Letter From The President
by Paul Robear
With this fresh start of a new calendar year, I want to thank our donors, volunteers and certified instructors for the time, effort, and contributions you have made to Cuyamungue Institute. We are charged with the awesome task of maintaining and continuing the ongoing research and I am grateful for how much your efforts have resulted in strengthening the knowledge base of this exciting work. It is the deep connection and experience afforded by the posture work that continues to inspire us all.
What You’ll Find in This Issue:
Path of the Sacred Warrior by Peggy Andreas — As we begin a new year and look to embrace the best and strongest part of our selves, Andreas offers inspiration along the Path of the Sacred Warrior. The world around us is changing too rapidly for comfort! In Future Shock, Alvin Toffler notes that people go through times of rapid change seek what he calls “islands of stability”, those things that offer sources of security, safe harbors and anchors for the inevitable storms. In this article Andreas reminds us to embrace our core priorities and notes that today, we must define and choose our tribe.
Cuyamungue: Stone Lion to Heart Rock by Susan Josephson — The daughter of Dr. Felicitas Goodman shares a unique perspective of the land of the Cuyamungue Institute and her mother’s insights. She begins with the story of her visit to the land in 1973, and notes the changes to a well-loved landmark over the years. My wife Laura and I first hiked out to what was called Heart Rock on our first workshop with Felicitas in the mid 1990’s and have watched it change over time. Here, Susan connects it to well-known monuments in the area, sharing one of the many mysteries and stories from an ancient past.
Dancing on Knives: An Introduction to Korean Shamanism by Heinz Insu Fenkl — As part of our on-going series exploring indigenous traditions, ancient and modern, Fenkl introduces us to Korean Shamanism. Various shamanistic practices are well-developed in Korea. Korean shamanism has deep roots in folk beliefs from ancient times. The Korean people still consider traditional shamanism very important and many regions hold festivals to carry on this important tradition.
Our goal this new year is to generate greater awareness of the Cuyamungue Method and offer workshops and events in many more places around the world. There are many expectations and predictions for 2016 and more than ever people are searching for safe, tried and true methods for consciousness expansion and experiencing an alternate reality. I see great things ahead! The Cuyamungue Method using ritual body posture is a safe, effective technique, which activates one’s own healing abilities. If you would like more information, visit our website and and our event schedule for 2016. We hope you find the right event for you and be able to join us at Cuyamungue!
New Subscriber? Welcome! The Cuyamungue Institute is founded on a very simple but profound observation by Dr. Felicitas Goodman. In the 1970′s she explained: “This method is based on my discovery that certain works of non-western art – such as figurines and rock paintings – are not just simply expressions of creativity, but in fact are ritual instructions.” When we follow these “ritual instructions” and hold the postures we achieve a bodily induced shifting of consciousness; a trance experience. The outcome of this is the systematic process we call “The Cuyamungue Method.”
For our 38-year history we’ve been nurturing this deeper understanding how we achieve a physiologically based, innate and natural shift of consciousness through Ritual Posture. We have found that ordinary people can have quite extraordinary experiences. Join us – You can have this direct access to the Alternate Reality, and these deep experiences as well!
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue: The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute
Path of the Sacred Warrior
by Peggy Andreas
The Path of the Sacred Warrior begins with the awareness that we are mortal beings, that we are going to die. Knowing this, we can see our lives in better perspective. Knowing this, we can act ALWAYS so that we will be able to die centered, beyond fear, at peace with what we have made from the stuff of our lives.
In the past, Sacred Warriors battled for the protection and survival of their tribes, and for personal satisfaction. This is still true, but in our Age, the definition of “tribe” can vary. The Sacred Warrior who travels on “A path with a heart” must find his/her own sacred battlefield. The fight may be for justice, or peace, or respect—whether personally or publicly.. —————–> Full Article
From Stone Lion to Heart Rock
by Susan Josephson Ph.D
Editors Note: Being the daughter of Dr. Felicitas Goodman, Susan Josephson shares a unique perspective of the land of the Cuyamungue Institute and her mothers insights.
I remember the summer of 1973 when my sister and her boyfriend and my husband and I visited my mother’s property, Cuyamungue. My sister wanted to show her boyfriend the land so we decided to camp out over night by the ancient pueblo ruins.
At that time the Cuyamungue property was all wilderness. There was a well but no electricity or phones or toilets. The landscape was huge and untamed. ————-> Full Article
Dancing on Knives: An Introduction to Korean Shamanism
by Heinz Insu Fenkl
Historical chronicles of the early Korean Three Kingdoms speak of lavish state-sponsored shaman rituals and “shamanistic” warrior cults. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient kings–or perhaps ancient queens–wielded shamanic powers.
Belief in a world inhabited by spirits stands as the oldest form of Korean religious life, dating back to prehistoric times. Shamanism has its roots in ancient cultures, dating at least to 40,000 B.C.E. The shaman has the ability to move at will into trance states. Shamans, most of whom are women, are enlisted by those who want the help of the spirit world. ———–> Full Article
2016 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 preview of workshops and events in development for 2016 at the Cuyamungue Institute, so you can get the jump-start on making your plans to join us next season. There may be adjustments to dates, times and details, and additional events and workshops will be added. Much more detail to follow in the near future. Feel free to ask questions.
April 23rd – 29th – Volunteer Week at CI – If interested, ask us for details
April 30th / May 1st – Maypole Celebration
May 26 – 29 – Board of Directors Meeting
June 17th – 21st – Initiatory Training
July 27th – 31st – Initiatory Training
August 3 – 7 – Initiatory Training – Advanced Course
August 16 – 21 – Instructor Training – Contact us
August 23 – 28 –Men’s Conclave Contact us
September 21st – 25th – Masked Trance Dance – Contact us
The Cuyamungue Institute, like many non-profit organizations, has limited resources. We are proud of the scope of work we have already accomplished. However, there is much more to do, and we depend upon your support. We always use our all resources with great care. Our focus and key priority to continue to ensure the financial stability of CI for the future.
There are several ways to participate:
- Attend workshops at the Institute – Bless yourself and the Institute! Workshop fees directly support the land and buildings.
- Be a Volunteer – Ask about existing, on-going projects you can help with. Or suggest projects that you can work on, fund, or both!
- Personal Donations – 100% of your donations and gifts go directly to the Institute, and are tax deductible.
- Corporate Donations – Your company can have a tremendous impact. Also ask us how we can bring our work to your company!
- Planned Giving – Including the Cuyamungue Institute in your estate plans can help you accomplish a charitable goal while realizing potential significant tax savings and supporting the future of the Cuyamungue Institute. More Information
Please consider making a donation by clicking here. Ongoing research and new applications of this work with Ritual Postures is only possible because of donations made by people like you. Laura Lee, our Director of Outreach and Development, is available to answer your questions and to provide more information. Contact her at lauralee@cuyamungueinstitute.com
How to Submit an Article: As part of expanding our Cuyamungue Institute community, you are invited and encouraged to participate. Share how you use the Cuyamungue Method in your chosen field. We are also open to other topics, with the emphasis on the posture work, and research and or experience. 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