Stanislav Grof wins Vize 97 Foundation award

In an article that seems just loosely translated into English, the Prague Daily Monitor reports that something called the Vize 97 Foundation has given its annual award to Stanislav Grof, for the development of holotropic breathing. Apparently the Foundation, founded by ex-Czech president Vaclav Havel and his wife Dagmar, gives an award every year to "a world-renowned scientist who has crossed the border of science and extended its horizon." The article notes the award has previously been given to "Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, Italian writer Umberto Eco and American neurosurgeon of Austrian origin Karl H. Pribram."

Admittedly, I don't know a ton about holotropic breathing, which apparently can get you into states similar to the LSD experience. For reference, Grof's web site introduces it in this fashion:

Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful approach to self-exploration and healing that integrates insights from modern consciousness research, anthropology, various depth psychologies, transpersonal psychology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions of the world. The name Holotropic means literally "moving toward wholeness" (from the Greek "holos"=whole and "trepein"=moving in the direction of something).

The process itself uses very simple means: it combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a special set and setting. With the eyes closed and lying on a mat, each person uses their own breath and the music in the room to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness. This state activates the natural inner healing process of the individual's psyche, bringing him or her a particular set of internal experiences. With the inner healing intelligence guiding the process, the quality and content brought forth is unique to each person and for that particular time and place. While recurring themes are common, no two sessions are ever alike.

Meanwhile, the Prague Daily Monitor made a point of noting:

Grof's method is often criticised since it can cause damage when used by a non-professional.

Say what? My limited knowledge of how holotropic breathing works extends to a limited knowledge of how it could possibly damage a person. Luckily for me, the intertubes had an answer, although even superficial digging seems to reveal a controversy that is way over my head. One scathingly critical article refers to "aftermath dysfunctions" as a result of the "acute traumas and hallucinations [that] can occur, plus a variety of disruptive symptoms which can linger afterwards." The critical article in question is vicious in its attempt to tear down Grof (and MAPS by extension), in part due to skepticism of Grof's commercial aspirations with the trademarked technique; it makes for a good read but the author whips himself into such an anti-psychedelic frenzy that he starts to sound shrill and panicky.

At any rate, it's not clear what Grof actually wins from Havel's foundation, nor whether anyone outside of Prague will actually notice or care about this award (I only noticed because the article popped up in my "LSD" feed), but I imagine congratulations are in order regardless!