Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – June 2026

LCS EDUCATION & CULTURE

The Department of Education and Culture of The Lake Chapala Society is pleased to present a dynamic and engaging lineup of activities for the month of June. In addition to our well-established signature classes, we are excited to reintroduce, by popular demand, our Swing Dance class, offering participants a lively and enjoyable way to stay active. We are also proud to launch a new course, The Art of Papel Picado, celebrating a cherished Mexican tradition and providing a creative space for cultural expression. Together, these offerings reflect our continued commitment to enriching the community through education, arts, and cultural experiences.

Mexican Manners

Wednesday 3^RD. .10 am to 12 pm

Instructor: Victor Camarena

Members: $532.00 | General: $760.00

A one-session class to help you navigate cultural differences and feel at home in Mexico. Explore local customs, communication styles, and body language, while gaining insight into the mindset behind everyday interactions—so you can connect more easily with your new community.

Introduction to Spanish

Thursdays June 4, 11 and 18. 10 am to 12 pm

Instructor: Inez Dayer

Members: $553.00 | General: $790.00

A three-session class designed for those with no prior Spanish experience. Learn pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and everyday social expressions—from greetings and basic questions to numbers—so you can begin communicating with confidence from day one.

The Power of the Whisper

-Introducing The Whispering Technique™-

Part One: June 5^th – Part Two: June 12^th.

Presenter: Gaylee Temkin

Members: $632.00 | General: $888.00

What if healing began with gentleness? What if a whisper—soft, steady, and present—could help your body feel safe enough to let go? This Technique is a gentle practice of breath and movement, healing presence, positive attention, and consent-based touch that supports nervous system regulation, connection, and inner ease.

In this welcoming workshop, you’ll explore: Pursed-lips “whisper” breathing** for calming and regulation, Simple seated and standing movements** (easy on the body) , Body and nervous system awareness**—learning to listen from the inside. No special experience is needed. Come as you are. You belong here.

Basic West Coast Swing for Fun

Saturday June 6, 13, 20 & 27

Instructor: Jay Holman

Members: $1050.00 | General: $1500.00

A 4-week fun West Coast Swing class. A fun dance accompanied by fun upbeat music.  It does take a little practice and patience to get a first, but once you do, it’s worth it. WC Swing does not bounce like many styles of swing do.  This dance is slinkier, literally like a slinky, and is based on a slot, like a linear track.  This class will introduce you to the basics of the dance and teach you some of the basic lead and follow (or connection) skills. You’ll learn the Basic, left-side pass, the right-side pass, and a basic turn.

Get your Jalisco Driver’s License without losing your mind

Wednesdays June 10^th and 17. 10 am to 12 pm

Instructor: Victor Camarena

Members: $602.00 | General: $860.00

A simple, two-session class designed to take the stress out of getting your Jalisco driver’s license. Learn everything you need—documents, processes, traffic rules, and test preparation, then complete your exams together at the Chapala licensing office.

The Art of Papel Picado

Thursday June 18^th. 10 am to 12 pm

Instructors: Frida Sanchez y Luis Perez

Members: $632.00 | General: $888.00

Discover the beauty and tradition of Mexican folk art. This hands-on experience celebrates the rich history of papel picado, a treasured art form that flourished in Mexico with the arrival of delicate Chinese paper brought to New Spain aboard Chinese ships. Join us for a creative journey that honors tradition and brings this timeless craft to life.

Meditation & Everyday Mindfulness

Take a moment to slow down and reconnect. Through simple meditation and mindfulness practices, participants are invited to cultivate calm, clarity, and presence in everyday life.

• Everyday Mindfulness

Every Monday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, in the Ken Gosh Pavilion.

• Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Meditation

Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, in the Gazebo.

• Raise Your Spiritual IQ – Spiritual discussion series

Free every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:15 pm. Call Andrea at 669 431 8484 for info.

• Gentle Yoga & Body Awareness

Every Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am, in the Blue Umbrella Patio.

• “NIA” Fitness / Joy of Movement

Every Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 am, in the Gazebo.

• Iyengar Yoga

Every Friday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, in the Gazebo.

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OPEN CIRCLE AJIJIC – JUNE 2026

Sundays, 10:15–11:30 a.m.

Lake Chapala Society Campus, Ajijic

Schedule subject to change. All are welcome; no cost to attend (donations welcome). BRING A FRIEND!

Sunday, June 7

The Courage to Be Disliked: A Punk Rock Guide to Radical Acceptance

Presenter: Kenneth Cahall

Ready to stop worrying about fitting in and start enjoying who you actually are? Join us for a fast-paced dive into what it really means to be an outsider—and why that might be your greatest freedom.

Through raw, funny, and deeply personal stories, Kenneth will show how to flip feelings of “inferiority” into fuel for connection, creativity, and courage. We’ll explore defining boundaries (without apologizing), using humor as a weapon against hypocrisy, and putting radical acceptance into action in your everyday life.

Kenneth Cahall spent over 20 years in South Korea as an educator, building a career in “edutainment”. Bringing together humor and honesty, he shares how a lifetime of being the perpetual outsider led him to a deeper sense of personal freedom, belonging, and radical acceptance.

Sunday, June 14

To be announced

Sunday, June 21

Mindful Walking and Living – A Playful Experiential Talk

Presenter: Taj Baker

What if your daily walk could reset your body and lift your mood? Join Taj Baker for a lively, practical exploration of mindful walking—designed for real life, from uneven sidewalks to busy minds. Through simple, playful practices, you’ll discover how to feel more present, confident, and energized with every step. No special gear or perfect posture required—just curiosity and a willingness to move.

Taj Baker is a painter/printmaker and mindfulness and creativity coach with an M.A. in Art Therapy from Naropa University. Drawing on decades of meditation practice, Taj brings warmth, humor, and real-world insight to help you feel steadier, safer, and more alive—even when life gets wobbly.

Sunday, June 28

To be announced

Interested in Presenting?

Open Circle Ajijic welcomes new presenters year-round. To learn more or apply, visit the Lake Chapala Society website: www.lakechapalasociety.com