E72: Life Lessons from 6 Days in a Guatemalan Jungle

"At one point I was so scared that I wouldn't make it out of the jungle..."

[00:38] January 21st, 2020: The day I started the 6-day jungle trek to El Mirador

El Mirador = “The Lookout” or “The Viewpoint” and is the tallest structure of the ancient Kan Kingdom. The largest structure its;f is named La Danta, and can be found deep within the lunch Guatemalan Jungle, just south of the boarder of Mexico. La Danta is 77m tall making it the largest building constructed in the entire Mayan Area. From the top of this structure, you can see above the immense jungle canopy, but you have to walk 55km into the jungle to get there and see the excavated ruins, temples, platforms and artifacts.

[1:56] Flashback to my first time in Guatemala (sometime in October 2016)

[4:43] Flash forward to 2018, then 2019, and 2020

[5:35] Tips + Logistics if you're interested in going on the trek:

#1 Pack your bag the night before
#2 Take a photocopy of your passport/photo ID or keep a copy on your phone
#3 The first day is long. It's also pretty buggy so wear loose long sleeves + long pants, and take your insect repellent

Natural & Non-Toxic Bug Spray Recipe
20 drops dōTERRA's TerraShield Blend
10 drops Lemongrass
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Peppermint
5 drops Arborvitae
1 tbsp Witch Hazel OR Fractionated Coconut Oil

Add all ingredients to a 4 oz aluminum spray bottle, and top with Distilled Water. Shake and spray on skin, clothes

[7:29] LIFE LESSON #1: The Body Craves a Deeper Connection to Nature

Breathe deeply, the air is so clean and fresh
Slow down, get present, and admire nature's beauty
Fullness, wholeness, happiness

[10:12] LIFE LESSON #2: Be Kind to Mother Earth

We need the planet more than the planet needs us.

The ancient Maya civilization: history, achievements, culture, and the collapse… some theories for the reason of their downfall:

Foreign invasion
Epidemic disease
Environmental degradation
Overpopulation
Extended drought
Shifting trade routes

TV Show: Life After People, History.com

It was tough not to notice the similarities between the flourishing Maya and the rapid growth of our modern world

[14:54] Life Lesson #3: People Who Come into Your Life are Mirrors & Teachers

Our “JUMANJI” Group!
Joeri + Ronald, friends from Holland
Connor + Ffion, couple from the UK
Hugo, our guide form Guatemala

When you recognize a quality in another person, it's because you see that quality in yourself. This goes for positive and negative judgements of others. Meeting new people is a great way to hold up a mirror to look at what you're putting out there. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. Talk less, so you can listen more.

[20:00] Life Lesson #4: Honour Your Body

You know your body better than anyone else.
If it hurts, don't do it.
You are the most important person in your life, you need to take care of your body, you need to take care of your temple

[24:42] Life Lesson #5: There's No Wifi in [the Jungle] but You'll Have a Better Connection

Swap “the jungle” or anything nature: “the mountains,” “the ocean,” “the forest”
The better connection with nature, our bodies, and with our intuition

Episode #71: Using Your Intuition & The Third Eye Chakra

A lot of stuff came up for me during the 6-days
They were emotions and stories and limiting beliefs I had suppressed – but they were also teachers and lessons in and of themselves
This allowed me to heal and

[27:41] Life Lesson #6: Play Every Day!

Benefits of Play as an Adult:

Releases endorphins
Lowers stress
Stimulates the brain
Improves brain function
Boosts creativity and imagination
Increases emotional well-being
Enhances connections with others
Improves social skills
Boosts productivity
Prevents work burnout

My Favourite Games Right Now:

Catan
Code Names
Telestration
Speak Out

Some photos from the El Mirador Trek...

Val Lavigne Life Women's Empowerment Podcast

Podcast Host

Valerie LaVigne

Valerie is the creator and founder of Valerie LaVigne Life and the Women's Empowerment Show. She helps busy and empowered women create healthy habits so that they can become the best version of themselves and transform their lives. Learn more about Valerie here!