Exploring the depths of breathwork at the Scandinavian Breathwork Summit is a journey into understanding life energy beyond mere inhalation.
In an interview with MysticMag, Bo Wahlström, an expert in the field, emphasizes that breathwork encompasses prana or chi, vital energies acknowledged in Indian and Chinese traditions. The summit delves into various techniques, from neuro-transformative processes to trauma release, each tailored for specific purposes and circumstances.
This rich, diverse approach not only enhances mental and physical well-being but also expands consciousness, offering profound insights into our spiritual selves.
Can you explain the different breathwork techniques featured at the Scandinavian Breathwork Summit?
Well, this isn’t easy to do comprehensively, but it’s important to understand that breathwork involves more than just breathing air; it’s also about playing with what I call “life energy.” We breathe energy as well, that is what the Indians call prana and the Chinese call chi. This energy is central to the functioning of Breathwork.
When you expand your energy in the body, you also expand your consciousness. This makes breathwork incredibly versatile and useful in many ways. People often ask, “What breathing technique is best?” That’s not the right question. The intelligent question is, “What breathing technique is best for what purpose, for what person, and in what circumstances?” This question opens up a world of possibilities.
Breathwork can be used for exploring deeper parts of your subconscious as well as the spiritual aspect of yourself. It can help you with grounding, health, pain relief, and mental focus. For instance, last year, one of our workshops focused on “breathing through segments,” releasing body armor. Another workshop looked at how breathing affects our neuro-transformative processes and what conclusions we can draw from that.
We had a teacher from Australia who focused on using breathwork to release deep life traumas. In my workshop, we explored how best to utilize prana, ensuring an open nose, and understanding Indian energy terms like Ida and Pingala. This approach allows you to see and use energy in your life more effectively.
Life energy is fascinating. It is the difference between a living body and a dead one. Both contain the same materials, but the living body has life energy. Breathwork allows you to adjust this energy like a volume knob, increasing your vitality. You can direct this energy to address traumas, blockages in the body, or brain functions.
We also had workshops connecting Breathwork to shamanistic practices using drums and prayers. Historically, the first Breathworkers were the shamans who used various techniques to achieve ecstasy and higher consciousness for their tribes. They were the pioneers of breathwork, even though they didn’t leave written records.
So, breathwork is about expanding your mind. Throughout history, open-minded groups like the Taoists in China, Yogis in India, and Sufis in Muslim countries have used breathwork. Fundamentalists, on the other hand, tend to resist it because it encourages people to think for themselves and explore their own consciousness. Breathwork is revolutionary in that sense.
What are the intended benefits of combining various breathwork practices with meditation and yoga at your event?
We can divide a human being into different aspects: the mind, the body, the spirit, and life energy. Breathwork is a powerful tool that can be used in various ways. Similarly, meditation is a tool for the mind. The word “mantra,” for example, literally means “tool for the mind.” There are many tools, and you can combine them effectively. You enlarge your toolbox.
Yoga is another such tool. Wilhelm Reich was the father of body psychotherapy in the West. He was a student of Freud and emphasized that the body and mind are interconnected. He began character analysis, which laid the foundation for modern bodywork. However, yogis had already been using similar concepts with the chakra system, associating different parts of the body with specific energies and states of mind. The chakra system can be seen as an early form of body psychotherapy.
Yoga, which means “link,” aims to connect the body to the spirit. It helps open up physical blockages, making it a very early form of bodywork. Combining different tools like breathwork, meditation, and yoga can create powerful synergies. At our summit, we don’t know exactly what kind of synergy effects will occur, but that is a part of the excitement.
Synergy effects mean that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. For instance, in medicine, combining ingredients can produce a more potent effect, more than the sum of the components. The same principle applies here. When people come together and share their practices, unexpected and powerful synergies can occur, providing greater benefits than anticipated.
We encourage diversity in practices to foster these synergies. We don’t want everyone to do the same thing; instead, we want people to engage in different practices to enhance the overall effect. This combination creates a richer, more potent experience for everyone involved.
How do you select the teachers and speakers for the summit, and what expertise do they bring?
