March 2014

Letter from the President – March 2014

by Paul Robear

This month we are excited with the eclectic and thought-provoking series of articles submitted.  Articles from “A Question of Consciousness” to “the Cradle of Humankind” and new submissions to our “Artists & Spirit” series.

Laura and I have had the wonderful experience of spending time this winter in Hawaii, on the island of Maui. Each day we walked the beach at sunset.  The sunsets in Hawaii are unlike anywhere else on earth, and absolutely mesmerizing.   At that moment a chorus of conches sounds all around us.  This inspired me to research the history and use of the conch as an instrument of ritual, not only in Hawaii, but around the world. Below is a link to an article that shares what I found.

What is the Cuyamungue Institute all about?  The Cuyamungue Method is founded on a very simple but profound observation by Dr. Felicitas Goodman. In the early 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. The outcome of this is the systematic process the ancient peoples .” Learn about our upcoming programs, where you can dive deeper into the foundational research of Ritual Postures. Peruse our growing archive of articles which explores various aspect of this work to create a richer appreciation of the Cuyamungue Method. Do visit the CI website often, and we invite you to visit us in person at one our upcoming events! We rely on your active participation.

Share with us.  As always, I’d like to hear from you. We continue to collect stories and articles from both beginners and advanced practitioners.  Email me at   experiences@cuyamungueinstitute.com.

More Questions? Get in touch with me. We’d love to learn more about you and how you got here and how the Cuyamungue Method has enhanced your life.

Blessings,

Paul Robear
President / Executive Director

Please take a moment to review the news, articles and experiences shared below:

In this issue:

  • Article: A Question of Consciousness by Gary M. Jordan Ph.D
  • Article: Conch – Invoking the Sacred by Paul Robear
  • Article: Africa – The Cradle of Humankind by Sara Manners
  • Article: Artists & Spirit Series – The Egyptian Diviner Posture by Marsha Streng
  • Article: Artists & Spirit Series – Nupe Mallam Posture by Mark Gilliland
  • Posture: Nupe Mallam Posture – posture is a “divination” pose of the Nupe tribe, of sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Event Update: Initiatory Training, July 9th – July 13th – Bonus day added
  • Workshops and Events: Note updates, additions, and changes to our schedule.
  • Centennial Conference:  June 2014

SCROLL DOWN for Articles and Links

A Question of Consciousness by Gary M. Jordan Ph.D

I have always been fascinated by the intersection of science and spirituality. Not in the way the two clash as in the vitriolic, polarizing, and often political right/wrong arguments over evolution v. creationism, but in the way they come together like in Deepak Chopra’s book The Tao of Physics or the popular film from 2004 What The Bleep Do We Know? I recently had another experience that brought these two seemingly different worlds more closely together….

Continue to full article

Africa – The Cradle of Humankind by Sara Manners

Editor’s Note: In our original research into postures, we found examples that took us on a world-wide exploration.  In all part of Africa, from the northeast, to the west, and to the south,  examples have been discovered, adding greater evidence to the fact that the use of postures flourished on every continent around the world.

The following article provides us with a the depth and rich prehistory of Africa and and broadens our perspective of who were the ancient ones behind the art that indicate a higher awareness and connection of the inner world…  Continue to full article

Conch: Invoking the Sacred by Paul Robear

Laura and I have had the wonderful experience of spending time this winter in Hawaii, on the island of Maui. Each day Laura and I go to the beach for sunset.  The sunsets in Hawaii are unlike anywhere else on earth… and absolutely mesmerizing.  We wait patiently for the final seconds for that magical moment of a green flash as the sun disappears.   At that moment a chorus of conches sounds all around us. It is a modern day ritual to blow the “Pū”  (conch) to say goodbye at sunset to end the day and to say Mahalo (thanks).  Laura surprised me with a beautiful conch with an amazing sound so that I could join the ritual…. Continue to full article

Artists & Spirit Series
We have two submissions this month:

 * The Egyptian Diviner Posture by Marsha Streng
 * Nupe Mallam Posture by artist Mark Gilliland

The intent behind our Artists & Spirit program is to explore, document ritual posture experience using artistic mediums such as sketching, painting, sculpting, etc… Throught direct experience we combine the art field and the spirit world.

Participants are inspired by imagery encountered during experiences with the Cuyamungue Method, essentially, documenting ones experience using artistic mediums. In this process we explore the field of consciousness both theoretically and practically.

By using the Cuyamungue Method, we open the communication between our artistic spirit and and connection between the mind and body. Ritual Postures as a method increases our creativity and opens channels of inspiration from the artistic field of consciousness within you. We welcome your submissions!

