project in Mexico

Hi, my name is virginia, I was very interested in this pod  because I have this idea of creating a beautiful space for healing….I live in Oaxaca mexico, and since 11 year I had created a space for healing in the city, called Casa del Angel, you can visit casadelangel.com.mx  in this place we teach yoga, meditation , and we do other activities, but  I am looking for a place in the countryside…is difficult because I have not enough money.  My idea is to open a space where the people of the surroundings can assist….if I see in the web about workshops in Mexico, is full of very expensive possibilities, and mostly foreigners come… I really think that we have to open spaces for healing, with many options where normal people, not only rich people can assist, and they are very needed here   in mexico. In my center we try not to charge very much and many of our activities gratis…like silent meditation and therapy groups.  Also we accept people that want to come and teach yoga as a social work.  So I invite you to come, and if somebody knows how to get founds for my project, let me know!….I really think that we have to share what we know , yoga, meditations, therapies etc…with people that cannot pay , but that they need it very much!…is a way of changing the planet!   ahhhh in december I went to a very beatiful place in Catemaco, is a forest reserve called nancyaga…you can see it in the web!

Re: project in Mexico

Welcome to the pod, Virginia!  I'm definitely a fan of Mexico and Mexicans and glad you're here to explore this subject with us… My family and I have visited different parts of Mexico over the years and always been touched by the warmth of the people, the vibrance of the culture, and the taste of the food!!

As for your healing center, I couldn't agree more ~ people need a center where they can come and get peace of mind, where people come to give, and where people in need who can't necessarily afford high fees are welcome to participate.  Bravo.  That's great that you are setting that up and 'making it happen.'  I visited your website and the classes all sound great.  Love the photos and the simple design of the site..

Have you explored a place in nature, not far from major cities, where you could set up a center like that?  or even a small resort that has the same focus?  the idea of creating physical paradises that are open to the public, with ways for people to participate / volunteer / create / learn / discover / contribute / seek assistance or guidance, is a brilliant idea and I have every confidence that more and more of these will spring up around the world… let's work on getting you some funding for such a project - the internet is a powerful place to look for such things so I suggest you :

1) get very clear about your vision in terms of what you'd like to create

2) work with someone who has some finance skills to see how much you need

3) find a way through courses, accommodation, food, etc… to make the project financially sustainable or profitable

4) the universe will act to grant your wishes - and an investor or more will appear willing to fund your project, or if you write a grant proposal, you may even get the money for free…

thanks for joining us here and I look forward to discussing more ideas with you, and seeing how you come along with your project!!

un abrazo,

~drigo

Re: project in Mexico

Hey Virginia! I dig what you are doing and couldn't agree more. What you are doing is essentially the same thing as the healing arts center that I am hoping to establish within my ecocommune to be - I have also been to Oaxaca and love it there. I have very fond memories of some friends from there, and my husband and I biked from there down to Puert Escondido on the highway, razy but an amazing experience with breathtaking vistas. I am glad we were not eating by a mountain lion.

As for funding, what about non profit status? If you are not already filed as such, is that possible for you? If you can get the paperwork together and filed, non profit status may be helpful for you when coming to grantmakers with a proposal. Many grantmakers only award grants to non profits (I think partly b/c it's a tax write off, also prob. b/c a legit organization may appear more focused, driven, and capable of making good with the money they are granted).

Please do write me, I am interested in hearing more about your ideas and your project - perhaps my husband and I could come visit you this winter?