Chacala Musings by Allan Hardman

Giving Meaning to Life (Chacala Style)

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

"Giving Meaning to Life (Chacala Style)"

What Gives Meaning to Your Life?

A Chacala Story...

After the summer rains, the dirt street in front of my home in Chacala, Mexico, was in bad shape. The neighbors got together and brought in loads of rock and dirt and graded it nice and straight and smooth. AND dusty! With the new surface, people could drive faster on the road and the resulting clouds of dust swarmed around my house and snuck through windows and doors and settled on everything.

Some people here water the streets in front of their homes and business to keep down the dust. I tried it, but it took too much time and there often isn't much water pressure here. I was lamenting to a neighbor that I needed a helpful teen to do the job for me, but there aren't any right around here.

My neighbor suggested I ask my next door neighbor Señor B to do it. He is 80+ years old, and no longer very stable on his feet. I wasn't sure about the idea, partly because I often need a translator to help me understand Sr. B's Spanish!

The next day when I was watering the street again, Sr. B approached me about doing it for me. It turned out my neighbor had already shared her idea with him, so we agreed on a "salary,"and I gladly turned over my duty to him. As I watched him the next couple of days I realized we needed to turn up the energy and scope of his job description.

I added a length of hose so he could reach farther in both directions, took off the feeble spray nozzle, suggested he take more time to really soak the dirt, and I doubled his salary. "Mas mangera, mas tiempo, mas calle, y mas dinero." (More hose, more time, more street, and more money!).

Sr. B lives very simply on a very small pension. He lives in a cement block space of about 300 square feet with no windows and one steel door -- as many older people here do. After the first few days of the "job," my neighbor reported that Sr. B had shared a new sense of value and purpose to his life. His responsibility has given him new structure and meaning. I had no idea this would happen, I only wanted to get rid of the dust!

I'm delighted. Sr. B meticulously waters the street from edge to edge every day now. The dust problem is virtually eliminated. But even more important has been my realization that such a simple idea could change his life the way it has. Today he told me another neighbor asked him to keep going past my house to theirs! He has a new career!

I smile as I share this with you.

Side note: Sr. B was hit by a car years ago, and has been very afraid of cars since then. I often see him nervously scampering to safety when he is walking down the street and a car approaches. Today I watched him at his work and noticed he had more authority about his street. He seemed less anxious and even directed one truck around his hose.

What about you? What gives meaning to your life?

allanh@sonic.net -- Or (707) 206-7623 (rings through to Chacala from northern California toll free.)

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We still have room for you at my Chacala Valentine's Relationship Retreat ~ February 10 ~ 14, 2012.

Sign up now and I'll save one of these seats for you. Pick your view.

Chacala is a small fishing village with a perfect 1/2 mile beach, two hours north of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit.

From last year: "The expansion of awareness we came home with is still expanding! Our relationship has been transformed, truly... how easy & non-defensive we've become with each other. The acceptance of ourselves just naturally transfers to acceptance of each other! Wonderful stuff -- thank you, Allan!" (Colorado)

Don't let this opportunity pass! Chacala is a small, safe, and wonderful village, with warm people, warm sun, warm ocean, fresh seafood...and did I mention, it's warm!?

Sign up now and I'll save you that seat.

My Chacala Nightmare

2011-10-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

My Chacala Nightmare

I awoke trembling from a terrible dream this morning. I was dreaming I returned to my winter home in Chacala (Nayarit, Mexico) and it was totally modernized.

It was awful!!

The streets were all paved, the restaurants had hardwood floors and redwood decks over the beach. There were SUV's everywhere, waiting to park to get their lattes, and T-shirts for sale with stuff written on them about getting drunk and going fishing. There was elevator music piped into every building and into the streets. Talk about an awful dream!!

The reason I was dreaming about Chacala is that when I return from Teotihuacán and our extension to Tepoztlán, I'll be organizing my business and home and preparing to drive to Chacala in early November -- a four day marathon from northern California.

I was very relieved to wake up and realize I was only dreaming about the redwood decks and elevator music, but also know "progress" is marching north from Puerto Vallarta toward Chacala, and the inevitable will happen -- we just don't know when. The coast of the state of Nayarit has been named, "The Riviera Nayarit" and is a new promoted tourist destination. This is one of the last unspoiled beach towns like this, easy to get to (via Puerto Vallarta) from most of the US and world, and yet like a forgotten paradise. It won't last forever.

So, please keep this a secret: Chacala is a lovely little fishing village of a few hundred Mexican families, and some very smart and low-key tourists and winter residents like myself. The beach is lined with thatched restaurants on the sand serving fresh seafood and frosty cold ones, and the sunsets are spectacular. There is no parasailing, no expensive pirate boat ride -- just the peace and quiet of a beautiful half mile of beach, the semi-tropical jungle, and some whales fooling around out there, and sweet people to meet and share with.

Like I said, please keep this a secret! When I return from Teotihuacán I'll be sharing more about Chacala, and inviting you to visit on vacation, experience the power of a personal intensive with me there at my "House of the Eagles," or join me for my Valentine's week retreat on Love, Romance, and Relationship.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful fall -- and remind you to start thinking about what you are going to do this winter to get away from the cold and relax... I know where I'll be all winter: Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico!! Join me!

