This popular introductory class is a great way to dip your toe in and discover the positive impacts of mindfulness. Learn its practical and scientific benefits, as well as ways to incorporate it into your daily life.

As part of our Fall theme “For a More Mindful RVA,” Chrysalis Institute proudly welcomes author, advisor, and teacher Ruth King as our keynote speaker. 

This popular introductory class to mindfulness is a great way to dip your toe in and discover its positive impact. Learn the benefits of mindfulness from a practical and scientific perspective as well as ways to incorporate it into your daily life.

An ancient mystical tool, the labyrinth is used by many cultures and religious traditions.
Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has a single pathway in and out.

There are no tricks or wrong turns, and you cannot get lost finding your way in and out again. A walk through the labyrinth has come to symbolize our spiritual journey. Concentric circles weave and twist as they direct pilgrims to the center, the place of illumination.

Come walk the candle lit pathways… 

Jung observed that “Life is a short pause between two great mysteries.” What matters is how we live that pause. Given that mortality frames our journey, how might we live it more fully, not defined by fear, morbidity, and denial? What attitudes and practices allow us to live more fully? And what psychological maturation brings us to experience this short pause as rich with meaning?

Jung observed that “Life is a short pause between two great mysteries.” What matters is how we live in that pause. Since mortality frames our journey, how might we live more fully? What attitudes and practices can help? How can we experience this short pause in a way that is rich with meaning?

How often have you regretted something you’ve said or felt hurt by someone else’s words? Words matter. In this two-hour workshop, we’ll focus on the Buddha’s Five Keys to Right Speech. Discover communication techniques that help and heal, enriching yourself and your relationships.

Attention all avid readers and great conversationalists! We're meeting up monthly from February to April to read three books by our keynote, James Hollis: What Matters Most, Why Good People do Bad Things, and Living an Examined Life. Join us as we dive into books that align with our Spring theme. 

Grief and loss can be some of the most difficult experiences imaginable—so profound that there’s no way past it. How do we carry grief that feels larger than the world? In a really strong container. Learn ways to strengthen your container so you’re better equipped to carry grief into the world and through life as well as to support others who are carrying loss.

Attention all avid readers and great conversationalists! We're meeting up monthly from February to April to read three books by our keynote speaker, Dr. James Hollis: What Matters Most, Why Good People do Bad Things, and Living an Examined Life. Join us as we dive into books that align with our Spring theme. 

Monica Rao was living a busy, typically stressful life until a near-death experience changed everything, leading her to meditation and in turn to redefining what she valued most in life. She will share her story and guide you through meditations that offer time-honored paths to self-discovery.

An ancient mystical tool, the labyrinth is used by many cultures and religious traditions.
Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has a single pathway in and out.

There are no tricks or wrong turns, and you cannot get lost finding your way in and out again. A walk through the labyrinth has come to symbolize our spiritual journey. Concentric circles weave and twist as they direct pilgrims to the center, the place of illumination.

Come walk the candle lit pathways… 

Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is a scientist’s scientist. He started the Human Genome Project as an atheist or at least no time for conversations about faith and spirituality. He saw science and religion as “non-overlapping magisteria.” And then he finished the project with a deep faith in God and the Bible. The Language of God explains his personal journey taking readers for a tour of modern science and how physics, chemistry, and biology all fit together with a belief in God and scripture. Join the Chrysalis Book Club as dive into Dr. Collins story.

What happens when you die? Not many of us take the time to consider this question. Yet, it will happen to all of us. Recent discoveries in neuroscience shed new light on the process of death. These discoveries can help us accept death while living life to the fullest.

Have you ever wondered how different faith and wisdom traditions view death? Our panel looks at death through the lens of Buddhism, Judaism, Hindu, Muslim, Native American and Christian spirituality. Listen, consider and dialogue with others about one of the central experiences of life.

We are often harder on ourselves than we realize. Your inner critic chirps, “Gosh, you really messed up! You are so stupid!” Would we ever treat our best friend the way we treat ourselves? Our thoughts shape our reality and negative thoughts can create deep unhappiness. Learn how to treat yourself as compassionately as you treat others. Become your own best friend and experience transformation at the deepest levels.

Free yourself to live more fully by consciously preparing for death. This workshop will lead participants through journaling exercises, a forgiveness plan, and a personal eulogy.

When was the last time you casually talked about death over coffee or tea? Now's your chance! The Death Cafe is an agenda-free space to talk about death. You can expect a group-directed discussion with no intention of leading people to any conclusion or course of action. The objective of Death Cafes as quoted on the Death Cafe website is, “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives."

Join the dance of "joy and fun, deep and sacred," as we explore the Chrysalis Fall theme: "Living Fully, Dying Mindfully".

Join Rabbi Shapiro for an intimate lunch to discuss his theory of Perennial Wisdom, which weaves teachings of the world’s major spiritual traditions to provide answers to the Big Questions of life such as “Who am I?”, “How shall I live?” and “Why?"

Shapiro introduces a nondual understanding of birth and death as a seamless process of divine unfolding. He invites us to examine closely how conventional dualistic worldviews promote an ego-centric spirituality instead of authentic awakening. 

What would you like your obituary to say? We know, it's a scary thought. Learn how Death Doulas can help change the way we process death while we are living. 

Join a sacred learning space to explore African diasporic healing traditions, modern Black folk knowledge, drumming as prayer and other embodied rituals.

Death and coffee have teamed up! Join a community dialogue and become more familiar with the end of life. Each Death Cafe is a unique experience and free. OR When was the last time you casually talked about death over coffee or tea? Now's your chance! The Death Cafe is a community dialogue around becoming more familiar with the end of life. Bring an open mind. Each Death Cafe is a unique experience.

Does your back hurt? Sit at a desk all day? Play a musical instrument for hours on end? Alexander Technique can help you identify the postures that stress your body. Learn how to change those habits and destress your body!

Do you know about Jewish mysticism? Kabbalah is an ancient, esoteric school of though which sheds light on life questions throught practical principles inherent to the Kabbalistic liturgy.