Open Circle
Raúl Ruiz will present “The New Psychology of the Mexican People“ at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, September 16, 10:30 a.m., on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
In 2014, Ruiz spoke at Open Circle and sketched the historical, anthropological, and psychological forces influencing how contemporary Mexicans think and act. This September 16, the day Mexico celebrates independence from Spain, Ruiz will update his appraisal, taking into account recent changes in the world that, combined with the Mexican presidential election, have shaped new attitudes toward political and economic challenges facing Mexico and Mexicans.
Ruiz got his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1978 from the ITESO university in Guadalajara, after which he worked for state and private companies during his first 12 years of practice. Since 1990 he has worked privately as a psychotherapist for individuals, couples and families. He has also taught in different universities and institutes, and was a trainer in leadership skills for corporate executives throughout Mexico. The lakeside area has been his home since 2014.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure screenings are available to the public Mondays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lake Chapala Society.
Democrats Abroad
The Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad meets Monday, September 17, 4 p.m. at Fonda Doña Lola’s Restaurant, (across from La Casa del Waffle) in West Ajijic. A cash bar will be available.
The program will provide an update on current chapter activities and will feature a video presentation on “The New Seven Dirty Words” by Bari Weiss of the New York Times. All members, visitors and new residents at lakeside are welcome to attend all monthly meetings and special events.
LCS TED Talks
Epidemiologist and philanthropist Larry Brilliant will discuss “The Case for Optimism” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, September 18, noon to 1:15 p.m., at the Lake Chapala Society Sala. LCS members only.
We’ve known about global warming for 50 years and done little about it, says Google.org director Brilliant. In spite of this and other depressing trends, he’s optimistic and tells us why.
Lakeside Freethinkers
At the next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers, Wednesday, September 19, 4-6 p.m., at La Nueva Posada, the group will consider the following question: Eastern thinking and Western thinking…is there a fundamental difference between the two? If so, what would it be? Valerie Edwards and Phil Rylett will debate whether this difference exists and its impact.
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who is an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist or skeptic. Freethinkers reject supernatural and other unsupported claims and rely instead on reason applied to evidence to guide their lives.
Information: lakesidefree 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..
Basic Yoga
Learn how to safely move to maintain your alignment while becoming comfortable with yoga poses and transitions. Bring a mat. Chairs are available. Every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m., on the LCS gazebo, for LCS members.
Chapala Birders
Wednesday September 19, the Chapala Birders will meet at 8.30 a.m. at the parking lot of the Jocotepec Malecon. Expect to see a variety of shore birds such as the northern jacana, as well as other species in the tall trees of the park, such as the golden-fronted woodpecker. At about 10:30 a.m. the group will head to Frida’s for breakfast. E-mail John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 48 hours ahead of time if you wish to go and mention if you can bring a vehicle.
Tech classes
Lake Chapala Society members can take technology classes with Mike Goss Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., in the LCS sala. Sign up at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your membership number and expiration date.
September 27: Tech Security: Discuss viruses, protecting your data and VPNs.
LCS bus trip
The Lake Chapala Society heads to Costco and Galerias Mall in Guadalajara, Wednesday, September 26. Major retailers include Best Buy, Sears, Home Store and restaurants PF Chang, Cheescake Factory and more. Also shop at Costco, Sams and Mega.
The bus departs 9:30 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta. Cost is 370 pesos for members and 470 pesos for non-members.
Cooking class
The Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA) hosts cooking classes with guest instructor Marie-Lyse, an award-winning Cordon Bleu chef from Sri Lanka, Monday and Tuesday, October 1 and 2, noon to 5 p.m. The classes are limited to 16 people each.
The menu to be created includes potato Bhaji Pakoras, rice vermicelli Buriani, two chutneys, Sri Lankan prawn curry and poached Ataulfo mango mousse.
To register or for information: 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..
U.S. Voter Assistance
Representatives of Democrats Abroad are available at the Lake Chapala Society every Tuesday through October 23 from 10 a.m. to noon on the Blue Umbrella Patio to assist any U.S. voter in making applications for ballots for the November midterm elections.
All U.S. and dual-U.S. citizens who will not be in the United States this fall need to request their absentee ballots before the general deadline of September 22 (for most states) to ensure ballot submission in time for the elections.
Grant applications
The Outreach Committee of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church will accept applications for grants from Lakeside charities through September 24. These grants will be awarded in October.
Grant application forms are the same as used in the past. For forms and instructions, 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.. This round of grants is made possible by the success of the resale/consignment store Todo Bueno in Riberas del Pilar.
Mexican holidays
Author, journalist and long-time Ajijic resident Judy King will teach a Lake Chapala Society Personal Enrichment Program course on Mexico’s Winter Holidays and Traditions Wednesdays beginning October 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the LCS south campus board room. King will help you understand the fascinating traditions surrounding Mexico’s winter holiday season. Minimum enrollment is 11 students. Sign up at LCS office by October 4.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation: Sundays, 9 a.m., Wednesdays, 4 p.m., and Thursdays, 11 a.m. All sessions are open to the public regardless of experience or affiliation. Chairs and cushions are provided as well as brief written instructions on meditation for beginners.
The September Movie Matinee selection, “The Next Guardian,” will be shown September 18, 3 p.m. In this 2017 drama filmed in Bhutan and Hungary, teenage brother and sister Gyembo and Tashi belong to a family that has cared for a Buddhist temple in the Bhutanese mountains for more than a thousand years. With the family legacy weighing heavily on their shoulders, the siblings must rely on each other as they – and the country they call home – navigate painful questions of identity and modernity in a globalizing world. (75 minutes). No fee is charged but donations are welcome.
Wednesday, September 19, the meditation period will be followed by an audio from the “Waking Up” series. Sam Harris and Joseph Goldstein answer the question “Why Meditate?” A yoga class is offered by Latika Claude Thursdays, 9-10:45 a.m.
The meditation center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. Information: heartofawareness.org.