Community practices and the construction of Buen Vivir in Guatemala: Experiences from the local social fabric in Qachuu Aloom

Abstract

The peoples, who have historically inhabited in Mesoamérica, have constantly had concerns to achieve their survival. In this concern they have achieved alternatives that have guaranteed their community life in coexistence with nature and Mother Earth. Given the great biodiversity, diverse physical and climatic conditions they have developed social paradigms of life. One of these paradigms is Good Living, which is based on their cultural, social and economic conceptions, in constant interaction with their communities and Mother Nature. The objective of this article is to analyze and discuss Good Living, as an alternative to the neoliberal, polluting and predatory conditions of modernity. Good Living in the Mayan language is translated as Utz K'aslemal, Utziläj K'aslemal, the Raxnaquil K'aslemal. For its development and viability, I identify some principles: plurinationality, complementarity, unity in diversity, interdependence, right to difference and citizenship, interculturality, community, and sustainability. The experience of the Qachuu Aloom comunity asociation is presented to achieve the Good Living in the Maya Achí of Ixim Ulew-Paxil Cayala´.