The International Transpersonal Center Holos is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to mental health and personal development for many years, advocating for natural approaches without medication. Our center is a place where you can find a safe and supportive environment for your journey toward personal growth. We strive to ensure that every person who comes to us is inspired and supported on their path to mental well-being and self-realization.
We care for people's mental health by applying a holistic approach to life, through the scientific development and promotion of transpersonal psychology and holistic medicine. Our professional team is available to provide psychotherapeutic services in the safe and supportive environment of the Holos Center. We also collaborate with a network of therapists throughout the Czech Republic to be able to offer assistance and support to a wide range of people.
Our Help and Care
We are here to assist in various situations, including crisis moments, psychospiritual crises, challenging psychedelic experiences, mental illnesses, psychosomatic conditions, as well as for your self-discovery and self-development. We strive to offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques, including individual and group psychotherapy, holotropic breathwork, art therapy, music therapy, and more. Each individual is unique to us, and we aim to guide clients through the healing process so they can find the path that suits them best with our support.
In our work, we draw from transpersonal psychology, which is a modern psychological approach that addresses, among other things, transcendent and spiritual aspects of human experience. It also doesn't overlook possible birth trauma that we may have experienced when coming into the world. At Holos Center, we have experience with the power and effects of this approach on an individual's mental health and their ability to help people discover the roots of their troubles and establish a deep connection with their inner selves.
Our center is not only a place for therapy but also a cultural and social hub. We regularly organize cultural events, concerts, dances, and exhibitions, particularly showcasing holotropic art that reflects artistic expression arising from extraordinary states of consciousness.
Holos Center and Volunteering
At the heart of the Holos Center are its volunteers, who contribute significantly to our mission through their dedication and involvement. Their role and contribution are irreplaceable for the smooth operation of our activities. Holos Center volunteers perform various essential tasks, including:
· Event Organization: They assist in the preparation and execution of cultural, educational, and social events that form the core of our community.
· Center Support: They help maintain and ensure the functioning of the Holos Center through various tasks and work assignments.
· Specific Skills: We make use of their abilities and expertise, such as interpreting, craft skills, or computer work.
Currently, volunteers primarily focus on assisting with event organization, where their presence is most needed. They constitute an important pillar of our community and, through their activities, contribute to creating a positive and supportive environment for our clients and visitors. Their involvement allows us to fulfill our mission more effectively and continue to grow. We aim to create an environment in which volunteers feel trust, openness, friendship, acceptance, dedication, and teamwork, which are fundamental values we emphasize in our activities.
It's also important to note that these introductions to volunteers are only a superficial glimpse into their role in the center. Each of them has a unique story, skills, and experiences that we will introduce more thoroughly in individual articles on our blog in the future. Thanks to the volunteer team, we can not only maintain our space but also develop it and fulfill our vision of providing support and inspiration to all those who come to Holos Center.
And what is Holos like through the eyes of volunteers?
We would like to introduce you to a short interview with some of our volunteers who actively participate in the activities of Holos Center. Specifically, this interview features Adéla and Aleš Gruner, a married couple who are always very kind and make time for us. Through this interview, we bring you a firsthand look at their experiences and how they contribute to our community. Thanks to their words, you will have the opportunity to glimpse into various aspects of our activities and volunteer work within Holos.
Adélka and Ája, thank you very much for taking the time for a brief interview about volunteering here at Holos. Could you tell us something about yourselves to start? For example, what do you do, and what are your hobbies?
Adéla: We have been together for over 17 years, married for 2 years. We try to live life the way we want it. We want to spend as much time together as possible, in nature, with people who love us and are interested in us. I enjoy getting to know myself, developing in all directions, which means I read books, listen to conversations with interesting people, explore nature (herbs, the overall laws and magic of Mother Earth, and how we can connect with her more). I like old-fashioned advice, old recipes, I just draw wisdom from our ancestors.
Aleš: Our hobbies are such that we like to have a good life, and we really enjoy meeting people who have set it up the same way. Once there was a book about how men are from Mars and women are from Venus. I believed in it for a long time until my wife and I realized that we are both from planet Earth. We are happy.
How did you learn about Holos, and what prompted you to join this organization?
Adéla: We learned about Holos last summer when we went to Valašské Meziříčí for the "Tak jinak" festival, where Milan Hrabánek gave a lecture. Holotropic breathing caught our attention, and within a few days, we had already scheduled an initial interview, which was supposed to take place before the first process.
Aleš: I first heard about Holos at a lecture by Dr. Hrabánek at a festival. After our first weekend of breathing, my wife and I decided to become volunteers.
What was your first experience with Holos like, and how has your role in the organization evolved since then?
Adéla: When we first opened the gate to Holos Center, we were literally enchanted. The whole environment gives such a harmonious impression; it's a completely different world. You just have to turn that handle. We both went to a therapist for the first time, and just being able to say everything about yourself, to confess, to cry, is incredibly relieving. The incredible feeling of trust that someone is listening to us and wants to help. After our first breathing, we understood the genius of it and felt immense respect and gratitude to the discoverer of holotropic breathing, Mr. Stanislav Grof. This method is, in a way, so simple, but combining breath, the frequency of music, rhythm, along with the right environment and many other things, is something remarkable. THANK YOU, Mr. Grof! After a few weeks, we knew that these people could impart a lot to us, and we wanted to see them and rejoice with them. And so, we became volunteers.
