Mavericks Mayan Mayhem
“4…3…2…1”
That’s what my group heard as the door to the Temazcal (a Native American sweat lodge used to purify mind, body and spirit) opened. It was the countdown to the “New Year” that another group was cheering for on the night of December 20th, 2012 in the Mayan village we were privileged to be guests in. I could tell you that the probability of us exiting at exactly midnight was unfathomable, only because there had been a big accident on the road leading to the village that had caused the first group to be nearly 3 hours late for their time in the Temazcal.
Our Shaman explained that to the Mayans, going into the Temazcal represents going into the center of the Earth and re-emerging as “being reborn.” And what better time/date/space to be reborn then the turning of the Mayan long count calendar?
Their Long Count calendar began in 3,114 B.C., marking time in roughly 394-year periods known as Baktuns. Thirteen was a sacred number for the Mayas, with the 13th Baktun ending on Dec. 21, 2012, thus written as:
13.0.0.0.0
Many Mayan historians look at this date as a historic “roll over,” like an odometer in your car, potentially being the beginning of a new cycle. (Mayan creation mythology says we are in a 4th Sun – could this be the start of the 5th Sun?)
There is something else quite intriguing about this time period. Precession is caused by a slight wobble in the Earth’s axis as it spins. Every 72 years, the Sun’s annual cycle appears to move “backwards” by one degree. Over the course of 25,800 years the Sun completes a period called a “Great Year,” after it makes a full 360-degree rotation through the zodiac.
Ok now back to the story…
Frankly, I have to admit I had some serious reservations about going into our little ‘igloo’. I’m not a fan of tight, enclosed spaces and I think I even get a little bit claustrophobic. I realized this in Iceland when we did the diving in between tectonic plates in dry suits. (BTW….Good news! We’re doing Iceland again in August so contact us if you’re in.)
There was a single candle in the middle of the cave, and once all of the hot, volcanic rock had been placed into the center the Shaman blew it out as the door to the Temazcal was closed. At first I found it difficult to breath and considered clapping twice to be let out.. But after about 5 minutes, I fell into a relaxed state as I listened to the chanting and incantations of the Shaman.
Before going into the Temazcal, there was a period of preparation that included throwing a piece of rock into the fire while focusing on your desire. That “desire” was something I focused on inside the Temazcal as well. I really liked the way the Shaman referenced this desire. He said, “Make your deepest desire for ourselves, our family, our friend and our worst enemy.” Mine was to be “A boundless sun of creation, abundance and joy.” And that’s what I focused on instead of the intense heat, darkness and small spaces we all had to conquer inside ourselves.
Preparing the Shamanic Ritual
As we finally emerged from the Tamazcal right at the new dawn – it really felt like a “purification” had taken place. The Mavericks were able to experience a real traditional Mayan village with authentic shamanic celebrations, rituals and cultural immersion. We were the first group to ever spend the night there; I wonder if we will be the last.
Got to love Maverick #177, Kevin Bombino with the sleep mask and ear plugs. Like that’ll help with a wild party going on outside til 5 AM.
Right after we got out of the Temazcal it was time to party with food, drinks and a little bit of a club scene. We did this in the middle of the sacred ground we had walked on previously to find our “echo”.
Everything about that night was magical. One of the biggest challenges I am working on is being in the present moment and not thinking about what I’m going to do next or what I’m looking forward to as my next experience or adventure. I caught myself several times savoring the moment and could not imagine a more incredible time/space in the world to be in with anyone else. I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else and that there was nothing else better going on. The big, bright stars, the ceremonies, the Mavericks there, the energy…everything was just amazing!
And with that I welcome you to another year of Maverick. Like the Mayan long count with the magical number 13 – 2013 holds an amazing transition and expansion period for members. I can’t wait to share Maverick multipliers with you to help you make more, give more and have more fun!
Maverick 3X Multiplier Retreats:
As I write this we’re heading out to San Francisco for the first Maverick 3X Multiplier Retreat. There are 3 of them planned each year so that you can look forward to getting out of your daily routine and rejuvenating yourself. To make sure you are a part of the future Multiplier Retreats please watch this video:
http://www.Maverick1000.com/1000
I truly believe 1 Maverick entrepreneur can change an industry but 1,000 together can change the world. That’s you! Collectively we can have a massive impact on what really matters most in all areas of our lives.
“Caw-caw”
