Chrysalis has enabled and empowered me to act in ways I never expected, primarily on the garden stage. I uncovered latent joy in turning the compost, capturing rainwater, planting seeds, harvesting radishes, and otherwise putzing around outside. Our made ecosystem enables one to be completely content enjoying nature at home, a radical notion in Boulder, where driving to the mountains during one's free time is practically a religion. I discovered profound social and environmental purposes in cultivating a garden: demonstrating to passerby that young people are indeed real humans who can do real things, that we can be happy staying at home, that we don't need cars, and that we can actually work together and live in community, a radical notion in today's hyper-individualistic world.
I have been challenged in ways I never expected, learning how to express my needs and boundaries, to embrace conflict, and to communicate more effectively and candidly. I was lucky to be trained in restorative conflict mediation, a practice I will carry with me beyond the co-op community. The yoga practice that I stumbled upon at Chrysalis lets me enjoy living in my body, to breathe through discomfort, and to remain present and mindful throughout my days.
I will certainly not miss the natural gas leak outside my window that makes my sweat stink...
