For the last week, I have been reflecting on many ideas that David Resser shared in our first episode. To quote a listener and friend, “I can’t look at a stained glass window now without thinking about this interview. Your first guest paints some powerful imagery, like little word-gems. I am compelled to listen again and write them down for future reference. Great way to kick off your podcast, Marisol Sanchez!”
I am a perpetual student, and learning from others is a dream I realized with this podcast. This week’s guests are Kim and Tom Dalton, founders of Eden Village in Wilmington. I was very fortunate to meet them almost twenty years ago. From the start, they were the personification of “Love Thy Neighbor.” They captivated me at the pinnacle of my atheism. There was something about them energetically that radiated authenticity, kindness, humility, and empathy. I observed them at our kids’ soccer games, school events, and other functions. What was it about them? I often wondered. What made me feel better just being in their presence?
My theory is that a self-actualized person is another label for reaching Christ Consciousness. The highest state of intellectual development and emotional maturity is sometimes termed the “Christed” state because it represents the sacredness and purity of the individual who has achieved it. Jesus achieved this in his human life and was given this term as part of his name to recognize his achievement of this spiritual status. This path is open to anyone, regardless of their religious tradition, if and when we are open to becoming a living vessel of Love, Truth, and Goodness on the planet and actively strive to attain it.
I am not the namer of people who are self-actualized or have attained Christ Consciousness, but I have been looking for examples my entire adult life. The Daltons are living, breathing inspirations of what we can achieve when we lead with our hearts and love and SEE our neighbors.
Eden Village’s mission is to build relationships and communities for our chronically homeless friends. They believe that the solution to poverty is dignity and that homelessness involves both a home and a community.
I invite you to listen to or watch this week’s episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2370014/15190830 https://youtu.be/eXEnD52b1gU?si=qHhX7TlQnzJOxMSv
Learn more about Eden Village Wilmington here: https://edenvillagewilmington.org/about-us/