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The
Goal: Love the world through loving oneself
Many
visionaries and activists struggle to create inner peace for themselves or
to be fully present with their intimates. At Chrysalis, we encourage
each person to be fully in the moment, responsible for their own feelings
and happiness, and able to communicate effectively and lovingly.
Sarah, a
resident, put it this way: “A key insight for us is that difficult
emotional issues that arise in everyday life are opportunities for personal
growth. The internal conflicts must be resolved before the external
stresses can be dealt with. This means that the person with the feelings
is the person with the power
– the power to look
inside, learn and grow. Intimate relationships are the crucible in
which people can heal themselves, find joy with each other, and look
outward with hope and energy to transforming the larger world.”
Chrysalis
encourages members to follow their own vision in the context of a creative,
supportive community. There is no hierarchy; each person is completely
independent, and any given task will usually find willing volunteers. One
of the men is writing a magazine article, a woman volunteers to edit it,
and a third person contributes critical information. A woman is
planning a weekend workshop, another offers to lead the opening circle, and
one of the men mentions that he is going shopping – is there
anything she needs? Michael points out that “this ongoing
cross-pollination of ideas, talents, and energy takes us to a higher and
more productive level.”
The
People
Currently
there are eight adult residents and two shorter-term guests who are
involved with culture change, conflict resolution, social enterprise,
environmental issues, and social justice. Non-residents are also an
important part of Chrysalis. Chrysalis is inspired by the New Culture
movement (www.cfnc.org, www.new-culture.org), and sees
community as defined by heart connections rather than by geographic
proximity. While some intentional communities tend to be insular, we are
more like the ancestral homestead of a large and scattered extended
family.
The
Facilities
Chrysalis
has two houses side-by-side in a wooded suburban setting about 10 minutes’ drive from
DC. The houses can handle eight to ten permanent residents
comfortably, with plenty of room for office and studio spaces. The large
common rooms, which can accommodate up to 40 people, can be used for
meetings, jam sessions, concerts, and more.
The back
yard is a welcoming space, with a patio, hammock, and trampoline. The
houses front on a large park, with miles of bike and hiking trails and
unspoiled nature, as well as formal gardens, tennis and basketball courts,
and playing fields.
Acoustic
music and singing are part of life at Chrysalis. There are guitars,
keyboards, dulcimers, violins, djembes, dumbeks, songbooks, and simple
instruments that anyone can play. Many other shared resources are at
hand, including shop tools, audio, video and PA equipment, ultra-high-speed
internet access, and a wide range of computer and communication
technologies.
For
larger events, we also own a retreat center in West Virginia with extensive
facilities that can accommodate up to 200 people.
Chrysalis:
a resource
Chrysalis
is a place for activists who are as open to changing themselves as they are
dedicated to changing the world. We are less concerned with longevity than
with the strength of connection that each resident can bring, whether they
are here for a day or a decade. Workshops and other activities happen
regularly; ask for information on what events are currently planned.
Chrysalis wants to see these facilities used in ways that help heal
individuals, society, and the Earth. We welcome visitors, especially
at New Culture events where the experience of extended community is so
rich.
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