Barbara Joy shares her wisdom and life story. Holotropic Breathwork, Thanatology, and mindfulness.

A WondeJunkie

Summary

Barbara shares her journey of spiritual exploration and personal growth, starting from her childhood experiences with dreams and conversations about the universe with her father. She pursued studies in various areas, including culture, religion, and dream work. Barbara eventually met Stan Grof and trained with him in breathwork. She then focused on the field of thanatology, studying death, dying, grief, loss, and bereavement. Throughout her life, Barbara has been driven by a desire to serve and help others minimize suffering. Barbara shares her journey of self-discovery and transformation. She talks about reclaiming her name and the birth of her authenticity. Barbara also discusses feeling different from those around her and the influence of her parents' expectations on her identity. Barbara emphasizes the importance of connecting with something bigger than oneself and the power of love and service. The conversation explores the power of breathwork and the role of the sitter in facilitating transformation. It highlights the importance of breathwork as a tool for healing and the impact of Stanislav Grof's work in bringing it to the West. The conversation also delves into the concept of God and the idea that God is not separate from us but is present in everything. It discusses the role of choice and willpower in personal transformation and the importance of taking responsibility for our lives. The conversation concludes with a discussion on grief and the need for community support and vulnerability.

Takeaways

Barbara's spiritual journey started in childhood with dreams and conversations about the universe with her father.

She pursued studies in various areas, including culture, religion, and dream work.

Barbara trained with Stan Grof in breathwork and focused on the field of thanatology.

Her life's purpose is to serve and help others minimize suffering. Reclaiming one's name can be a powerful act of self-empowerment and authenticity.

Feeling different from those around us can be a sign that we are meant to embrace our true selves.

Caring for a loved one during their final years can be challenging but also an opportunity for healing and growth.

Connecting with something bigger than ourselves, whether it be spirituality or a sense of purpose, can provide strength and guidance in difficult times.

Love and service are powerful forces that can bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives.

Traveling and experiencing different cultures can expand our perspectives and help us appreciate the preciousness of life.

Engaging in practices like breathwork and meditation can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our connection to the world.

Meeting and learning from wise teachers and mentors can profoundly impact our personal growth and spiritual journey. Breathwork is a powerful tool for healing and transformation.

The sitter plays a crucial role in facilitating breathwork sessions.

Stanislav Grof's work has been instrumental in bringing breathwork to the West.

God is not separate from us but is present in everything.

Choice and willpower are essential for personal transformation.

Taking responsibility for our lives is key to personal growth.

Grief requires community support and vulnerability.

Chapters

00:00 Meeting Barbara at Jody's Zen Garden

11:42 Meeting Influential Teachers and Mentors

37:54 Carving Away the Unessential

53:27 Connecting with Something Bigger in the Face of Death

01:14:43 The Power of Breathwork and Healing

01:23:16 Choice and Responsibility in Personal Growth

01:33:10 Embracing and Understanding Emotions

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic