We live in a world driven by productivity. So much so that our inherent self worth gets inextricably tied to what we contribute to a workspace or relationship. I am currently deep in the trenches of unraveling this default behavior of assessing my value through the lens of what I can offer. It is a daily practice for me to realize, reaffirm, and revel in my enoughness and the complexities of my human experience. Sonya Renne Taylor’s messaging in “The Body Is Not An Apology” unlocked a door for me that I have yet to fully walk through. It feels more like a tunnel or wormhole where a different version of myself, and even the reality I perceive around me, live on the other side. But I’m not writing this to talk about my journey or her brilliance. I’m writing to speak to what I believe needs to be said around our collective orientation to productivity in this moment as we deepen into this Chrysalis journey.
The Chrysalis is a unique process, not because the methodology or framework is new, but because we are all unique individuals coming together in this particular time and in this particular group. Part of what makes this process transformative is the way we each process the learnings in these resources and relate to them based on our own lived experiences. Since no two people are exactly alike, we will each have varying thoughts and opinions and perspectives to share. We will each listen to the podcasts, watch the videos, read the texts, and the information will affect us differently. This is why, especially in this initial phase of Deep Learning, the way we show up most effectively is by simply showing up. The ask is not for deliverables. We are not in a value exchange as we typically are in most workspaces. We are in an information exchange. A vulnerability exchange. We have inherent value as a result of our existence. The ask is for us to show up.
From members of the collective, I have heard questions named as both an internal and external inquiry that are, in essence, “Am I supposed to be here?” “Am I doing this right?” “Am I contributing?” “What is my role?” They are all answered by attuning to one word… Presence. This process calls us to come as we are, and to be present with what’s here. Therefore, I say to my fellow Deep Divers within the Lab… Your presence is enough. Through your commitment to engage in this work and be challenged by the discomfort and messiness, you are doing exactly what is needed of you. And yes, your unique voice is needed. Your authenticity. Your perspectives. Your vulnerabilities. Your honesty. Your trust (or hesitancy to trust). You and all of the complexities of your human experience are what’s needed. Your presence is desired, and your presence is enough.
In a world driven by productivity, the Chrysalis disrupts the norm. We are modeling and experimenting in real time with what it could look like to use the tools of our organization within the organization for greater transformation. However, we are not here to supply answers or act as a voice of authority. We are not here to get it right or be perfect. We are in Deep Learning. As individuals and as a collective. By agreeing to the Chrysalis, we have all chosen to hold hands and go on a journey together in which we will all have a unique experience.
The ask is not that you produce something on the other side. Your worth is this process is not tied to your contribution. The ask is that you show up in the fullness of your humaity…and allow this exploration to shift something within you. The ask is that you show up for the collective bodies in the space…and hold whatever comes through with care and compassion.
We trust that the inner work will have ripples far beyond any deliverable.