The Chrysalis Circle
The Chrysalis is a sheltered state or stage of being or growth. It is the last stage for a caterpillar before it transforms fully into a butterfly. The Chrysalis Circle creates a space for transformation by bringing together women working in professional executive roles in a six-month cohort. We know women are often more prone to burnout than their male counterparts, are expected to lead organizations while also providing unpaid domestic labor, and are often excluded from closed male networks. Women also often make pivotal career decisions after forty.
We created a closed circle with a small number of participants to cultivate friendships and transformation in their health and wellness, career, relationships, and self-care. The Circle brings 14-16 professional women together for six months to cultivate friendships, to explore the Rest Curriculum, and to gather for a retreat in Northern Italy, escaping the stress of daily life through a life-changing experience amid natural beauty and community.
The Rest Cohort and Curriculum
The Rest Curriculum unfolds across six sessions, five of which are online. We begin in circle. We meet each other, set community agreements, and learn why rest is crucial to our health and wellness. Next, we ask what rest really is and is not. We look at rest through the body, emotions, wellness, and inter-spirituality. We see how rest is the antidote to stress. Then we gather at the retreat in Northern Italy, where we embody rest through land therapy and soaking in healing thermal waters. When we return, we turn inward. We explore rest in boundaries and look at what belongs in our lives and what we can shed. We then practice rest in repair. We use restorative justice and conflict transformation to heal our relationships with work, family, and friends. Finally, we learn restorative ways of being that are sustainable so that we are well in every sphere of self, relationship, and work. This time is our Chrysalis so we can emerge transformed much like a butterfly.
The Chrysalis Retreat
Padua, Italy | 2027
3 Days / 3 Nights
We will step away from the demands of daily life and into the beauty of Northern Italy’s Veneto region. This 3-day immersion is designed for professional women, C-suite executives, administrators, policymakers, and others to be in community and be. Together, we will explore the radical act of self-care through pausing, reflecting, and dreaming of the next pivotal decision. Guided by certified circle practitioners and rooted in embodied peacemaking practices, we’ll strengthen our capacity to listen deeply to ourselves, to one another, and to the wisdom of the land.
Day 1
Arrivals, Grounding, and Connection
Arrival & welcome breakfast, followed by introductions, an opening blessing, and community agreements. Lunch at the villa, introduction to restorative justice, gentle movement, circles, and free time. Dinner out in the area, with free time afterward.
Day 2
Rest , Reflection and Relaxation
A silent breakfast followed by morning meditation, gentle stretching, and workshop trainings. Excursion: Soaking in Thermal Waters in nearby spa. Dinner at the Villa and outing to local pub and freetime.
Day 3
Integration and Imagination
A silent breakfast followed by morning meditation, nature walks. Afternoon workshops and land therapy. Dinner in town and closing gifts at the Villa. We say goodbye to those not staying at the Villa. Free Time and pack for check out in the morning.
Embodiment is Key
Each day durin the retreat we will offer gentle embodiment practices, restorative circle sessions, and a time to soak in the local healing thermal waters of the region. Surrounded by vineyards and ancient villas, we’ll replenish our spirits, nurture our creativity, and forge connections that inspire enduring transformation.
This experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the rhythm of balance so you can return home renewed, restored, and ready to continue the work of repair.