The perinatal origins of images of God
Helen Bequaert Holmes
May 20, 2020 DOI: 10.4324/9780429273490-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Holotropic breathwork |
| Key points | The paper argues that psychoanalytic concepts such as Freud's 'oceanic feelings' and Grof's holotropic breathwork may provide access to perinatal and prenatal experiences relevant to addiction and attachment difficulties, while also presenting the contrary view that neonates are neurologically unable to register and store such experiences. |
Abstract
The perinatal period of birth is examined through a psychoanalytic lens, namely through Freud’s depiction of the ‘oceanic feelings’, the source of religious energy in this view and a possible perceived connection with a deity by the foetus. Khamsi supports the possibility of such a foetal experience but also proposes its contrary, namely that the traditional opinion denies that neonates are neurologically adequate to register, code and store perinatal experiences. Freud’s interest in telepathy and hypnosis is linked with Grof’s creation of the holotropic breathwork to access deep-seated feelings related to addiction and underlying attachment difficulties, possibly stemming from prenatal life. Grof and Wasdell’s work is outlined and considered.