PS: This coastal tourist part of Mexico is very safe, so don't believe everything you read or see on the news. In fact, Puerto Vallarta has been rated one of the five safest cities in the world. It is a big country, and what happens in one part doesn't happen everywhere!

Much love!!

Allan

allanh@sonic.net -- Or (707) 528-1271

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I'm so grateful to be able to share with you here. My life and work and Joydancer and TACO (my online Toltec spiritual networking community) are all dedicated to helping us learn and remember the truth of our oneness as the Divine essence that creates and animates this universe... and each part of it in each moment. Including you and me!

I am available by phone, Skype, and e-mail if you would like support for your life journey. I look forward to hearing from you.

Details about consultations and apprenticeship are here.

I'm in Chacala, Mexico, for the Winter!

2010-12-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wow! I arrived in Chacala yesterday, and what a treat! I am so grateful for this special place, and for the part of me that took the action to create a home here. Who woulda' thought?

It has been bright, sunny, and warm all day. But, wait, before I go on and on about Chacala, here is what I've been thinking about this Thanksgiving time in the USA:

I am receiving some wonderful mails and newsletters this Thanksgiving time and day tomorrow. Thank you all for writing. I want to take the idea of giving thanks out a little farther... to the power of gratitude.

When we find our way to gratitude as a way of life, we are in LOVE, simply and easily. You cannot truly be grateful and in fear at the same time. When you're not afraid, you can live in your default state of love and gratitude. Happiness.

The gratitude I am thinking of comes when we accept all that the universe is. We see the perfection of creation, and our hearts open to receive What IS. An apprentice once looked up "acceptance" in the dictionary (because I talk about it a lot), and found this definition: "Readiness to receive." When you are ready to receive part or all of this amazing universe just the way it is, you are in acceptance.

When you are ready to receive the magnificence of Life, how could you not be in Gratitude...? And when you find that place inside often enough, you have made it a way of Life. Gratitude is a way of Life. And it is the way of a Life of love, acceptance, and receptivity.

It is the Spiritual Warrior's way in the world.

So, for those celebrating, Happy Thanksgiving. For those not in the US or those rejecting the holiday, I invite you to embrace your gratitude for Life. It is quite a gift, you know.

Go out and hug a Pilgrim or a turkey! And be grateful you can.

And now about Chacala once again!

I arrived at my winter home, The House of the Eagles in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico, yesterday. The temperature today has been in the mild 80's, the skies blue, and the jungle around town filled with green and the many colors of flowers and butterflies.

I urge you to consider joining me here-- for our annual Valentine's Week workshop (February 10~14), a personal intensive with me (mid-January and mid-March now available), or simply to relax on the beach and watch a beautiful sunset (come as you are).

We will also be celebrating New Year's in Chacala: "A Conscious Beginning ~ Embracing Abundance." Please join us.

Some of the details are here (The Joydancer site is under revision)

Please contact me directly for more information: allanh@sonic.net

Pictures speak a thousand words... here are 10,000 words about my beloved Chacala... I look forward to seeing you here.

Chacala is located 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Nayarit, on the tropical west coast of Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is an easy flight from everywhere. I can help you with transportation from PV and lodging in Chacala.

We are a village of about 400 wonderful and warm Mexican locals, and a small number of smart and/or lucky "internationals." The beach is clean and safe, the fish and shrimp at the beach restaurants are fresh from the sea. Sunsets can be spectacular. Comfortable lodging $40-65 USD per night.

Please pay no attention to the media sensationalism about violence in Mexico. Yes, there is trouble, mostly in border cities. I drove 2,065 miles down from Nogales, AZ, and most of Mexico remains a lovely, friendly, peaceful country. Puerto Vallarta is rated as one of the safest cities in the world -- and Chacala, well, watch out for those margaritas at Las Brisas on the beach!

There is NO reason for you not to come down. Join me for New Year's or Valentine's celebrations, a personal intensive of five days or more, or come on vacation and let me show you my paradise... and the best place on the beach for a margarita and sunset.

Did I mention it is warm in the middle of the winter!!??

Get in touch, and we'll go from there. My website is in a bit of disarray, so contact me directly as needed: allanh@sonic.net.

Yours in love and The New Dream of Peace in the Hearts of All Humans,

Allan

Valentine's and The Authentic Self - From Chacala, Mexico!

2010-02-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope this finds you well, and remembering that your very nature is LOVE!

I am writing from my winter home in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico, once again. We celebrated the conclusion of our five day Valentine's Retreat on Friday evening, at a thatched restaurant on the beach - where everyone opened and read the Valentine's card they had written to themselves during the week. It was pretty darn sweet. And of course, the seafood is always fresh and delicious, and the sunset was spectacular.

The patio and ramada roof on top of my house was almost finished in time for the retreat. It still needs tile and paint, so this was our maiden voyage for the new teaching space, and it worked out pretty well. The evening meetings were especially delicious, when the town quieted, the stars came out, and the soft tropical breeze wafted through the space and our group.

