Being hospitable 

“Being hospitable is the virtue of a great soul that cares for the whole universe through humanity.” – said Louis, chevalier de Jaucourt.

Being hospitable is one of the wisest possible investments anyone can make. It is an investment in self, in relationships, in community, and in global affairs. Hospitable action, is an incredibly powerful way to expand mind and heart.

Hospitality is the heart of everything, everywhere, globally – and the extent to which hospitality is extended, can make people feel welcome beyond their expectations.

Guests come to experience the culture of the country and will accept any way in which cultural activities are performed or delivered, because it is new and different.

BUT, they do not expect cultural behaviour from service staff in the five star facility in that same country where they expect and want standard procedures and universal treatment. 

This is a fact.

So staff cannot, and should not have an attitude of, “this is how we do it here, it is our culture, and you (guests) simply have to accept our ways.”

Maybe this behaviour can fly in a budget facility, but not in a five star establishment.

To act hospitably, means moving out of one’s personal (and cultural) comfort zone, and delivering what is expected. 

Spiritual qualities of hospitality, means having an open, receptive, and nurturing love for all humanity, drawing on one’s own inner peace, that calms and comforts a guest – no matter the crisis or storm.

Hospitality’s overarching essence is love (for all of life), and kindness that is warm and enchanting, and satisfies the heart with attentive care and tenderness, furnishing a safe, protected haven for all those who enter..

It’s almost like having a certain rhythm to address, and care for, all of life’s expressions, which is much like a multi-faceted jewel – to be regarded as a treasure trove of a variety of expressions, virtues and values, all of which the service giver must be aware of.

Since both giver (staff) and receiver (guest) are considered blessed through their coming together, it is an accepted form for both to show respect.

In ancient times, it was also generally accepted across cultures that if hospitality was not granted to an individual or group, it was considered a crime against humanity.

Hospitality is thus considered a sacred art that unites all nations.

Unfortunately, this concept is only understood by a handful of establishments because being hospitable is being obscured by guests PAYing for a service (hospitality) and EXPECTing that they get the same value (in Service) for what they pay for.

Which is perfectly fine. Everybody wants value for their money.

But the exchange of money – creates a one way obligatory wherein the one providing the service must be the only one being hospitable, and the guest is allowed to be rude and obnoxious in any way they please – because they pay for it.

This causes a disruption of harmony in flow in the universe.

Regardless of rude guests, and the unbalance they cause – being authentically hospitable is a matter of kindness – as kindness redefines all relationships. 

A kind, hospitable person exhibits a tangible generosity of spirit with a confident, comfortable and co-operative graceful sincerity, and presents an all-inclusive welcome to everyone – showing an open heart with a generous smile and dedicated affinity.

Affinity is the warm welcome afforded to the visitor, the guest – the attitude with which the service is provided –  meaning how hospitable they are – their Meraki.

Meraki refers to the act of doing something with passion and love. It means giving a piece of yourself to your work.

When you do something with meraki, you invest every little bit of your being in that thing. The object of your labour is no longer simply something created, but something endowed – leaving something of yourself in that thing.

Guests will notice this passion for hospitality and love for humanity, and just by that alone, staff can ensure guests have a natural and authentic experiences.

If staff can’t do this. They don’t belong in a service providing position.