Independent researcher and expert in the Mayan Calendar, John Major Jenkins, discussed Mayan cosmology and the original prophecy of 2012. He has made a number of trips to Mexico and Central America to study ancient Mayan culture first hand. While not a hi-tech civilization, they were able to perfect an "inner spiritual technology" that allowed them access to higher wisdom, he said, noting that their King would serve as kind of shaman who made vision journeys.

The cycle-ending date of December 21st, 2012 is an "artifact of the Mayan calendrical system," said Jenkins, whose approach has been to reconstruct the original prophecy by examining relics such as a carved monument at Izapa. The date in 2012 points to a time when our sun will be in alignment with the center of the galaxy, and references to this alignment are encoded in numerous Mayan institutions and ceremonies, he shared.

But Jenkins does not believe that the Mayans intended for 2012 to be viewed as a final ending, but rather a time of transformation and renewal. This rare "galactic midnight," or alignment occurs every 26,000 years and is like an opening conduit bringing more energy into our system, shaking things up in preparation for greater vibrations, he explained. 2012 is also a symbol for transcending time, which he believed the Mayans were able to do. For more, check out images Jenkins sent in, as well as a compendium of information on the 2012 topic at the website diagnosis2012.co.uk.

New Year's Resolutions:

First hour guest, psychotherapist Doris Wild Helmering talked about how to get more out of New Year's resolutions. A lot of times people having difficulty breaking old habits because there is an advantage in sticking with what they are doing. Creating a structured plan to foster new behaviors or goals can help instigate change, she explained. Among her other suggestions were to do a volunteer activity once a month, and focus on the positive at least once every hour.