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.  Chrysalis uses many techniques that have been developed for inner transformation, through individual practices, including group practices like contact improvisation and sacred touch; meditation, dance, and being in the moment; and relationship practices such as radical honesty, non-violent communication, and more.

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; but while each person is completely independent, 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 in residence, there are three adult members, two teens, and four shorter-term residents who are involved with social change, conflict resolution, and social justice issues.  Non-residents are also an important part of Chrysalis; relationships and projects are not limited by address.  A member who lives in Columbia comes to Chrysalis whenever possible, setting up events, helping create the space, or hanging out “just being folks.” 

The Facilities

Chrysalis has two houses side-by-side in a wooded setting about 10 minutes’ drive from DC.  The houses can handle eight to ten permanent residents comfortably, with plenty of room for each person to have both personal space and an office or studio. The large common rooms, which can accommodate up to 50 people, are used for meetings, meals, dances, jam sessions, concerts, and more.

The back yard is an outdoor playspace for adults, including a hot tub and patio; we plan to add a “cool pool,” a trampoline, and more. 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.

Music is an important part of life at Chrysalis. There are drums, guitars, keyboards, dulcimers, violins, songbooks, and simple instruments that anyone can play.  Many other shared resources are at hand, including shop tools, computer, audio, video and PA equipment, high-speed internet access, and a wide range of computer and communication technologies.

Chrysalis: a resource

Chrysalis has a lot to offer: meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, even places to live, for a day or a decade. Workshops, concerts, activities, and peer counseling happen regularly.  Chrysalis welcomes anyone who wants to use these facilities in ways that help heal individuals, society, and the earth.  Check it out: come to one of our gatherings, take or teach a class or workshop there, drop over to say “Hi”, or if you’re looking for a more intense experience, move in!