When we were sharing our intentions at the beginning of the week, a common theme that came up for everyone was, "I want to access and become my Authentic Self." Our focus for the week was on our true nature as Love - to know that we ARE love. We looked at many old agreements built on the lie that love is a commodity outside of ourselves we have to bargain for by getting it right for others.

And we changed those agreements! We are love, we came into this world as love, we were made by the love of the very Life that creates and animates this universe. Our experience was based on my work with...

The New Relationship ~ Five Agreements to Make Love Come True.

I love Rumi's poems, and often use this one to set the focus of my teaching these days:

"Your task is not to seek for love,

but merely to seek and find

all the barriers within yourself

that you have built against it."

We are not learning to love, we are learning to stop denying that love is our nature, our gift, our Life itself.

So the search for the authentic self does not lead us outside, but inside. And not inside to find that missing self, but simply to find and love into softness the barriers we have created to deny love within.

I hope you are using this sweet day of Valentine's Love to open your heart to yourself, and to honor your true nature. You ARE love.

We discover our Authentic Self when we have faith in the love that created us and that we are. When we listen deeply inside to the unique inspirations that arise in us, and then have the courage and faith to take action on them, we will become who we came here to be. And I guarantee the authentic life you create will be a masterpiece of art.

Try it, you might like it.

Let me hear from you: allanh@sonic.net

Be part of the Joydancer Family

and sponsor a student to higher education

In Chacala students can only study through the 6th grade, and then must go out to another town to continue school. If the parents don't have enough money for books, the shuttle van, or uniforms, the kids stay home.

There is an organization here called "Cambiando Vidas/Changing Lives" that supports students with scholarships to go to school beyond Chacala. Our Joydancer Family is about 3/4's of the way to the $720 US that it takes to sponsor a student for one year - I want you to help us hit our goal before the second big fund-raising dinner this Friday night.

The Cambiando Vidas website is here.

We have established donation buttons in our Joydancer Store if you would like to join us to support a student. We need another $170 for a full scholarship. The future is in the hands of the young.

Will you help? Donate here

Cambiando Vidas -- Changing Lives (in Chacala!)

2010-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Each year, parents and students in Chacala, Mexico put on a "Mexican Fiesta" to raise money for a scholarship program to send kids out to another town for continuing their education after sixth grade. With money provided by the scholarship fund, the students can finish high school and even go to a university. There are over 20 kids in the program right now that would be stuck in Chacala without a higher education if not for the program.

The other night, I attended the fiesta with over 125 people, and I've never seen so many gringos (and locals) in one place at one time in Chacala! Each of the guests paid about $17 US for dinner, (cooked and served by the parents and their kids) and many were pledging all or part of the $720 US it costs to support each student for a year.

The food was really good, and the folkloric dancing was quite good, too. Chili rellenos, enchiladas, tamales, rice, and jamaica to drink.

One of our "Toltec Angels" has already contributed about 2/3's of a scholarship, I will add to it, and I am looking for matching funds to get to the $720 mark so the Joydancer Family can offer a scholarship - or two or three. If you would like to donate to the family fund, simply go to the Joydancer Online Store, and you will see an opportunity to donate to the Chacala Changing Lives Scholarship Fund. It is such a sweet way to support this local community along with our world community, and insure the future of this village and Mexico.

Up until several years ago, Chacala was still a sleepy fishing village that came alive around Christmas/New Year, Easter and several Mexican holidays. Over the last few years, many volunteers have contributed their time, energy and cash to bring educational opportunities to the children of Chacala. In 1996, Dale Reinhardt, a Rotarian from North Carolina enlisted his club and Rotary International to build a library in the village.

Cambiando Vidas (Changing Lives) is the nonprofit organization working in Chacala to give children educational opportunities through a Scholarship Program and providing support for the Learning Center which includes the Book Library, Computer Lab with high-speed Internet access, After School Enrichment and Head Start programs, School Hot Lunch Program, and a Tool Lending Library.

This year Cambiando Vidas faces a difficult time financially. Due to the financial crisis in the USA and elsewhere, fund-raising efforts have been seriously affected. Donors are naturally concerned about their declining retirement funds, and some have dropped out of the program, leaving some students without sponsors. Each year the program has tried to expand its scholarship offerings but this year CV will not be able to take on any new students, as their first priority will be to find funds to support the students that are already in the program. Cutbacks in scholarship support may also be necessary in order to meet the budget.

Cambiando Vidas is challenged now as more students graduate from high school and go on to University. Each and every donation made is vital to their success. Because of the donors, the children are able to pursue their education as well as use and enjoy the Dale Reinhardt Learning Center every day. Together we are indeed changing lives, Cambiando Vidas. We hope you will visit us soon to witness the miracles created by your loving generosity.

Valentine's Week in Chacala with Allan Hardman

2010-01-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

Check out this wonderful video about Allan Hardman's Valentine's Week Workshop for Couples and Singles in Chacala Mexico.

Christmas in Chacala

2010-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

I am writing this Christmas greeting from my winter home at the beach in Chacala, Nayarít, Mexico, once again. It is quite warm here, there is no white Christmas, no sleigh bells jingling or red-nosed reindeers, no halls decked with boughs of holly. There are no chestnuts roasting by open fires, one frosty snowman (below), no partridges in pear trees, and certainly no silent nights (but the dogs and roosters are for a different story).

Without these familiar triggers into the sentiments and activities of Christmas, it seems very far away and foreign. I appreciate all the e-mails wishing me a Merry Christmas! Thank You. I will remain merry, trust me on this. Wherever you find yourself this season, and whoever you find yourself with, I wish you a peaceful and beautiful time-- inside and out!

I am very grateful this year for the intentions and accidents that created my home here in this little village, with sweet friends, warm weather, a gorgeous empty beach, juicy sun, and fresh seafood. I am grateful for the people visiting from the north country for transformational intensive work and/or to simply hang out together. It is all good.

I want to share a story -- not really a Christmas story, but for me it represents what maybe we call the Spirit of Christmas, and why I love living in Mexico:

I am living in a studio upstairs above my house in Chacala, because the downstairs needs to be gutted and remodeled. The roof leaked during the summer rains (when I wasn't here) and again during an "unseasonable" deluge earlier this month (when I was here).

I actually had to sleep at a neighbor's then, because it was too wet here. Last week we started construction on a rooftop terrace patio, with a red tile ramada roof, and all the trimmings-- including absolute roof waterproofing, not easy here.

I had finished a late dinner and was talking with a neighbor last night, when another totally unexpected deluge hit. I don't use the word "deluge" lightly here -- think Noah's ark. I knew I had to go protect my home, but it was raining so hard I didn't want to go out in it to walk home. Finally I knew I had to, and was drenched through and through when I got to the house-- after wading through a brown river that had been the road only minutes before.

There were already some drips coming through the brick ceiling, and I dried off a bit, then had to go back outside to collect tarps from downstairs. As I came out I heard a truck turning the corner, and wondered who could be out in this dark and stormy night. I was even more surprised when the truck stopped in front of my house.

It was after midnight by now, and out of the truck spilled the crew of five local guys and their boss that has been working on my rooftop dream! The boss said he woke up to the pounding rain, and knew they had to come and take care of the situation. They live in another town, about 20 minutes away.

They had built the low walls around perimeter of the roof yesterday, but hadn't created the drainage yet-- the roof was becoming a lake. They waded through with flashlights and a big drill and made holes in their new concrete to drain the water, they bailed with buckets, and I bailed and swept with a broom.

As we finished bailing the last of the water, the clouds parted and revealed the most beautiful starry night! We shook hands and they headed home and back to bed. I stood there under the stars for a few moments, feeling their love and their willingness to do what needed to be done. I accepted it all with gratitude.

Something in my heart got so big, standing there in the night. I can still feel it today. Something about a love unspoken, no bargains, no obligations. I am certain they wouldn't call it love. It is simply Life here.

They all came back at 7:00 am this morning, and somebody said "Mucha lluvia anoche!" ~ Lots of rain last night.

THE END.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞§∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

I am wishing each and everyone one of you who reads this newsletter (and all the ones who are too busy), a loving, heart-centered, and generous Christmas and holiday time.

Merry Christmas
Happy New Year
Joyful Divinity

And Love.

Allan

A Beautiful Night in Paradise- Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico

2009-12-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

Wow! Oh my Gawd! I was just at the beach in beautiful Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico. I actually live here in the winter! it is too amazing! I have been here a month of 2009, busy setting up my house, getting used to being here, and settling in to the routines of life here. I get to be here until mid-March. I am blessed. And a good dreamer!

Tonight I went for a walk on the beach, an hour or two before sunset. It is Christmas time, so the beach is filled with delightful Mexican families from other places. Kids were playing in the water, throwing sand at each other, laughing, dodging waves, and generally moving lots of the energy of the place through their bodies. (When the holidays are over, we will return to our generally empty beach).

The adults were busy with the kids, digging in the sand, letting themselves be burried, or sitting drinking beer and enjoying the delight. The colorful umbrellas lit up the beach like balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. When the sun set, the sky turned an amazing orange, even without clouds, and it was so sweet to watch people posing for photos in the orange light, and generally enjoying the moment.

I ran into friends, and we shared a margarita as the sun dropped below the horizon in a blaze of glory. In the mid-heavens, the half moon was hanging, lighting the way home, a perfect couterpoint to the palm trees, and foretelling of the light to come in the next days. What an evening!

On the walk home my compannion and I were laughing with glee about how smart we are to be here, and enjoy this amazing experience of beauty and spirit. I wish you could be here too, and I'm glad that the

beach is not clogged with gringos (AKA, "internationals") buying t-shirts and seashell napkin holders. Please only come if you want to experience a small Mexican village, with the sweetest people, the warm sun, the fresh seafood, and absolutely no entertainment except counting the waves and walking home in the moonlight feeling smug that you created this dream for yourself and most people haven't.

I was carrying a heavy load of clean laundry from the laundromat as I walked, so I was left behind by my companion. That was okay with me, because it gave me more time to love the moon, love the uneven dirt road, and love the silly little dogs that used to bark when I passed but now are used to me an let me go by without raising the alarm.

