Open Circle
Janet Reichert will present “Four Very Helpful Truths” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, May 20, 10:30 a.m. on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
The presentation will focus on how learning about basic Buddhist teachings and philosophy plus a simple daily meditation practice can help us live our lives more intentionally, with less suffering and, perhaps, a bit of “grace.” Drawing on personal experience, traditional teachings and modern scientific evidence, Reichert will describe the benefits and challenges of intentional mindfulness, and include practical suggestions for how to begin or expand the experience of a helpful meditation practice.
Reichert is the director of The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community in Ajijic. A resident of Ajijic since 2007, she moved here from the Adirondack Mountains in Northern New York. Her career focus was finance for behavioral healthcare, and she held positions as CFO, CEO and consultant in that field. She “dabbled” in meditation prior to retirement and has been engaged in a dedicated practice and study for the past ten years.
For more information on Open Circle, see opencircleajijic.org.
Memorial Day
The American Legion Post 7 will hold a ceremony at noon, Monday, May 28. Afterward, enjoy a dinner of pit roasted pig, baked beans, corn of the cob and ice cream with topping. A live band, raffles, a 50/50 draw and door prizes are on the bill. Tickets, 250 pesos, are available at 765-2259.
LCS TED talks
Psychologist Susan David presents “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” Tuesday, May 22 noon to 1:15 p.m. at the LCS Sala.
David shares how the way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our actions, careers, relationships, health and happiness. In this deeply moving, humorous and potentially life-changing talk, she challenges a culture that prizes positivity over emotional truth and discusses the powerful strategies of emotional agility.
LCS tech help
Every Thursday, a tech expert will be available to help with questions and issues with phones, tablets and laptops from noon to 2 p.m. outside the LCS Sala. Members are encouraged to bring their portable device so that questions can be solved during the sit down.
LCS Bus Trip
The Lake Chapala Society hosts a bus trip to Home Depot and Costco and Mega in Guadalajara, Wednesday, May 23. The bus leaves at 9 a.m. in front of the sculpture in La Floresta.
Tickets are 370 pesos for members and 470 pesos for non-members. Sign up at the LCS office at least two days before the trip is scheduled.
Tequila Tasting
The Lake Chapala Society will hold another popular Tequila Tasting Saturday, May 26, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are 150 pesos for LCS members, 180 pesos for non-members and 200 pesos the day of the event.
Lakeside Singles
Lakeside Singles group will meet Thursday, May 31, 4-6 p.m. at Mama’s Bar, located on the north side of the Carretera across from Super Lake. It is an easy bus ride from Ajijic and the bus stops across the street. There is parking at the rear. A full bar with draft beer and reasonable food options is available.
If you plan to attend, email the names of your guests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
New to Lakeside or Mexico?
The Lake Chapala Society’s “Introduction to Lakeside Seminar” will take place Thursday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn all the basics: banking, shopping, restaurants, medical, getting around, entertainment and recreation, all for only 250 pesos. Sign up at the service desk, or at lakechapalasociety.com.
Flag disposal
No one wants to be disrespectful or ashamed by flying a faded, torn, or tattered national flag.
Please turn your unserviceable flags to the American Legion Post 7 Chapala for proper disposal. They will accept flags of all nationalities. Unserviceable means faded, torn or tattered.
The flags that are collected will be retired in a dignified and respectful manner – as outlined in the U.S. Flag Code – June 14, 10 a.m. at Post 7 headquarters.
Buddhists
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community invites the community to a special presentation by Latika Pierrette Claude, who will talk about her recent solo trip to India, sharing the highlights through a pictorial review Monday, May 21, 3 p.m.
The Community, located at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic, offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation, Sunday and Monday at 9 a.m., Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. All sessions are open to the public regardless of experience or affiliation, and chairs and cushions are provided. There are brief written instructions on meditation for beginners.
May 23, the meditation period will be followed by a video presentation featuring Bonnie Duran, one of the founders of The People of Color Sangha in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in Seattle, Washington. The series, titled “Mistaking a Stick for a Snake: What the Buddha Taught about Inherent Bias,” offers a thoughtful perspective on responding to the challenges of the divisive and polarized political and social environment we inhabit. Duran’s topic May 23 is “Decolonizing Our Views.”
A yoga class is offered at The Heart of Awareness on Thursdays at 9 a.m. These gentle and relaxing yoga practice sessions are taught by Latika. Some mats and blocks are provided but participants are invited to bring their own mat and water bottle. The class is one hour and 45 minutes.
The meditation center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. For more information, see heartofawareness.org.
Chapala meditation
Chapala Meditation Community offers silent mindfulness meditation in Chapala at Calle Cinco de Mayo 260, just north of Lopez Cotilla, (brown door in white building), Monday and Friday, 11 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays, noon to 1:30 p.m. During May, the Community will present teachings by Ram Dass on “Conscious Aging.” The teachings will be presented on Wednesdays following a silent meditation. The sessions are presented from noon until 1:30 p.m. For more information, see chapalameditation.com.