| Chrysalis is committed to building a sustainable, violence-free culture through intimacy, compassion, radical honesty, freedom of choice in intimate relationships, ecological sensitivity, transparency, and the power of community. Social change and personal healing, growth, and transformation are central to our vision.
At Chrysalis, each person is empowered to take initiative and create their own projects, healing the society while building a supportive web of intimate relationships that nurture inner transformation. We use many techniques, including sacred touch, non-violent communication, being in the moment, and more. Our goal is to love the world through loving oneself.
Chrysalis encourages members to follow their own vision in the context of a creative, supportive community; we find the ongoing cross-pollination of ideas, talents, and energy takes us to a higher and more productive level. Resident non-members and non-residents are also an important part of Chrysalis; we see our community as part of a much larger network.
We are especially looking for people who want to explore their own limits, both personally and productively, who like to be synergized by being around other creative and effective people, and who would enjoy living in an environment that is both challenging and supportive, that invites you to grow while affirming who and what you are.
Chrysalis has two houses side-by-side in a wooded setting about 10 minutes’ drive from Washington, 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 if they wish. The common rooms can accommodate up to 50 people for events. The houses front on a large park, with miles of bike and hiking trails and unspoiled nature. Music is an important part of life at Chrysalis.
We actively welcome people who are not members to live with us; we value the unique contribution each person has to make. We are less focused on long-term commitments, and more interested in the energy and ideas that our housemates have to offer in the present. We welcome those who would like to work and play and learn with us, whether it be "for a day or a decade." | Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses) |
Population Members(adults and children): 6 | Government Decision Making: Other (loving anarchy) Leadership Core Group: No | Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (The community helps members become financially independent.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (Members may contribute work or money or a mixture) | Land and Buildings Suburban (Wooded setting, yet close to downtown DC.) Area: 0.4 acres (0.2 hectares) (two building lots, adjoins 350 acre park) Land Owned By: A subgroup of community members | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (depends on member choices) Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (most meals are shared, but not always by all members) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (minor restrictions, such as no alcohol.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (Complete vegan diet available. Highly conscious diets, fresh veggies, seafood, occasionally chicken.) Alcohol Use: Seldom used (Not a rigid prohibition, but not part of our culture. We request that residents not keep alcohol on the premises.) Tobacco Use: Prohibited (Some members *highly* allergic) | Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No (We have a strong sense of spiritual values & ethics, and we honor all spiritual paths (or none).) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) Educational Style(s): Other (We have been extensively involved in alternative schooling in the past.) | |
