13 Things I Know for Sure: The No’j Trecena

“What is past belongs there; what is present is in your hands. But it is only through your decisions in the present time that your future is defined: every action, every decision, every plan or project you undertake will have some impact on your life or perhaps those of others in the near- or long-term future. This is why the present is all-important; indeed, it is the only fleeting bit of time of which we have any active experience.” – Birgitte Rasine

No’j in K’iche’ Maya, represents intelligence, ideas, wisdom, knowledge, patience and memory. This is the day sign of the mind, brain, education, training and intelligence. Its spirit animals are woodpecker and gazelle. These next 13 days are a time for introspection, reflection and cultivation of knowledge and authentic wisdom, a time to give thanks to our planetary and personal natural intelligence.

According to The Serpent and the Jaguar by Birgitte Rasine, on N’oj days, “the Maya ask for wisdom, for talent, and for the capacity to think positive, innovative or productive thoughts or ideas.  It is also a good day to ask for creativity in all of our endeavors and intelligence to address all of our challenges and resolve all of our issues.”

Mind over matter. Free your mind. Meditate.

These 13 days are about working with our innate intelligence, cultivating creativity and asking for clarity and understanding. Here’s to the power, presence and protection of nature and cultivating wisdom with the intention of inner growth from a place of mindfulness.

13 Things I Know For Sure

(Inspired by Rainn Wilson, who was inspired by Oprah Winfrey)

1 No’j: Life is beautiful and the mind is a gift.

2 Tijax: Serving others benefits everyone. Remembering that there ultimately are no others. Ask yourself before speaking or acting: Is it kind? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? Cut away whatever is unkind, harmful or unnecessary.

3 Kawoq: All things must pass. Enjoying your inner rainstorm, whether it’s a drizzle or a hurricane. A day for meditation and solitude.

4 Ajpu: Simple life = joyful life. Simplify, simplify. Bring your hero’s journey down to earth.

5 Imox: Put the effort in to make your dream a reality. It’s so worth it.

6 Iq: Cultivate clear, open communication and bask in clarity and ease.

7 Aq’ab’al: Cultivate awareness by rejoicing in the contrast between light and dark. Meditate on the sky at dawn and dusk.

8 K’at: The ultimate key to a meaningful life is our connection to ourselves, each other, animals, plants and the whole of nature.

9 Kan: Life’s paths are full of lessons and wisdom when we take the time to learn and reflect. Honor your teachers. Honor your inner feminine energy.

10 Kame: Let your life be guided by death, the greatest adventure into the unknown. How are you transforming? What will your legacy be?

11 Kej: Allow yourself to wander in the wilderness. This is a magnificent (and much-needed) way to spend your time. Go forest bathing. Let yourself be healed by the green and grounding, soaring energy of the trees.

12 Q’anil: May we seed our highest intention. May we all beings know peace, joy and liberation in our time on Earth.

13 To’j: Giving is getting. Make an offering to Spirit. Show devotion to your ancestors. Honor all your relations.