James Lawer

James Lawer has graduate degrees in theatre and divinity. He studied with and was initiated into tribal traditions in North, Central and South America as well as the indigenous (Druid) traditions of Great Britain. He was an ordained Christian minister serving congregations until he left to do hospice chaplaincy. Currently he devotes himself to teaching participatory spiritualities rooted in place (earth centered spirituality), to helping people integrate along four realms of healing (self, community, nature, ancestors), and to facilitating ecstatic states and alternate realities. James is a Certified Instructor with the Cuyamungue Institute, its New York City Representative and a former Board member. He is a guest lecturer at New York University, where he teaches and facilitates organic ecstatic trance states. He hosts monthly Ecstatic Body Postures meetings for psychotherapists, now in their sixth year of continuous study. Beginning in1990, he has developed and teaches an organizational development working process, based on aligning trance (ecstatic) states with intention setting within a consensus model. It is this working model that will be taught and implemented during the retreat.

Upcoming Programs by James Lawer

“Another world deep within untouched natural beauty of the Catskills. You have to come here to truly experience the sublime healing energy it has.”

Nathaniel H.

“Going to Menla is like dropping out of time. The physical beauty and stillness of the place is unique. The accommodations are just right – comfortable but not ostentatious. The food is amazing and clearly made with attention and love. Thank you!”

Sylvia E.

“Came here for a yoga training for a week and loved my experience here. You are surrounded by nature and feel as if you are in another world.”

Erica A.

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