Paul first became involved with the Institute in the early 1990s, was elected to the Board in 2011, and shortly thereafter stepped into the role of President. With strategic oversight of the Institute’s programs, facilities, and mission, Paul has helped guide the organization into a new era of outreach, education, and global collaboration. He brings to this work a lifelong passion for spiritual inquiry and cross-cultural wisdom, and a personal calling to bridge ancient practices with the needs of the modern world.

Under Paul’s leadership, the Institute has flourished as a hub for consciousness studies and experiential learning. He has expanded its educational programs, developed facilitator trainings, and fostered collaborations with scholars, researchers, and traditional wisdom keepers. Alongside his wife and collaborator, Laura Lee, Paul co-hosts workshops, presents seminars, and curates conversations at the intersection of science, spirit, and ancestral knowledge.

Paul’s own journey began with a powerful awakening at age 18 that set him on a sacred path of inquiry. His travels—from the ancient temples of Egypt to sacred sites across Europe, including a dozen paleo caves in France, to the megalithic temples on the island of Malta and the Pyramids of Mexico, and mounds builder cultures across America—fueled a deep appreciation for humanity’s shared spiritual heritage. A native of Maine, Paul brings the independent spirit and curiosity of his upbringing into all aspects of his work. His early studies explored the intersection of mysticism, meditation, and psychological wellbeing—threads that would later converge in the work of Dr. Goodman and the practices preserved by the Institute.

Paul believes that Ritual Posture practice is not only a method for personal transformation but a vital technology for our times—one that restores our relationship with the body, reconnects us with ancestral wisdom, and opens a path toward collective healing and spiritual renewal. In his words, “We are each being invited to become modern-day mystics—ordinary people answering an extraordinary call. The sacred isn’t separate from daily life. It lives in our bodies, our breath, and our deep capacity to listen.”

With a background in media, publishing, and communications, Paul co-founded Seven Directions Media, producing and syndicating the acclaimed “Laura Lee Show,” which featured conversations with leading thinkers in holistic health, spirituality, and ancient wisdom. His experience in strategic marketing and content creation helped distribute over 200,000 books, videos, and audio programs worldwide. Today, he applies this same vision and dedication to carrying forward the mission of the Cuyamungue Institute.

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Professional Affiliations

• SAA; Society for American Archaeology
• AAA: American Anthropological Association (AAA)
• ISARS: International Society for Academic Research on Shamanism
• NAISA: Native American and Indigenous Studies Association

Other mentors and influences
Besides the blessing of working with Dr. Goodman, the radio show provided Paul with access to many scholars, teachers, and people of medicine. He had the gift of directly spending time, interviewing and/or studying with these amazing people:

Vine Deloria Jr. was a favorite and frequent guest on Paul and Laura’s nationally syndicated radio show,  becoming a friend and informal advisor.  A member of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, Deloria is one of the best-known American Indian activists of the 20th century. He earned a law degree and wrote more than two dozen books, covering politics, theology, and law. Deloria culminated his professional life as a professor working at both Arizona State University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Since his passing, Paul attended several “Vine Deloria Symposiums” held yearly at the Northwest Indian College located on the Lummi Indian Reservation.

Ipupiara, aka Dr. Bernardo Peixoto was another friend and advisor, and frequent radio guest. Paul hosted several events with Ipu, and published the recorded interviews between Ipu and Laura Lee. Ipu was a bridge between cultures. He was born into his mother’s tribe, the Uru-e-wau-wau of the Brazilian Rainforest when the tribe numbered 2,400. Today less than 40 members are left. Tribal Elders gave him the name “Ipupiara” (Ipu for short) and a long apprenticeship as shaman and healer, then sent him to learn the ways of the developed world. He was a consultant to the Smithsonian Institute and National Zoo in Washington, D.C. after earning his Ph.D. in Anthropology and Biology. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and eight indigenous dialects, he was versed in the sacred ceremonies and traditional healing practices of several rainforest cultures.

Jan Van Ysslestyne and Nadyezdeh “Nadia” Duvan were collaborators on sharing the traditional shamanic ways of the of Ulchi tribe of Siberia with the West. Nadia was an Ulchi Shaman, one of the last of her tribe, whose people date back to ancient neolithic times of their traditional territory, the Amur River region of Southeastern Siberia. Since 1994, Nadia and other shamans were brought to the U.S. by the late Jan Van Ysslestyne, the only Westerner to learn and document the Ulchi language, with the mission to preserve the teachings and culture. Paul and Laura attended course and sessions with Jan and Nadia over the years.

Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, an Eskimo-Kalaallit Elder was another elder that Paul hosted for various events. Raised in a remote village in Greenland, in family belonging to traditional healers from Kalaallit Nunaat, [[Inuit|Inuk]. He represented the Arctic peoples in the United Nations General Assembly, travels widely to 60 speak before governments, universities, and the interested public.

Contact Paul at: paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com