Open Circle
Dr. Kelly Randolph Bennett presents “Meditation on the Go” at Open Circle, at the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic, Sunday, June 12, 10:30 a.m.
“Meditation is the most valuable skill I have learned,” Bennett says. “To practice it formally takes time, effort and planning. In meditation, we intentionally develop our brain, mind, body, and soul to manifest universal perspectives, where all possibilities exist. With more limited time, we can derive satisfaction from conversations with our source on the run. 24/7. Call this dual attention. Two sides of your brain carry on two separate activities at the same time, while connected to each other. Imagine that!”
Bennett says the familiar part is to maintain a focus on the practical activity at hand (call it local flow), while simultaneously uniting with the universal energies of creation (call it universal flow).
“With dual attention, the emphasis and intent are on unity with source, not on the practices,” he says. “The lifeblood of unity runs through the quality of connection, enhanced by dual attention, and established by adequate opening (willingness) and expanding inclusion.”
Bennett began his career as a rocket scientist. Over the past 55 years, he has helped individuals and businesses around the world flourish by applying clinical, developmental, and neuro-psychology, brainwave optimization, meditation, and prayer as a psychologist and professor. While professionally credentialed, he has lived and practiced in the United States, Australia, South-east Asia and Ecuador. He now resides with his wife Cheryl (“Charlie”) in Ajijic.
The following week Open Circle . June 19, Dr. Daniel Acuff will present “Extraordinary Living.”
Chapala Birders
Wednesday, June 15, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet 8 a.m. at La Cristina on the west side of Ajijic. Expect to see some shore birds and some birds in the tall trees along the street. At about 10 a.m. the group will head for Fonda Doña Lola for breakfast and to complete the bird list.
How to get there: Drive about two miles (4 km) west from Avenida Colon; look for signs for Hacienda La Cristina (near signs for Las Palmas, a bus stop and a vivero); turn down to the lake, and park close to the lake.
The bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. Chapala Birders always has knowledgeable birders on hand to identify the species. Note that car trips are limited to four vehicles because larger convoys are hard to manage when trying to stop on country roads to look at the birds. If you are being given a ride, it is suggested you make a contribution to your driver for gas and tolls (perhaps 50-100 pesos for a half day outing, 150-200 pesos for a day trip).
Illustrated bird folders showing the 150 most common species in the area can be purchased from John Keeling or Diane Pearl’s Gallery, Santa Margarita 23, in Riberas del Pilar, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Birders is asking for help in improving its website.
“The main purpose of our website is to let people know (1) that we have a birding club at Lake Chapala, (2) that there is a newsletter that you can sign up for, (3) about the birds we have here and our birding routes, and (4) about birding books and birding equipment.
“Please look at the website (chapalabirders.org) and tell us how you think it could be improved. Send your ideas to John Keeling at 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..”
Post with the most
• Sunday, June 19, the American Legion Post 7 Chapala Ladies Auxiliary hosts a pancake breakfast and garage sale to celebrate Father’s Day. Breakfast is from 9 to 11 a.m. The garage sale will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar will be open and a liquor basket will be raffled. Donations accepted for the garage sale.
• The Legion will hold its second annual summer solstice dance party with music by Zona Cuba (featuring Tito), Tuesday, June 21, 6-9 p.m. Happy hour prices will be offered on drinks and pub food and a special summer solstice cocktail will be offered. Tickets, 100 pesos, available at the Legion.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers is Monday, June 20, 4 p.m. and will be a social get-together hosted by one of the members. Members or guests should come prepared to discuss any topic of interest to them.
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact 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..
LCS classes
• Mexican Manners with instructor Alfredo Perez will be held Wednesday, July 6, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Get over your culture shock and learn the local rules of body language, time structure, behavior and much more.
• The Mayan People by Ted Rogers is offered July 10, 20, 27, August 3 and 10, 1 to 2 p.m. Find out about one of Mexico’s most important pre-Hispanic cultures.
• Spanish in Action classes begin June 20.
Register and pay for these classes via the Lake Chapala Society website or stop by their offices.