Come to our presentations at LCS Gardens

Open Circle provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community and our world.

Upcoming Presentation, March 30, 2025 Panel Discussion

The State of Childhood Literacy Lakeside
Panel Discussion – March 30

Continuing the legacy of LCS benefactor Neill James, Open Circle will explore current programs to enable and empower Lakeside youth. Hear about LCS programs, private and public-school initiatives and how area non-profits are supporting hundreds of Lakeside families develop life skills for 21 st century success. Ms. James lived in Ajijic from 1943-94. She is broadly credited for her pioneering work to facilitate childhood literacy, artistic expression and scholarships for Ajijic youth. This work began in the 1950’s and continues to this day through programs actively operated by the Lake Chapala Society staff and volunteers.

April 06, 2025
New Developments: Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican
Francisco Nava

April 13, 2025
BEHIND THE SCENES OF AJIJIC'S EASTER PASSION PLAY

April 27, 2025
What if You Should Die Before You Were Ever Borne?

If You Missed an In-person Presentation, You Can Still Enjoy It Online

March 23, 2025 Leanne Babcock Your Intuition Wants to Speak to You

How does your intuition work? Can you develop it? And what exactly is “intuition” anyway? Come and explore the answers to these questions and get a taste of working with it. Your intuition isn’t broken. Your intuition is flowing just fine, and maybe you are listening and maybe you aren’t. BUT one thing that’s really clear is… your intuition WANTS to speak to YOU. Presenter: Leanne Babcock Leanne grew up psychic and began teaching intuition development when she was 13 years old. She’s a Transformation Coach and has led programs for people all around the world in corporate and in public over the last 30 years. Leanne is an NLP Master Practitioner.

Past Presentations

About Open Circle

For nearly 30 years, the Lake Chapala area has been honored to host Mexico’s longest-standing weekly English language lecture series. Begun in 1995 by volunteers under the title of “New Dimensions” and initially focused on various aspects of spirituality, in 2001 the program became “Open Circle” and was hosted in homes and restaurants. The Lake Chapala Society became Open Circle Ajijic’s permanent home in the early 2000’s and (since 20021) has become an official Lake Chapala Society program.

 

Mission Statement: 

“Open Circle Ajijic provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world. Presentations span a wide range of intellectual, cultural, physical, and spiritual topics. We do not necessarily agree with the ideas and philosophies of our presenters. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and form your own opinions.”

 

New Developments: Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican
Francisco Nava - April 6, 2025

With a mission statement to “To help the people in San Pedro Itzicán and the surrounding towns to improve their lives and the lives of others, for generations to come.” our support for the community has ranged from teaching to grow plants from seed, teaching music, traditional dance, English classes, literacy classes, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, hairdressing classes, programs for children with different needs, support of education for youth and adults and encouraging people to learn new skills to be financially independent. Our programs involve people from all the local villages as well as the town of Mezcala.

Francisco is a founding member of Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican and a sustainable garden consultant and teacher. Franncisco write a monthly column for Ojo Del Lago: Verdant View. He was born and raised in Guadalajara, lived in the US for many years, and relocated Lakeside 14 years ago.

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF AJIJIC'S EASTER PASSION PLAY
April 13, 2024 - Phil Rylett, Eduardo Ramos

For half a century, Ajijic has come alive every Easter with its celebrated Passion Play—a breathtaking two-day spectacle that unfolds across various locations in the village. What makes this event truly unique is its heartfelt authenticity. Organized and performed entirely by the locals—your gardener, cleaner, plumber, etc.—this grassroots production is a labor of love, with no professional assistance, government funding, or church sponsorship. It’s a powerful testament to the spirit and unity of the local community.
Discover the magic behind this incredible tradition. Learn how the villagers collaborate across neighborhoods, pouring their creativity and dedication into every aspect of the play. Witness the vibrant costumes, meet the actors stepping into their roles, and hear from the event’s dedicated organizer, Eduardo “Lalo” Ramos.

 

Eduardo Ramos, the village’s esteemed cronista (chronicler), is celebrated for preserving and revitalizing Ajijic’s rich traditions. Joining him is Phil Rylett, a devoted participant in the play for nine years and the Master of Ceremonies for the past six. Together, they’ll share the heart and history of this awe-inspiring community event.

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What if You Should Die Before You Were Ever Borne?
April 27 - David Ellison

What if, since you knew you were living on borrowed time, you’d lived, taught, traveled and wondered outrageously? Why, sixty-five years later you’d have one hell of a good story! Dave’s memoir, Santander: Rambling on Borrowed Time, is a unique memoir/travelogue/reflection-on-life featuring poignant short stories that, like pieces of a puzzle, create a captivating whole exploring themes of personal growth, adventure, justice, wonder, disillusionment, and ultimately gratitude. In this talk, Dave will share selections from his acclaimed memoir, and be available afterward to sign copies. About the Presenter(s): David Ellison During his thirty-six-year career, David Ellison was a teacher, mentor teacher, school administrator, education columnist and community activist. He worked in schools foreign and domestic, public and private, grades four through college. His treks through five continents included volunteering in far-flung villages, and surviving harrowing adventures.

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