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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 Network for a New Culture (www.nfnc.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, hot
tub, 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, doumbeks, 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.
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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