13 E - Reflections on the Journey
Today is 13 E in the Mayan calendar.E represents the path, the spiritual journey, the stepping stones of life and practice. 13 is the last number in the cycle, the day when the veil is said to be thinner between our mundane, everyday experience and the magical mystery of divine energy that animates the universe and each being in it.It is a full circle day for our small family. We have arrived back in Guatemala. Our epic journey began three months ago. We painted a sparkly spiral across the Americas, visiting family and friends who are like family.Guatemala - Mexico - Texas - Ecuador - Colombia - Mexico - Guatemala.We are arriving home lighter and heavier simultaneously. The trip was full of all things: adventures, routines recreated in each place we settled, celebrations, holidays, death, grief, boredom, surprise, irritation, acceptance, yoga, coloring, working, writing, playing, reunions, music, laughter, tears, noise and silence.My grandma died on 13 Kej, in late November. Kej is my nahual, the sign of the deer, the four directions and the spiritual leader. I was fortunate to spend several precious hours by her side in the days before her passing. On the day she died, we flew to South America. I felt her in the air all around us, in the vast sky and poignant sunset.Our nuclear family team became stronger and more united thanks to this trip. We weathered storms with humor and mindfulness as much as possible. We walked everywhere and took in the views with awe and gratitude. We fought and bickered at times but not too much. We adapted to our frequently changing environments. We ate what we were served, mostly.We are coming home lighter, having shed or gifted many material possessions -- including my phone, which a thief on the metro in Mexico City relieved me of yesterday morning in the chaotic crush of people cramming ourselves onto a packed train -- and having let go of many judgments and preconceptions.We are coming home heavier, having acquired a plethora of gifts, toys and souvenirs along the way.We are coming home clearer, having gained countless experiences and having learned innumerable lessons along the way.We are heading home today, yet Home never left us. Home traveled in our hearts every step of the way, in every taxi, bus, hotel, house, train and plane.Here's to the journey and all the destinations, all our relations, the teachers, the teachings, this breath, this one wild and precious life.