The teachers and speakers we select bring diverse expertise, and we choose them mainly through our global network. It has grown significantly since we founded the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF) in 1994. The IBF is a network of professionals and laymen, and it has been incredibly educational for me, even being one of the founders. Meeting people from all over the world has been invaluable.
At the first Global Inspiration Conference (GIC) in 1994 the participants were so excited so we decided to create the IBF network. GIC has since then traveled across the globe. It has been held on every continent: last year in Kenya, this year in Holland, and next year in Australia. Although it started in Sweden, it has truly become a global event. I’m a strong believer in the power of networking; it’s fundamental to our success. Everyone gains more from these connections than they put in.
Back in 1994, there were already many international schools of high quality. We didn’t want to create another school; instead, we wanted to bring existing ones together. We aimed to get the “big elephants” to dance together without stepping on each other’s toes. This collaboration was fascinating and valuable also to me personally.
From this extensive network, we invite people to lead workshops and share their expertise. We carefully select individuals to ensure that no two people are doing the same thing, which maximizes the synergy effects. This approach enriches the experience for everyone involved.
Given the unexpected cancellation of the 2024 event, how are you planning to support the community and continue your activities?
Our community continues to receive strong support through several initiatives. First, we have the Swedish nonprofit organization for Breathworkers and people interested in Breathwork. This organization plays a significant role in supporting our community since almost 40 years.
Additionally, we have been running the Swedish training program since 1986, which produces new teachers and further expands our community. This training is ongoing and new sessions began in March this year. Each training program lasts for a year and a half, ensuring comprehensive education and support for participants.
We also conduct open training at various times and locations, further supporting our community and promoting breathwork practices. Despite the cancellation of the 2024 event, these ongoing activities ensure that our community remains connected and supported.
What impact has the Scandinavian Breathwork Summit had on its participants, and could you share any testimonials?
There is a testimonial on our website from one of our highly qualified teachers from Belgium. We had planned to collect more testimonials this year, but unfortunately, we had to cancel the event. However, this testimonial provides valuable insight.
Participants at the summit gain a broader perspective on themselves and the possibilities of Breathwork. For example, we offered Breathwork sessions in cold water, inspired by Wim Hof’s methods. Practicing cold water breathwork in northern Sweden in May, where the water is around 14°C, is a challenging but rewarding experience. It’s something worth researching for its effects on the body and immune system.
One of the key benefits participants experience is a wider understanding of Breathwork. Many come with experience from a single method or school, but the summit exposes them to diverse approaches and techniques. This exchange of knowledge and experience broadens their minds, networks, friendships, and perceptions. Participants often leave with a newly found awareness of the many possibilities of breathwork.
One innovative approach emerging from IBF is incorporating breathwork into classrooms for both young and older students. This program has been translated into eight different languages and aims to help students utilize breathwork techniques at their level.
Additionally, IBF is an advisory organization for the United Nations under ECO-SOC, working on ideas and visions for using breathwork in trauma release, with psychotherapy and support for refugees. This advisory role highlights the potential of breathwork in addressing global issues and promoting well-being.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for the next edition of the Scandinavian Breathwork Summit?
As you know, we had to cancel the summit this year due to the passing of my friend, whom I had known for 20 years. It was a significant loss, and although he was not in perfect health, his sudden passing was unexpected. This venue by the sea is fantastic, but the future of its use as a training center was uncertain due to inheritance issues. The heirs initially decided to cancel, and so did we. However, they later reopened the venue, but it was too late for us to reinstate the event, and we had already informed our international attendees to cancel their plans and plane tickets.
We are now looking for a larger venue in Sweden. The previous venue, although beautiful, had a limit of 70 people. We are exploring other locations with more capacity and equally stunning views. We plan to hold the next summit next summer, possibly at a new venue, depending on how things develop.
For more information, you can visit our website at www.scandinavianbreathwork.com. The website is currently quite sparse since we have no immediate events, but we will update it with new information as soon as we have concrete plans. Connect to us for updates on the Scandinavian Breathwork Summit and other related events.
Additionally, the fantastic Global Inspiration Conference will happen in Holland from 27 July to 3 August. This will bring together 250 Breathworkers from all over the world. Next year, the event will be held in Australia.
