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Friday, May 6, 2011

Maxaman, Myth and The Power of Belief

As you might guess this entry is more about the "Power of Belief" than it will be about Maxaman. However, to report on what I experienced as the power and influence that the effigy of God or Holy Boy, Maxaman has on the collective consciousness of the Mayan population, perhaps particularly around Lake Atitlan, can be used to stress the point.

The point being, what we believe is less important than that we believe. In many ways this is just another example of The Law of Attraction.

One very profound aspect of the power of belief has to do with what it means to be human. We far too often underestimate the magnificence and wonder, the deliciousness of what it means to be human. To say that humans are awesome is a major understatement.

The intention of the Shaman who is the "carrier" and/or care-taker of Maxaman has to do with the ability to bring about significant change in reality by the strength and power of his belief. Having the effigy, Maxaman, and the cumulative history of the Mayan history and culture behind him greatly enhances the shaman Nicolas to visualize, believe and emote confidence in himself and the power of Maxaman. When the People believe congruent with the belief of the shaman and the beauty of the prayers and ritual then greatness happens.

The rituals I took part  in were beautiful, poignant with meaning and energy. I am reminded of Malidome Some's imperative that shrines must be so constructed as to bring wonder, fear and respect. Then they must be empowered with the strength of the conviction of the person or persons responsible. The Maxaman shrine was both beautiful and troubling. What was the meaning and significance of the candles of different colors, the effigy, the ties around the effigy, the several hats, the prone effigy of Maxaman behind the figure, and, behind that Jesus on the Cross, etc.
Saint with Ties

Maxaman Shrine

Interestingly, as the Christian belief system by way of the cross was behind Maxaman, Maxaman's influence appeared in one of the Churches we visited. The scarf's around the Church Saint (not sure if figure was male or female). And, we saw many examples of the blending of belief systems. A fail safe system? Just go along with the prevailing energy until it passes? Visual reminders of the power of Spirit and further strengthening belief?

Regardless, there was  a strong attendance and evidence of "belief." In doctor's offices clients are reassured by the certificates, diplomas, licenses and tools of the trade. The book, The Heroic Client, The Heroic Client: A Revolutionary Way to Improve Effectiveness Through Client-Directed, Outcome-Informed Therapy content analysis of many numerous studies of psychotherapy outcomes considering, therapist modality, diagnosis and medications came to the following conclusions. There are only three aspects that can predict positive change. These are: 1. The clients motivation to change, 2. The therapist's belief in his/her own skills and effectiveness; and, 3. The clients belief in the therapist.

It all comes back to Belief!

And, when we consider the effectiveness of clear intention this can become even stronger. If my intention is strong and I believe my intention will be honored by The Universe, then the right healing modality and/or healer will come along.

How will I know? Dreams and synchronistic events lead the way; after the clear intention. The Tao of Psychology, by Jean Shinoda Bolen documents how this work. And then there is Carlos Constaneda's
works where he talks about "omens" and "confirmation from the Universe." The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge.  (Not certain it was in this, first book of Constaneda's work but know it is concept, attributed to Don Juan.)

Considering all of the above; doesn't it seem reasonable to assume that we are meant to evolve and the more we believe in the process of evolving, healing, trust and love and the beauty of our own being the more that is not only posible but even probable!

In some ways it is: Believe, put out a clear image or intention of what it is you desire . . . and then get out of the way and let it evolve.



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