Aleš: We worked on the preparation and conduct of a dance organized by Holos in cooperation with a primary school.
What exactly do you do as volunteers at Holos?
Adéla: As volunteers, we participate in events organized not only for the public. It usually starts with a group meeting, an introduction to the event, and the distribution of tasks and roles. During the event, we ensure that everything runs smoothly, and people are satisfied. Our main goal is for them to leave with at least a pleasant memory and to look forward to coming to the next one.
Aleš: Above all, we have fun. We basically do only what we enjoy.
Which events have you already participated in, and what do you feel about them?
Adéla: The first events we attended as volunteers were the "Caribbean Dance," featuring an excellent Cuban band and a perfect performance by the Holos dance group. This was followed by Easter baking of Judas figures and bread. A lovely family atmosphere prevailed throughout the day. Then there was the Weekend of Open Gardens. On Friday, school classes participated, and on Saturday, the general public. There were plenty of attractions, from a frog trail in the garden to making your own natural soap and an herbal lecture with the opportunity to buy plants or teas.
Aleš: Dance, baking Judas Buns for Easter, Open Garden Day, and we are preparing to help with the preparation of the festival „Vlaštovské schody“.
How would you describe the atmosphere and working environment at Holos?
Adéla: It's always a pleasant and friendly gathering. There's never a lack of smiles, and there's a sense of calm and a family atmosphere.
Aleš: Paradise. Everyone associates something different with this word, but for us, besides our new home, it's Holos. When about ten people gather here for event preparations, there is peace and tranquility. There's no shouting, nervousness, or pressure to perform, so it's paradise.
What is your greatest success or unforgettable moment that you have experienced while working at Holos?
Adéla: I participated in a holotropic breathing seminar at the invitation of the center's director, Tomáš Váňa, as a sitter, a person who helps with basic needs during the process. It was already an honor and a sign of trust for me. The course of breathing is different for everyone, and sometimes it's not very pleasant. The most powerful experience was when a participant chose me to be by their side. They were going through unpleasant childhood experiences. I will never forget it. It was incredibly emotional. My presence alone helped them. I realized how much we all miss and how natural it is. Humanity, love, touch.
Aleš: Every moment is unforgettable.
Does working at Holos help you personally develop and grow, and if so, can you provide an example of how?
Adéla: It helps me to behave naturally in everyday life. Just humanly. Look at things from different angles. Work, money, possessions mean nothing. I realized that I enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing the flute when I was a child. In adulthood, people often forget what brought them joy.
Aleš: Yes, very much so. Everywhere you read about how many people seek help from a psychologist, therapist, and a significant percentage of people still do not admit that they need it. They may just fear change. We are fortunate that during events, we also meet Milan, and every time we feel that it is good for our personal growth.
Is there anything that has been challenging for you in your work at Holos? Any challenges?
Adéla: Not so much in the work itself, but during breathing sessions, in sharing, it was challenging for me to open up and say something about myself. Then I understood that sharing with others is also part of healing. No one judges or criticizes you; they are there with you.
Aleš: Yes. When you, Hanka, baked bread, it was a big challenge for me not to eat it all myself. (laughter)
How does working at Holos impact your personal life goals and values?
Adéla: Enormously. Just being in the presence of such personalities and people who understand what life is.
Aleš: Immeasurable.
What is your biggest motivation for working at Holos? The so-called „driving force“?
Adéla: It may sound like a cliché, but it is to do good. To show that there is a place in the world where they can help you. And they do so gladly, with love and understanding.
Aleš: Joy.
How do you perceive the relationship between volunteers and the Holos team?
Adéla: We are part of one team. Each person has their own strengths. No one pretends to be something they're not.
Aleš: Like a family.
What is your view on the significance and contribution of Holos to the community and individuals?
Adéla: There probably aren't many organizations like Holos. And that's a shame. In today's world, people have misplaced values. They chase after nonsense. Why are there so many depressions, addictions, broken family relationships? People have stopped loving each other. Holos is a place of rebirth. And it's open to anyone who feels that they are not living THEIR life.
Aleš: I dare say that Holos saved my life. I was going through a psychospiritual crisis without even knowing it. I didn't know what was happening to me or why. My soul healed. Now I know (smile). And the impact on the community is cosmic!
Do you think volunteering is important? If so, why?
Adéla: Volunteer = doing something out of goodwill. Goodwill is love. Wouldn't the world be nicer if everything was done with love? Let's all be volunteers. (smile)
Aleš: Yes. All you need is love.
What advice would you give to others who also want to become volunteers at Holos?
Adéla: Don't hesitate.
Aleš: I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to be a volunteer at Holos.
Thank you both very much for your time and willingness to share this unique perspective. I look forward to seeing you at one of the events!
Conclusion
At Holos Center, we combine mental health care with development and support. Our expertise, interest in culture and art, and passion for scientific research motivate us to create a safe, inspiring, and supportive environment for all who seek their path to mental health and growth. Together, we can ensure that every individual feels fully supported and inspired on their journey to mental well-being. We also want to thank all team members, volunteers, and those who place their trust in us! Without you, Holos Center wouldn't be possible – thank you!
Do you want to become a volunteer at Holos? Don't hesitate to contact us! We are currently looking for not only regular volunteers but also someone who could take on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Would you like more information? Contact us here:
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