On The Mindful Journey, Sana sits down with Sean Blackwell to challenge the conventional lens on bipolar disorder. Sean argues that some acute episodes labeled “mania” or “psychosis” can function as spiritual emergencies—experiences that, when held in a safe container, catalyze trauma release and long-term integration. We unpack his retreat model, Bipolar Breathwork (inspired by holotropic methods), the role of kundalini/chakra frameworks, why he keeps clients on medication during healing work, and how to assess the line between a mental-health emergency and a spiritual crisis. If you care about nuanced mental health conversations that bridge science, lived experience, and spirituality—this one’s for you.
About the Guest:
Sean Blackwell is the author of Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder and founder of private retreats where he facilitates breathwork-based trauma processing for clients with bipolar diagnoses and related non-ordinary states.
Key Takeaways:


Sean frames certain bipolar I psychoses as spiritual emergencies with common “spiritual delusions” (e.g., rebirth, messiah missions), suggesting patterned—not random—experiences.


His method, Bipolar Breathwork, uses intensive music and aggressive, self-paced breathing to relax ego defenses and surface repressed material for processing.


Early sessions often present as quiet or “shamanic sleep,” which he interprets as the bioenergetic system “repairing” before explicit trauma emerges.


He insists clients remain on psychiatric medication during retreats to stay grounded; any med changes are routed through the client’s psychiatrist.


Distinguishing spiritual crisis from clinical emergency requires context: safety, containment, informed facilitation, and medical collaboration.


He cites influences from Dr. Stan Grof and India’s kundalini/chakra traditions while acknowledging that spiritual mechanisms aren’t empirically measurable.


Lived experience story: his 1996 acute psychosis led to significant life changes and launched his research into “bipolar awakenings.”


Practical lens: respect both territories—psychiatry for stabilization, spiritual work for meaning-making and trauma resolution.


 
The information shared in this episode and its accompanying materials is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition.

 

Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard in this podcast. Any mention of specific practices, methods, or personal healing experiences—such as breathwork, spiritual practices, or retreats—reflects the guest’s individual perspective and should not be interpreted as medical recommendations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed healthcare professional or reach out to your local emergency services immediately.
Connect with the Guest:


Website: www.bipolarawakenings.com


Book: Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder


YouTube channel and information on international retreats



Want to be a guest on The Mindful Journey? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:
• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living
• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment
With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.
Contact
Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
Email: www.healthymindbyavik.com
Based in: India & USA
Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.
CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:
Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest
Video Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials
Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind
Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/
OUR SERVICES
Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory
STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!
Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/
SHARE YOUR REVIEW
Share your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
Share a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/
Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!
#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness
#comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast, #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips, #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs, #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters, #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast, #podcastlovers, #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers
#StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success




 









 

Ver todos los episodios