Open letter to the healing and breathwork community
Dear breathwork community and healing community at large,
With the latest allegations against breathwork teacher and industry leader Dan Brulé, I want to address the perpetuation of systemic problems in an open letter. Please bear with me.
I am foremost addressing those who are sharing breathwork and thus referring to themselves as breathwork teachers, healers, and/or coaches. This letter may be insightful for practitioners/breathers too.
Stepping into the role of sharing a breathing method comes with a lot of responsibility. I want to touch on three topics of reflection: inherent power dynamics, lacking knowledge about trauma, boundaries, and consent, as well as low-barrier feedback mechanisms.
The power imbalance between teachers <> students carries a high risk of abuse and we’re almost tired of hearing of these types of allegations (cis men misusing the power and thus creating harm to womxn). Our societal systems often reinforce these power dynamics, leading to subconscious patterns of behavior in the way we facilitate breathwork. Misuse of power can be intentional, such as when a cisgender male feels entitled to give healing touch without asking for consent, or it can be more subtle, such as shutting down questions from students or promoting oneself as an all-powerful teacher while maintaining a distance from vulnerability. It is important to recognize and address these power imbalances in order to truly be of healing support.
We are all born into a society of power differentials. Addressing these and being aware of which power we hold is crucial to being of healing support.
It further is the duty and responsibility of all of us as teachers to educate ourselves on the important topics of (personal) boundaries, trauma, consent, and creating safer* spaces. Throughout recent years, it was highly welcomed to have awareness of these topics but now, in 2023, being unaware is an inadmissible act of negligence. While patriarchal power dynamics are certainly a factor, it is crucial that teachers of all genders take the time to learn about these issues and how to address them. Think of trigger words or the fact that safe spaces are an illusion (from the perspective of trauma survivors and intersectionality). Becoming a breathwork teacher is more than a role that feeds our spiritual egos. This learning is on us. We need to proactively sensitize ourselves and denying its urgency is an unacceptable act. It’s time to learn and unlearn.
If an incident has occurred, it is essential to prevent the repetition of any incidents and to ensure that victims are not silenced. Using cancel culture creates more harm and in my opinion, comes from an ego place of fear.
I further call for feedback mechanisms that allow vulnerable groups and practitioners to easily raise concerns about their comfort and safety; at the lowest barriers possible. Given that the breathwork industry is not (yet?) regulated by international bodies and lacks a transparent review process, it is our responsibility to establish these mechanisms ourselves. These mechanisms should allow for both anonymous and direct feedback and should provide a transparent process for handling escalated issues, including the involvement of neutral mediators to support the resolution process. It is important that those providing feedback feel culturally safe and that their criticisms are taken seriously.
I urge you to examine and unlearn. Reflect on the ways in which you may be perpetuating these dynamics through your language, gestures, and behaviors as a teacher. Consider the privileges you hold and how they may contribute to a sense of superiority over others. As breath workers, we have the opportunity to support others on their personal journey of healing and release, and it is important that we do so in a way that is safe and respectful. Remember that practitioners may be highly vulnerable and energetically open and that causing pain or trauma can have lasting consequences.
May our breathwork practices continue to bring us joy, growth, and healing as we journey toward greater self-awareness and understanding.
In honor (and a bit of rage),
Kim Gerlach
