Letter from the President
by Paul Robear
The shamanic state of consciousness – referred to as ecstasy, trance, etc. – is a form of consciousness practiced and developed to reach another, shamanic reality. The term trance comes from the Latin transire, which means “to go over” or to move from one state to another. Although this word is often popularly associated with unusual or altered states of consciousness, its implied conditions play a vital role for all human beings and extend in all areas of life, from shamanic journeys, meditation, dreaming, day-dreaming to watching television, reading a newspaper or doing housework.
The expansion and development of direct access to the non-ordinary reality – an Altered State of Consciousness (ASC) is the core of our research at the Cuyamungue Institute (CI). Through the practice of Ecstatic Trance Postures we bridge the ordinary reality with non-ordinary reality.
While any discussion of ASC often brings up plant-based induced experiences, it turns out the vast majority of indigenous cultures throughout the world and through time did not use psychoactive substances. In fact the evidence suggests that trance states are far more reliably reached, maintained, and navigated with “sonic driving,” the monotonous monotone rhythm of a rattle or drum. Because the brain is unable to attend to two external stimuli simultaneously, this actually helps the brain to focus, and break from the activity of the outer environment. This leaves the Ecstatic Trance Posture practitioner freed to more fully embrace the experience of non-ordinary reality.
At CI we research and explore Ecstatic Trance Postures as a means to achieve this physiologically-induced shifting of consciousness not through botanicals, drugs or outside agents, but with sonic driving while holding a simple sitting or standing posture among the many depicted in ancient indigenous art. The ease with which we enter ecstatic trance states demonstrates that this capacity is indeed a natural extension of the human experience. It is part of our ancestral heritage. Our distant ancestors knew this and utilized it for the benefit of their societies.
We are proud to share the following new video to provide an overview of the work at the Cuyamungue Institute. This video is particularly special to us as we carry on the work of Dr. Goodman. In reviving this lost legacy and bringing it forward to today, we are bridging two worlds.
In This Issue
- What is Trance? by Margaret Jones
- Initiatory Training – Summer Solstice
- 2018 Workshops, Events and Training at Cuyamungue:
—Scroll down for links to articles.
Once again, thank you for your continued support of CI !
Blessings,
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue: The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute
What is Trance?
by Margaret Jones
Why is it so important to define trance to understand shamanism? No matter what definition of the word “shaman” someone chooses to use—there are many, and much disagreement—most of the people that will be included in this category will have at least one thing in common. In order to serve their community by doing things like healing, chasing away drought and famine, guiding the dead to the underworld, etc., they will enter a trance in which they access a spirit world that is invisible to the untrained eye. Trance is so prevalent among religious practitioners who are often called shamans that many people who study shamans actually base their definition of who is or is not a shaman on whether or not they experience trance. ————–> Full Article
Initiatory Training – Summer Solstice
June 20th – 24th, 2018
This intensive workshop is an introduction to the work of Dr. Felicitas D. Goodman and the Cuyamungue Method. This is the revival of an ancient practice of consciousness expanding, spirit journey experiences using sacred postures, derived from ancient artwork the world over. This expanded state of consciousness is achieved through a relatively simple, safe, and teachable method with over thirty years of verified safe use; the evidence points to over thirty-thousand years of use. —–> Full Article
2018 Workshops, Events and Training at Cuyamungue:
Each workshop contains a specifically designed series of ritual postures to provide the context for a journey of self-discovery. We go deep within utilizing the Cuyamungue Method – which includes a established ritual journey method. Introductory workshops are are prerequisites for advanced classes.
Here is the announce workshops and events for 2018 at the Cuyamungue Institute, so you can get the jump-start on making your plans to join us. There may be adjustments to dates, times and details, and additional events and workshops will be added. Contact us prior to booking flights and making travel arrangement. Feel free to ask questions.
June 20 – 24 Initiatory Training – A powerful, compacted introduction to this work.
July 4 – 8 Initiatory Training – Advanced Course
July 17- 22 Masked Trance Dance – collectively weave together a ritual dance and ritualJuly 31 – Aug 5 Instructor Training – Learn to teach this safe and effective processAugust 15 – 19 Initiatory Training – A powerful, compacted introduction to this work.Sept 18 – 23 Initiatory Training – Advanced Course – Equinox Celebration.Dates to be Announced:Mens Conclave – . Please contact us for more information.One Day Intensives – Please contact us for more information.
Thanks for reading! Please forward this to your friends and acquaintances who will enjoy learning more about us, and please let me hear from you! I am most happy answer any and all questions about the Institute or the Cuyamungue Method. We welcome all correspondence. Not already subscribed? Subscribe Here.
Email me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com .
Blessings,
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue – The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute