Cambiando Vidas -- Changing Lives (in Chacala!)

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

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

Christmas in Chacala

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

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!

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

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

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”

1. You want to do something special for Valentine’s Day.
2. You want to treat yourself and someone you love to a new way of being in love together.
3. You are single, and want to learn more about real love.
4. You want to improve your relationship for Valentine’s week.
5. You want to deepen your understanding and practice of my Five Agreements for The New Relationship.
6. Your relationships fail to work, and you want to learn why.
7. You dream of successful romantic relationships and are looking for a teaching that will support your dream.
8. You love Mexican food and culture, and you want to immerse yourself in it (the culture, not the food!).
9. 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.
10. 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:

1. "Your nature is Love. You are the source of Love in your life."
2. "You are not responsible for causing people’s emotional reactions to your reality."
3. "Being the source of love, you are complete within yourself."
4. "The Truth is more important than the outcome of the Relationship."
5. "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:

• http://chacalalife.blogspot.com/
• http://chacalabudgetrentals.blogspot.com/
• http://www.chacala.org/
• http://afamilymovestomexico.blogspot.com/2009/01/opening-night.html