Letter From The President
by Paul Robear
Laura and I just returned from Sydney Australia, visiting our friends Graeme and Shelley, Jane and Jacqui, and making new friends along the way as we introduced the work of CI and did a three week trip in the Outback. Visiting Australia is amazing, with its vast and varied landscapes, unique wildlife, white-sand beaches, and of course the Aborigines, the oldest continuous culture on the planet. One might want to re-think about how we define “advanced” and “primitive” when one considers that the Aboriginal had the continent to themselves for 60,000 years before the Europeans stumbled upon it.
Therefore we will devote this issue to Australia!
- Article: Journey to a Wild Place: Sojourn to Outback Australia by Shelley Woodrow
- Article: The Dreaming in Aboriginal Australia by Lynne Hume Ph.D
- Article: Uluru and the Ant People by Paul Robear
- Article: The Rainbow Serpent: An Aboriginal Dreaming
- Two Events: Introducing the Ritual Postures to the Aussies
Also the 2017 workshops schedule is underway. We hope you find the right event for you and be abe to join us at Cuyamungue! Have questions or comments or research of your own to share? Reach me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com. We welcome all correspondence.
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue: The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute
Journey to a Wild Place: Sojourn to Outback Australia
by Shelley Woodrow
Oh the places we have been!
Paul and Laura’s recent sojourn to Australia was an opportunity for us to share some of the remote places of our homeland as well as visit areas where the first inhabitants of this land are still practicing a living tradition stretching back 60,000 years. My hope was to take them beyond the usual touristy trail and to find authentic experiences of culture and wild nature that would touch us in deep ways.
When I first experienced an altered state of consciousness with the body posture method at CI in 2013 I had the feeling that I had touched the source of the Aboriginal dreamtime. I felt a stirring of what I call my ‘wild soul aspect’ that arises within me with the body posture practice. I also felt a call of welcome from this ancient land and a sense of anticipation for adventures and connections ahead. —————–> Full Article
The Dreaming in Aboriginal Australia
by Lynne Hume Ph.D
The term ‘The Dreaming’ is a Western translation of an Aboriginal concept that is difficult for Westerners to understand, and because most of Aboriginal culture is often of a secret-sacred nature, it is not permissible for Aboriginal people to convey much of it to others, particularly non-Aborigines.
“White people ask us all the time, what is Dreaming? This is a hard question because…” ————-> Full Article
Uluru and the Ant People
by Paul Robear
As we drive towards Uluru we are amazing at the lightening continues to flash across the horizon. We have had so many synchronistic experiences on the trip we know to pay attention to all the happens around us. —————–> Full Article
The Rainbow Serpent
An Aboriginal Dreaming
The Rainbow Serpent (Snake) is an important part of the beliefs and culture of the people of western Arnhem Land. Today the Rainbow Serpent is associated with ceremonies about fertility and abundance, as well as the organization of the community and the keeping of peace. The Rainbow Serpent is also part of the beliefs of Aboriginal people in other parts of Australia, but is best known from Arnhem Land. Paintings of the Rainbow Serpent first appear in Arnhem Land rock art more than 6000 years ago, and perhaps as early as 8000 years before the present, as the seas rose after the last Ice Age. The story goes that … —————–> Full Article
Australian Workshops: Introducing the Ritual Postures to the Aussies
It was such a wonderful feeling for Laura and I to be able to introduce the Ritual Postures to the Aussies. We feel a deep sense of gratitude to Shelley & Graeme Woodrow and Jane Elworthy and Jacqui Bushell for not only hosting us but doing all the coordination for the two workshops. Thank you! All together we had about 40 participants. Here is photos of the two groups. (We took the second picture late so a few people are not in the photo.)
And thank you to all who attended. What great people! Please do stay in touch!
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.
April 30th / May 1st, 2016 – Maypole Celebration
May 26 – 29, 2016 – Board of Directors Meeting
June 17th – 21st , 2016 – Initiatory Training
July 20th – 24th , 2016 – Initiatory Training
August 3 – 7, 2016 – Initiatory Training – Advanced Course
August 16 – 21, 2016 – Instructor Training – Contact us
August 23 – 28, 2016 –Men’s Conclave Contact us
September 21st – 25th , 2016Masked 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