Nupe Mallam Posture – Divination

One of the first set of postures that Dr. Goodman used in her early experiments. The Nupe Mallam posture is a “divination” pose of the Nupe tribe, a tribe in sub-Saharan Africa. Mallam is the word for “diviner” among the Nupe and this posture was used by Nupe Mallam diviners.  As a divination posture, to provides a wide, all-encompassing perspective on a current issue or problem. Continue for more information

 Solstice Celebration – June 16th – 22nd, 2014

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Felicitas’ arrival on this planet. We want to mark the year with a special, international event at Cuyamungue to honor her life and work, welcoming all cultures, languages and including all those around the world who are carrying on her legacy. We will come together, both in person and via the Internet, to share stories of Felicitas and what her work means to us. This event is open to all, and we would your  encourage your participation. Space is limited… continue  to more Information

Invest in yourself! Here is the 2013 workshop schedule at the Cuyamungue Institute.

Solstice Celebration – June 16th – 22nd, 2014 – 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival on this planet of our founder, Felicitas Goodman. We want to mark the year with a special, international event at Cuyamungue to honor her life and work, welcoming all cultures, languages and including all those around the world who are carrying on her legacy. We will come together, both in person and via the Internet, to share stories of Felicitas and what her work means to us. This event is open to all, and we would your  encourage your participation. Space is limited… continue  to more Information

July 9th – 13th, 2014 – Initiatory Training Workshop – Paul Robear and Laura Lee. A powerful, compacted introduction to this work. You will be introduced to a succession of consciousness expanding, spirit journey experiences and initiation. Enjoy the power of the group experience. More Information  (This workshop is almost full)

August 13 – August 17, 2014:Instructor Training and Certification – How to teach the safe and simple six-step process, known as the Cuyamungue Method.

August 19 – August 24, 2014Masked Trance Dance –  Adventure into the depth of inspiration and intuitive guidance as we make masks, costumes, and our experiences will create a mythic story and end in a creation a sacred dance . Masked Trance Dance is a workshop that is a centerpiece at the Cuyamungue Institute . The workshop includes using The Cuyamungue Method to journey to the home of the animal spirits, then makes masks and costumes in preparation to for a ritual dance that the group creates based on guidance offered during the Tennessee Diviner trance posture ritual. The ritual dance that emerges from integrating the group’s collective trance experiences tells a mythic story and culminates in a metamorphosis dance.

October 1 – 5: Second Annual Men’s Conclave – This gathering provides a chance for us to share as friends, mentors, brothers, fathers, sons and share the power of the Cuyamungue Method as a group. The current climate around the world, socially, environmentally, politically and spiritually requires us to be fully functioning human beings and authentic, spiritual warriors. The experience of expanded consciousness can facilitate better leadership capabilities, creative problem solving, and collaborative decision making. Email me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com for more information.

Want to more information? Email us and we will answer your questions and connect you directly with the workshop instructor(s).

MORE TO COME – Make your plans now, come experience the special power of the land and enjoy the benefits of going deep into the posture experiences   People walk away stimulated, engaged, and inspired. 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.

Want to more information? Email us and we will answer your questions and connect you directly with the workshop instructor(s).

  • Regional Events: Als0 check out workshops and events at different locations (not at the Cuyamungue Institute)

Our Mission Statement:  More than ever there is a vital need to live more fully by embracing the sacred. In response to this need our mission is transforming consciousness through the ancient wisdom of ritual postures. As a nonprofit educational organization, the Cuyamungue Institute promotes public awareness and teaches the powerful use and effectiveness of these postures throughout the world. We are dedicated to preserving our land in Santa Fe, New Mexico as a sacred center and worldwide archival and research headquarters.

We need your support! The Cuyamungue Institute is an independent 401(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Cuyamungue Institute, like many non-profit organizations, has limited resources. Each one of us can make a difference in our own way – some have the resources to provide financial support, while others have talents which they can share as a committed volunteers. We must always continue to ask the question – “How can I make a difference?” Once we answer the question we need to act. We are proud of the scope of work we have already accomplished, but this is just the beginning — there is much more to do! Here’s how you can participate:

  • Be a Volunteer – Ask about existing, on-going projects you can help with. Or suggest projects that you can work on, fund, or both!
  • Attend workshops at the Institute – Bless yourself and  the Institute. CI Workshop fees directly support maintenance of the land and buildings.
  • 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. Ask us how we can bring our work to your visionaries and leaders!

Also consider making a donation by clicking here. Ongoing research and new applications of this work is only possible with 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 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 andy and all questions about the Institute or the Cuyamungue Method. We welcome all correspondence.

Email me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com .
Blessings,
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue – The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute
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