This is my third winter in Chacala, and my second in my own home. More about home ownership at the Mexico beach and my in-progress under-construction roof top patio and ramada roof in a future post.

For those of you that don't know, Chacala is a little beach village, 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, in the Riviera Nayarit. The beach is the most lovely half-mile crescent of gentle sand and surf I have ever seen in my many years exploring this coast. It is the perfect place for a tropical vacation for those who don't need any entertainment-- except for counting waves, sipping a margarita or cold beer at sunset, and being with yourself. There is no disco, no parasailing, and no all-inclusive resorts. We do have about six or eight thatched palapa restaurants serving the freshest seafood you will ever find, right on the beach, accompanied by local mariachi bands if you are willing.

Some day this village will be overrun by the development envisioned by the Mexican government, and will contribute millions of pesos to the national treasury. In the meantime, it is a treasure of its own, and I suggest you get here as soon as possible, before it is too late. If you want help making that happen, write or leave a comment and I can help with lodging and transportation.

And if you really want to rock, contact me about my Valentine's Week Romance Retreat in Chacala, February 8~12, 2010. It will be amazing. Check my website for details.

See you here.

I am in Chacala, and it is Warm!

2009-12-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

I Made it! I am in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico!

Well, for those of you who know the story, it was a long ride from Northern California to Chacala this year. I got a bit frustrated when I got attached to my idea of a schedule and the outcome! I know, I know, I preach against such attachments, but I got caught.

I wanted to be here in my winter home by early November, and I was attached to quickly wrapping up loose ends with my wonderful house sitter, saying good bye to my Toltec community there, packing my truck, and hitting the road (a five day drive). . . AND get into the sun and sea of this lovely little beach village. Many circumstances arose to hold me back and slow me down-- I was weeks "behind schedule." I finally arrived in Chacala just in time Thursday evening to go directly to the Las Brisas Restaurant on the beach for a pretty darn good Thanksgiving dinner with all the usual fixings and some good people.

Now that I am here, all the delays and "problems" seem inconsequential. I made it, I am here, my house was clean and ready for me, everything is perfect-- and always has been (including my thinking I was behind schedule, attached, and frustrated).

I went for a walk on the beach this morning. The ocean was sparkling and the air balmy and soft. The surf was gentle, and a few local tourists were playing in the waves.

After visiting with some returning Winter Gringos, I dropped in at Chac Mool Café, where I treated myself to a big turkey (Thanksgiving leftovers!) and tomato omelet drenched in "crema" (like not-sour sour cream) and green salsa, with beans on the side -- and a great cup of espresso decaf! Ahhhh, paradise. My bill: $4.00 US.

I am very grateful. We at Joydancer had a wonderful summer season. I attended and lead many wonderful talks, workshops, journeys, and other events. Our 5th Annual Summer Celebration of Life in July was amazing, my Conscious Relationship Road Trip to the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia in August was a dream come true, and Teotihuacan in October was our best Journey of Transformation ever! I look forward to more of the same in summer, 2010, and hope you will join me for the magic.

I loved meeting all the new people along the way, and I welcome all of you to our newsletter and the Joydancer family. In future issues I will have news about our new website coming soon, an updated online store, and new video and audio connections to my teaching. Now I am looking forward to a great winter, sharing with you from here in Chacala, and I continue to encourage you to get down here as a visitor, for a personal growth intensive, or for my Valentine's Week Retreat on Love, Romance, and Relationship.

(For information about personal growth intensives or help with accommodations and travel, please contact me directly at allanh@sonic.net).

I invite you to join me in spreading the word ~ we can and will liberate ourselves from a fear-based cultural dream, and live in happiness in the dream of heaven on earth. What skills or experience might you offer to the new dream through Joydancer.com? It is time for action, it is time to change the world we dream in our own minds! Let's do it together!

There is no hurry, of course. . . and, not a moment to waste.

_______________________

I will also be encouraging you, over and over, to join me at the beach in Chacala, Nayarít, Mexico, this winter.

Chacala is safe and clean, the people, sun, and surf are warm and friendly, and the fresh seafood is scrumptious. Nothing scary you are reading or hearing in the news about Mexico is true about Chacala! A paradise this close and unspoiled will not last much longer. Do it now.

I will be here through March, 2010, and I look forward to seeing you. There are at least three ways you enjoy Chacala with me this winter. Choose yours below. The airport is Puerto Vallarta.

If you have interest or questions, please contact me.
Make reservations early to assure yourself the best accommodations for your needs. I can help.

Use this link to the Valentine's Retreat pages .

Call or write about your Personal Intensive (individuals or couples).

The Joydancer office: (707) 528-1271
My direct line in Chacala: (707) 206-7623 (Skype, toll only to California).

Or write: allanh@sonic.net

Three Ways to Enjoy the Winter in Chacala, Mexico

2009-09-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

“The New Relationship” a Valentine's Retreat & Workshop

2009-01-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about our Valentine’s Week Retreat on Love, Romance, and Relationship, coming up February 9 ~ 13, 2009, here at the beach in Chacala, Nayarít, Mexico.

