About Arnulfo Oxlaj:
Arnulfo Oxlaj, K’iche’ Mayan medicine man, Q’amol B’e or guide on the path, philosopher and genocide survivor from the Oxlaj lineage in Guatemala, helps people of purpose – those with a thirst for happiness and a burning desire to make a difference – realise their mission and live the life of success and deep peace they were born to live by coaching them on the ancient secret Mayan wisdom path: the Path of Life. He is the founder of AMOR, an NGO working to bring social justice to the indigenous communities of Guatemala devastated by genocide.
What inspires you to write?
There are a thousand reasons for this book’s existence. Essentially, though, I wrote this book because the world is thirsty today; the world is lost in a great desert. You say you’re happy. Why is your heart sad, then? Why do you feel that confusion when you’re in bed at night?
Many of us believe we’re intelligent, yet we have an empty space in our hearts and we’re not satisfied in life. We understand the word ‘‘humility’’ and ‘‘obedience’’ as being directed to the exterior world. For my ancestors, the Children of Maize, humility and obedience are applied in our five elements – soul, spirit, heart, body and mind – so that we may reconnect to the Centre of Nature’s will for our life, and realise our mission.
For these reasons and many more, the world needs the secrets of my ancestors in order to emulate the eagle. We’re like eagles with old, heavy feathers. We need to cleanse ourselves so that we can fly again. This book can help us begin to pluck out the feathers than are no longer useful, one by one. But it isn’t belief or intelligence that are important; it’s seeing who we really are; it’s seeing these wings full of past and pride that rob us of our strength to fly higher than we could ever dream. It’s starting each day of our lives with a firm step.
I didn’t write this book to put my ‘beliefs’ into anyone’s mind. The world today needs more than a belief. It needs more than intellectual capacity; it needs to apply humility and obedience to the Centre of Nature in all aspects of life.
Above all, I wrote this book not because I wanted to, but because the owner of all life wanted this card to be sent to you. For me and my ancestors, I’m a messenger. You can choose to keep this book in your heart or burn it. This is the most important part of the message.
Tell us about your writing process.
My teachings are transcribed (written or directly onto the computer) and then rigorously edited. I’m a fan of Alicia Dunam’s method of getting a book on ”paper” over the course of a weekend. I must admit, I think a week is more realistic. I decide on a topic and then teach it to my students. It helps that I have a lot to say!
What advice would you give other writers?
My advice would be to focus on giving your gift to the world, not the thoughts of your mind or what you think the world needs or wants to hear, but what you truly have to share from your heart and soul. May your written contribution to the soul of the world be for good, and not more destruction.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to publish my books first through Createspace and Kindle in order to take advantage of Amazon’s monster ability to promote books and products under their wing. I am not based in the US and that is the disadvantage of Createspace as they remain heavily weighted towards the US market. To buy author copies I need to ship to Europe from the US which is a huge hassle and expense. I’m looking at using Completely Novel in the UK to balance this out.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Book publishing has been opened up to everybody and their dog, for good and for bad. A good book has become the proverbial needle in a haystack. Books contribute to the regeneration or construction of society and the world. We need to focus on what our heart and soul really need in life – then and only then will our writing have worth.
What do you use?: Dictated and got transcribed, Co-writer, Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Nonfiction, autobiography, memoir
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Arnulfo Oxlaj Home Page Link
Link To Arnulfo Oxlaj Page On Amazon
