In today’s article, we delve into a journey of intellectual curiosity and personal transformation. From the rigorous logic of mathematics to the expansive realms of Ken Wilber’s philosophies and Holotropic Breathwork, Luccio Schlettwein shares how these experiences reshaped his worldview. We also explore his transition from a career in finance to managing the Carl Schlettwein Foundation, the integration of shamanic practices with breathwork, and lessons learned from time spent in Patagonia. Join us as we uncover the insights and practices that guide Luccio’s unique path through professional and personal growth.
How did your experience with Ken Wilber’s work and holotropic breathwork shift your perspective beyond rational-mathematical thinking?
I studied mathematics for the sheer joy of logic, for the thrill of constructing universes based on a few fundamental axioms – a system of complete internal consistency within the applied logic. Of course, I knew I couldn’t simply apply this to life, but there was always this nagging feeling that if we delved deep enough into the complexity, we should find an underlying logic explaining why things are as they are.
Then, a person close to me had what I now understand as a spontaneous peak experience. They tried to describe it by saying “I saw Jesus!” This didn’t fit within my existing worldview. I was faced with two choices: dismiss them as delusional, or try to understand what they meant. I turned to books for answers, as that was my natural inclination. And it was Ken Wilber’s work that opened the door for me. It helped me find a logic in areas that previously made no sense to me, enabling me to engage with a vast amount of texts I would have previously dismissed as ‘rubbish’.
I began Holotropic Breathwork out of curiosity. It quickly proved invaluable in helping me solve a specific problem at work – a solution that was perhaps obvious to others but completely invisible to me from within my own perspective. This hands-on experience demonstrated the power of this kind of work and motivated me to continue exploring it. It opened up layers of transpersonal experiences that I would never have been receptive to a few years earlier.
What inspired your transition from a career in finance to managing the Carl Schlettwein Foundation and its focus on Namibia and southern Africa?
I was working part-time at a bank to spend more time with my children, which was good for the family, but it wasn’t a particularly fulfilling job. When my father, recognising his own advancing age, asked if I would be interested in taking over the Carl Schlettwein Foundation, his life’s work, I didn’t give it much thought. While the humanities of southern Africa weren’t my area of expertise (we have expert staff for that), I did have a background in finance and could ensure the long-term sustainability of the work. So, I wouldn’t call it inspiration, more of a gut feeling.
How do you envision combining holotropic breathwork with shamanic practices to deepen consciousness work?
Consciousness work in expanded states is akin to visiting a foreign country, a distant land. You can explore it independently, trusting that you will discover unique and personal insights. However, you might miss some of the major sights. This is more akin to the Holotropic Breathwork approach.
Shamanic practices are like having a local guide. You present your ideas and desires, and they help you navigate the terrain, helping you find the most meaningful places for you. Both approaches are valuable, and the choice of which to use depends on the specific situation and your personal preferences.
By combining these approaches, we allow individuals to have their own breathwork experiences and then use shamanic techniques to deepen those experiences. This offers a different perspective, allowing them to delve deeper from a new angle. Working with my wife in this way feels more complete, richer, and more fulfilling for me personally. I believe this positive feeling enhances the quality of our workshops.
What lessons from your time in Patagonia with your wife influenced your professional and personal growth?
The most significant outcome of those months in the mountains with my wife was a profound level of trust and understanding. This formed a strong foundation for our relationship, providing support during challenging times, such as when our children were young and we were both exhausted from lack of sleep. It also proved invaluable during consciousness work, when we inevitably ventured outside our comfort zones.
I believe there are many parallels between being in the mountains and engaging in consciousness work. You need to plan your journey carefully and be prepared to adapt if circumstances require it. Don’t rush; take one step at a time and be mindful of your energy levels. Reaching the summit is just the beginning; a crucial part of the journey is safely returning and integrating the experiences into daily life.
How do you balance your roles as a Certified Holotropic Breathwork Practitioner, foundation manager, and father of three?
When I became a father, I knew I wanted to be an active participant in their lives – to be at home, to experience them, to enjoy them, to be overwhelmed by them, and to feel completely out of my depth. When we returned from Patagonia, my wife was pregnant with our first child, and I decided to reduce my work hours to 50%, allowing me to be home for the rest of the time. My priorities were clear.
Holotropic Breathwork came into my life some years later. Initially, it was simply a personal journey of exploration. It was never intended to be a means of earning a living, and that remains true today. Now that our children have grown up and left home, new possibilities are emerging, and we’ll see where those lead us.