Here are ten reasons you might want to join me and us for this special Valentine’s Week Retreat for singles and couples. . .

“THE NEW RELATIONSHIP ~
FIVE AGREEMENTS TO MAKE LOVE COME TRUE”

You want to do something special for Valentine’s Day.
You want to treat yourself and someone you love to a new way of being in love together.
You are single, and want to learn more about real love.
You want to improve your relationship for Valentine’s week.
You want to deepen your understanding and practice of my Five Agreements for The New Relationship.
Your relationships fail to work, and you want to learn why.
You dream of successful romantic relationships and are looking for a teaching that will support your dream.
You love Mexican food and culture, and you want to immerse yourself in it (the culture, not the food!).
You want to get out of the cold and enjoy the tropical beach in a wonderful small village with great seafood that is easy to reach and comfortable and safe to relax in.
Number 10 is for you to fill in the blank, then come! ___________.

Last evening, on the way back to my home after my daily sunset beach walk, I was enjoying the soft warm/cool tropical air, when I looked up and saw the half moon hanging directly over my head. Venus was appearing as the first star, over the ocean in the west. I thought to myself, why aren’t YOU here, too?? Why are YOU putting up with the cold and wet, when you could be here?? Big Mystery.

Note: The moon will be full on the first day of our retreat. Come early.

One the other hand, we don’t want everyone here. That would be a bit much. So, we are letting you select yourselves. Those of you that haven’t fallen under the spell that I hear is going around up there, something about financial Armageddon, end of the world, lack, collapse, poverty, fear fear fear—those of you free still to dream—you are the ones. Come on down!

I am going to be sharing one of my Five Agreements for the New Relationship one each day of our retreat. They are on my website here with explanations, but here my new agreements as a list:

"Your nature is Love. You are the source of Love in your life."
"You are not responsible for causing people’s emotional reactions to your reality."
"Being the source of love, you are complete within yourself."
"The Truth is more important than the outcome of the Relationship."
"True happiness is the result of love coming out of you."

These agreements are also available as a set of five audio CD’s in the Joydancer.com store here. You can book the trip, order the CD’s, pack your swimsuit, and you are ready!

While you are here, there will be lots of time to relax, tan, swim, read, walk, and enjoy the sea, sun, and sand. Whether you are single or in a couple, I guarantee you this week will be a treat for you in more ways than you can imagine.

Chacala is a still-little-known paradise, only 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s west coast. The half-mile beach is clean, the surf gentle, and the local people are as warm and friendly as the sun and ocean.

The seafood in the beach-side palapa restaurants is fresh every day. The beer is cold, the salsa spicy, the chips crisp, and the view stunning. And I live here! What a great dreamer I must be!!

Lynn in the California Joydancer office and I can help you make arrangements for lodging and ground transportation to Chacala. Rooms with kitchen, bath, and hot water, start at about $40 USD and go up as far as you could want. Food is reasonable. People are finding cheap tickets, too. Want help with air fares? Go here.

The cost of the Valentine’s Retreat with me (think “love, romance, and relationship”) is $600 for the five days. What a deal! ($120 per day!).

Well, the rest is up to you. Operators are standing by (Lynn will actually be away from the office from Wednesday January 13 thru Sunday January 17th so hurry!).

Contacts for information and registration:

BEST: Register and make a deposit in the Joydancer Store here

Joydancer California office:

Phone: (707) 528-1271
E-mail: lynn@joydancer.com

Allan in Chacala:

E-mail: allanh@sonic.net  
Skype: “allanhardman” –
OR (707) 206-7623 – rings on my laptop.
 Chacala landline, from US dial: 011-52 (327) 219-4012

Chacala Resources:

“Joy in My World”

2008-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas in tropical Chacala looked like it was going to come and go without any of that “Spirit” that we equate with the season. Little did I know. On Christmas Day evening, I walked to the new Chacala Cultural Center— a little place with a big name and a big idea—and joined 100 locals and visitors for an evening “concert.”

When we arrived, a bit early for the concert, we learned we had just missed Santa Claus. A visitor had brought his outfit and enough presents for a huge passel of kids. Someone had contracted one of those uniquely rural cars with the loudspeakers to go through town announcing the event in Spanish, so lots of kids showed up for Santa! I was disappointed I missed it. The story I heard about it tonight was great. It sounded like it was an experience of a lifetime for many of the kids.

As the concert crowd gathered, it was fun to know and greet so many people I have come to know and love here, both local Mexicans from the village and gringo guests who have discovered and fallen in love with Chacala. The outdoor back yard of the Center was decorated with colored lights winkling on the fences, a little stage (was that the cover for the old septic?) with lights and microphones, and rows of chairs on both sides. An actual sound system was ready, crackling in pure local style, and beer and wine was being served in the back. Donations were accepted for the Center (it needs a bathroom! Hey, if you want to help, send a donation to my office in Santa Rosa, CA, and we’ll make sure it gets here).

