions, or felt-senses of interconnectedness. That’s why I emphasize surrender: letting go of needing to control what arises, trusting that your deeper self knows what’s best. Breathwork becomes a mirror—a sacred space where you can face your shadows, celebrate your light, and step into a more authentic version of yourself.

Other Forms of Breathwork
There’s a whole menu out there—each with its own flavor and purpose:

• Rebirthing Breathwork: Focuses on releasing suppressed emotional and physical trauma stored since birth.

• Psychedelic Breathwork: Mimics psychedelic experiences without substances, often through rhythmic, rapid breathing.

• Bio-Dynamic Breath: Combines breath, movement, and sound to access subconscious material.

• Transformational Breath: Aims to clear energetic blockages and expand consciousness.

• Clarity Breathwork: For releasing emotional trauma and achieving mental clarity.

And many more. Before jumping in, ask your instructor these key questions:

• Is this practice activating or calming?

• What position will I be in?

• Are there any contraindications? (See below for specifics.)

Is Breathwork for Everyone?
The answer is: probably, but with caveats. If you’re reading this, you’re breathing—so technically, yes. But these practices are profound; they can uncover shadow material, emotional release, or physical sensations that might be overwhelming without proper guidance.

A few considerations:
If you deal with sensitivities such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, high anxiety, or other severe mental health conditions, it’s crucial to approach breathwork with caution. These practices can sometimes trigger intense emotional or physical reactions—such as dizziness, panic, or even seizures—especially if not guided by an experienced practitioner. Always consult your healthcare provider before engaging, and modify techniques—like breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth—to ensure you stay within your comfort zone.
Pregnancy is another condition where caution is advised. Certain types of breathwork can increase intra-abdominal pressure or alter oxygen levels in ways that are not suitable during pregnancy. Always seek medical advice and work with a qualified instructor who understands prenatal practices.
Recent surgeries or injuries—particularly around the neck, spine, or head—also require careful consideration. I personally went into a 3-hour holotropic session two months after neck surgery, with the instructor’s approval and full awareness of my wounds. Sometimes, the body remembers trauma or injury long after the fact, and breathwork can unearth those layers—potentially leading to discomfort or retraumatization if not approached with care.

Why is this important?
Breathwork is powerful. It can facilitate deep emotional and physical releases, but it might also activate unresolved trauma, overwhelm your nervous system, or trigger symptoms if you are not prepared or appropriately guided. That’s why it’s essential to listen to your body and work with someone trained to navigate these states safely.

Unlocking the Power of Breath: A Personal Journey and Invitation

Sometimes, I went into breathwork expecting a particular revelation—maybe I hoped to piece together the puzzle of my accident or unlock a long-buried memory. But often, that’s not what unfolds. Instead, I saw a tiny green figure, which gradually grew into a baby Yoda—yes, really. Funny, isn’t it? Sometimes, the journey takes us somewhere unexpected, yet exactly what we need.

This is where I always remind my students: the magic lies in the integration—the time afterwards when the blocked energy has been released, and new space is created for growth. Trust that your consciousness is brilliant, far wiser than your rational mind. It knows when to reveal, when to hide, and when to guide you exactly where you need to be.

Ironically, my most profound breakthroughs happen when I least expect them. That’s the essence of surrender. When I make a commitment to the practice—and release the need to control the results—miraculous things tend to happen. Sometimes, I simply let go, trusting that whatever arises is exactly what my soul needs in that moment.

During my breathwork training, I witnessed the aftermath of my accident: I saw myself leaving my body, hovering above the scene where people gathered around me. It was in that moment I knew—without a doubt—that my consciousness had indeed escaped my physical form. That knowing, grounded in experience, continues to remind me that our awareness is capable of much more than we often believe.

As my trauma therapist wisely says, “Our consciousness reveals to us what we are ready to see, when we are ready to see it.” So, trust that if it’s too overwhelming, your nervous system may gently steer you into a deeper sleep—kind of like receiving anesthesia during surgery, but with less pain and more magic.

Set your intention. Surrender to what is. Trust that your consciousness will show you what you need, when you’re ready—sometimes, right in the unexpected moments that catch you off guard.

Interested in giving it a try?
I offer breathwork sessions once a week in Berlin at Har Loft on Tuesdays at 8:30 pm.
I’m also hosting a special online session on Monday, October 6th at 8:30 pm on Zoom—perfect for those outside Berlin or who prefer the comfort of home. You can join via this LINK.
Working on something deeper and wanting a personal guide? I also offer 1:1 sessions online paired with Transpersonal Coaching & Integration for a deep dive to rise & thrive. Sessions are available to be booked on Calendly.

And if you’d like to explore some guided breath mixes on your own, check out a few vibes I’ve created on my SoundCloud.