“A Day Out of Time” Mayan Celebration in Naples, Florida

Studies have shown that the wellness segment generates more than 20 billion dollars annually to the tourism industry. Inside this burgeoning market there is a sub-industry of yearly holistic events, of which the Mayan Day out of Time celebration is one and is rapidly growing in popularity all over the world.

Yes, all over the world, as you don’t need to be in Mexico to participate on it. These events are usually organized at no cost, following the guidance of the Law of Time Foundation, and serve to promote the education of the Mayan Calendar. Worldwide they are found in Japan, Australia, Mexico, Latin America and a few places in the U.S.

This year we had the opportunity to attend this event in Naples, Florida, about a 15 hour drive from our hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. Naples is well known as a winter tourism destination for snowbirds from Canada and the Northeast corridor of the U.S. Beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, shopping and warm winter weather are the primary reasons for its survival. While winter is packed with tourists, the summer is a different story, as many head north to avoid the heat and humidity. Having events like the one generate an economic benefit for the industry, as accommodations and meals are need in a season that is usually humid and very hot. As there is a trend towards holistic oriented happenings, Naples with its eclectic population is ripe for showcasing these events.

Annually on July 25th the lost day of the Mayan calendar, closes out the old year (7/24) and welcomes the dawn of the new year(7/26). Since 1992 this event has been celebrated in various parts of the world. It’s based on research of the Mayan calendar by Jose Arguelles, utilizing the 13 Moon/28 day calendar (364 days), as opposed to the Gregorian, 12month/28-31 day cycle (365 days). Its primary focus is the stepping out of the context of time and empowering the timeless realities of love, truth, peace and interconnectedness. Secondarily it espouses “planetary peace through culture,” forgiveness, atonement and purification.

This past July 25th of 2010 we attended this yearly event in Naples. It was an all day affair, orchestrated by the young and dynamic Renee Walsh, beginning in the morning with meditation followed by yoga and ceremonial readings paying tribute to the Mayans. The backyard setting was ideal, with a large totem pole carved out of an old tree and a yoga/meditation studio set amongst the greenery and palms. People of all ages, races and creeds came at various times of the day celebrating that which was most important for them. Education about the Mayan calendar and its symbols, along with discussions of the 2012 theme were tossed about.

Yoga master Allowah, working with his dijeridou( Australian Aborigine tubular instrument), held chakra clearing sessions, while others were captivated by crystal bowl singing, poster drawings, African drumming, small group discussions and learning how to decipher their Mayan sign. Participants brought various organic dishes, shared by all.

A very diverse and interesting group of people were able to share and participate in this important day by paying tribute to the Mayan ancestors, Jose Arguelles, the coming of the galactic changes and its planetary influence and honoring the rainbow planet.

Next year we look forward to honoring this day with thousands of others from all walks of life either in Naples or in some remote spot in Mexico or Latin America, but combining social media with other promotional efforts Naples could get hundreds of visitors in the Day Out of Time in 2011, who would searching for a meaningful experience to take back home.