I have no idea where 100 people came from in this little town. As we settled down, Rudy and Sandie began their first song, and I realized we were in for a treat. They sang for an hour, sweet songs, some rockers, original songs, some spiritual reminders, and Rudy brought out his Johnny Cash. The audience appreciation was clear. Nothing awesome happened, no records were broken, and no autographs were collected, as far as I know.

At the end, simple candles were passed out, and as we lit them, we began to sing Silent Night together, followed by the more up-tempo “Feliz Navidad.” As the final chords faded into the balmy night air, I realized that I was sitting in a plastic chair in a funky yard in a little (some have said primitive) village with a crowd of not-necessarily-like-minded souls a long way from “home” — and was experiencing pure unmitigated unquestionable JOY.

There was nowhere else on this planet I wanted to be and nobody else I wanted to be with, but right there, with those people, right then in that moment. I was content, I was happy, and I was feeling joy.

I still am.

Merry Christmas to us, and the joy in us, every day.

Life in the Slow Lane

2008-12-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

From Chacala, Nayarít, Mexico

I was working on the internet as usual in the morning yesterday. As the day progressed, I knew when I would take a break, do my beach walk, buy some fruit, and stop to see if the woman at the trinket stand found any good yarn paintings for me in Tepic. I had a plan.

Earlier than the plan called for, a niggling feeling started that wanted me to leave the house. I recognized it as one of those possibilities that Life offers for adventure, so I let go of my project in progress and prepared to leave. Then, more e-mail came, a house detail was crying out, and time went by.

I was aware of a voice telling me I was blowing Life’s invitation, but I let it be, and continued to do what I was doing. In time, I walked out the door, in the flow, wondering what to expect. I have tenants in an upstairs unit here that are here from the previous owner. They are an architect and engineer working at a subdivision of villas behind “The Gate” at Marina Chacala. It was Saturday, and they were preparing to leave to be with their families in another town.

They were waiting for someone to arrive with their door key, so we had a chance to chat a bit for the first time. I asked them if they knew an English-speaking expert that might consult with me about some drainage problems in my back yard. The new neighbor has changed the grade of his lot, and now there is no place for the summer rain (deluges) to drain out of my yard.

After I showed one of them the situation, he said, When would be a good day? What? A good day to bring a machine in here, clean out the dead trees and trash, and then bring in the fill dirt you need? Er. . .uh. . .Tuesday? OK, we’ll be here.

A gift.

The key arrived, and they left to be with their families. And I stood in amazement. And simple gratitude to Life.

I thought, No point in stopping now. I walked into town, and my future neighbor was sitting on the stoop of his store enjoying a beer. I walked past, said Hello (well, Hola, actually), went about twenty feet (well, seven meters, actually) and Life tapped me on the shoulder. Ahem!

Oh! I went back, and we began our first real conversation, talking about his family, his building plans, my drainage, and more. He suggested that now would be a good time to bring in trucks of fill, before he starts building next month, so the trucks can cross his property to get to my back yard. I smiled and said “Tuesday.”

He gave me a tour of the very beautiful home he built above his store, which he intends to rent to Chacala visitors after we are neighbors. I left knowing that everything was in place as it should be in the universe.

The beach walk was great, even if it was ahead of schedule! And the two Huichol and Tepehuano yarn paintings were gorgeous, so I brought them home to grace my walls.

FOOTNOTE: In Santa Rosa, CA, if Life niggled me to walk outside, I would usually find an empty street because everyone would be somewhere else. So I would walk to my neighborhood Community Market, say Hello, and buy some chocolate. I like this better. However! Life does not care about location, only realtors do. Life is here, as us, always saying Ahem! to us through our bodies. I am grateful for this lifestyle that is slow enough and flexible enough that I get to listen.

Thank you, LIFE!

Now, back to that project.

••••••••

LATE BREAKING NEWS: Susana from Casa Pacifica just dropped by to let me know her breakfast restaurant, Mauna Kea, opens tomorrow on her rooftop overlooking Chacalilla beach, the ocean, and the whales. She will have great “American” breakfasts, wireless access and phones for those addicted, and flyers, maps, and event information for new visitors to Chacala. Photos to follow—after my first breakfast!

PS: Susana is looking for someone who wants to take over the restaurant. There is a living space on the roof, too. Ready for a new life?

CHACALA: Where I Am and Why I’m Here

2008-12-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

I first broke through my fear and resistance about traveling in Mexico sometime back in the early 1980’s. Where I grew up in Southern California there were angry young people from Mexico, and I was afraid of them. I surely did not want to go where there was a whole country full. Wow, was I wrong!

A Spanish speaking girlfriend convinced me to go, and a friend who was living in the state of Nayarít, on the west coast of Mexico, insisted we come visit. The train ride down and the time in the coastal village was the beginning of a life-long love affair with this country and its people.

After many years of vacationing in the beach towns of the west coast of Mexico, and one six-month stay, I met don Miguel Ruiz, Toltec author of The Four Agreements and other books (1995). My long apprenticeship with him meant many journeys to sacred sites throughout Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. During that time all my travel was devoted to my work with don Miguel, and I missed my beach vacations.

During a six-month stay in Santa Cruz, Nayarít, in 1990, I bought a parcel of land, dreaming of creating a retreat center there. Because of my travels with don Miguel, and my focus on my work at home, the land came and went from my awareness and care for many years. In 2003 and 2005 I added small parcels to the land, and in the last few years began planning for the future. We have been planting trees again, adding many banana varieties, irrigating, and generally improving the land.

In the winter of 2007-2008, I was free enough to “risk” moving to Mexico for the winter. Santa Cruz is a bit isolated and lacks some of the amenities and social possibilities I needed, so I rented a house in Chacala, an hour closer to Puerto Vallarta. I used to say “I can’t move to Mexico until they have high speed internet access.” Well, it is here! I can work from “home.”

Three days before I was to return to California in March of 2008, someone offered to sell me their house in Chacala, and I accepted the offer with gratitude. I returned to Chacala in November 2008, and began painting and upgrading my new house. I love being back in Chacala. The new house has two vacation rental units upstairs—and I look forward to making them available to like-minded visitors. Right now I am living in one, and renting the other long-term, while I bring possibilities to life in the main house downstairs. Check here often to find out availability.

There is a beautiful half-mile beach here, with very few people on it most days

Chacala is a fishing village, so the palapa restaurants on the beach serve fresh fish and shrimp every day (and a cold beer or two if you are so inclined). The streets are not paved, and roosters are the main wildlife.

There are many wonderful small places to stay (and even a larger hotel or two) scattered throughout the village. A program called “Techos” (= roofs) has enabled local landladies to add a second story to their houses, with kitchens and often an outdoor patio. They rent for $45 and up per night.

Chacala is 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s west coast. It is part of the new “Riviera Nayarít,” a tourist designation recently created by the government. It seems unfortunate that development may come soon and without much vision for its impact on the community, its way of life, its economy, and its future. These things can best be evaluated in hindsight, so I will wait!

But I invite you not to wait to explore and experience Chacala, a jewel of laid back Mexican culture and environment. Be warned, there is no parasailing here, no discos, and no party animals at foam raves—simply a beautiful beach, with gentle surf and the sweet sun, palm trees, and a community of warm and happy people who welcome you to share and enjoy their way of life. We hope you will join us soon.

I invite and welcome dreamers, visionaries, visitors, investors, and hard workers who feel inspired to join me in this dream of now and the future—La Casa de las Aguilas, the House of the Eagles.

••••

My First Night in Chacala- a story about no stories

2008-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2008

For those of you following my adventures, and my dream, here is the end of this traveling part of the saga.

After an exciting and boring five-day drive from home in northern California, I arrived in Chacala, Nayarit, in the late afternoon of Friday. What a relief to be out of the truck, to be "home" in Chacala, and especially to be able to move into my new house here.

Local people showed up to help me move all the boxes into the house, some downstairs, some up to the vacation rental unit where I will be living until the main house downstairs is improved, furnished and beautified.

It was getting dark by the time we finished, so I walked into "town" to welcome myself to Chacala. It was a warm and balmy evening-- just the way I like them. After saying Hello, I stopped by Las Brisas, wiggled a plastic chair into the sand, and ordered a real margarita to celebrate. The half-moon was hanging overhead, the moonlight was glistening on the gentle surf, and there was nowhere else in the world I wanted to be.
About the time I finished the margarita, I became aware of the word "Teotihuacan" drifting on the tropical air, and turned to discover a couple, his brother, and their two little kids at a table behind me. The brother had just been at Teo, and was describing his visit.

Of course I had to say: "Excuse me, but you just said my Magic Word." They invited me to join them, and we shared our stories. Suddenly, one of them said, "Hey, you must be the guy that wrote the book on Toltec Wisdom that is in the room we are staying in here!"

Yup. I knew I was home!

After we parted company, I slowly walked back to my room to sleep. The moon was bright, the air was so very soft, and I was in no hurry. I turned the key in the door lock and went around and around and around. The lock had broken. I couldn't get into my room.

As I stood there comprehending my circumstances, mildly buzzed on the tropics, I noticed that I was not telling myself any stories about my situation-- there was only curiosity about what Life would offer next. I liked that. And so, of course, I turned the key around and around again!

I walked downstairs and into the street, and thought: "OK, Life, show me." I turned right. I strolled. When I got to Antonia's, I knew she might be a source of a bed for the night in one of her rentals. She wasn't home. So, I walked a few more blocks, bought a bottle of water, came back, and waited in the dark.

When Antonia came home she was happy to see me, and I was happy to see her. She offered me a bed in a little unit, and as she moved the plastic chairs out of the from doorway with no door (it was in town being painted) she said: "Thank goodness there aren't any thieves in Chacala." It was hot, and I slept.

In the morning, the former owner of my house, borrowed a big rickety ladder next door, climbed into the vack patio of my carefully locked room, opened the door, and replaced the lock for me.

Later in the day, I noticed gazillions of tiny little ants streaming across the bed. I followed them until I found their secret lair-- under the mattress! If I had slept in that bed the nigh before, it would have been very interesting. "Man's Tropical Dream House Becomes Nightmare!"

Now, all is well.

Thank You, Life.