Enlightened Hospitality

by Laurie Richardone

Hospitality is the practice of providing a warm and welcoming environment.

“Enlightened Hospitality” is a play on words, merging “enlightened” and “hospitality.” It suggests a hospitality approach that is warm and welcoming, but also spiritually enriching.

Enlightened Hospitality is a business philosophy coined by restaurateur Danny Myers. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of employees first, followed by guests, community, suppliers, and investors: In that order.

According to Danny Myers, to have high hospitality behavior, there are six emotional skills he gives attention to when he is putting a team together: “ Kindness, optimism, work ethic, curious intelligence, empathy, and integrity”. Whether in business or our personal lives, this philosophy can enrich the quality of our relationships.

Let’s break it down a bit:

Kindness - it’s the quality of being generous, and considerate towards others.

Optimism - it is a positive mindset or attitude.

Work ethic - refers to a set of values that guide us in our approach to work.

Curious intelligence - the ability to be inquisitive and seek out new knowledge.

Empathy - the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Integrity - the quality of being honest in one’s actions and interactions.

I have learned that hospitality is an important asset to develop in our lives.

This idea of Enlightened Hospitality goes beyond traditional hospitality, we are giving our complete attention to something, or someone because we care: This has the power to transform not only the hospitality industry but is a force for positive change, and a deeper connection to the people that come into our lives.

How could this philosophy be applied to improve the quality of our relationships, with ourselves, and the people around us?

1. Self-Care First: Just as enlightened hospitality prioritizes employees, start with taking care of yourself. Ensure you are physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. This might include practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that replenish you.

2. Family and Friends: Focus on building strong supportive relationships, with family and friends. Show them appreciation, listen actively, and spend quality time together. Being present and engaged can foster deeper connections.

3. Community involvement: Engaging with our community whether volunteering, or supporting local businesses, or events, can provide a sense of belonging and mutual support.

So why is this important? It creates positive experiences, ultimately building stronger communities and a more nurturing world.

How do we cultivate this skill in our own lives?

For some, it comes naturally, we were nurtured to be hospitable: For others, it has to be cultivated. Either way, it is a skill to be practiced.

In essence, hospitality is the practice of providing a welcoming environment for not only guests but for our relationships as well. It’s where the goal is to create positive experiences and build lasting connections.

In today’s culture separation has become the norm. We all crave genuine connection. Enlightened Hospitality, serves as a guiding light offering experiences that lift us and enrich our lives.

Think of Enlightened Hospitality as the art of making someone feel seen, cared for, and even cherished. Connecting with others matters. May we always open our doors, minds, and hearts to the beauty of true hospitality.

May your path be filled with generous hospitality.

If you are a curious person or a cook, join me on my Podcast ~ A Taste for All Seasons

Listen to the latest episode ~ Enlightened Hospitality

All episodes are on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and Certified Wellness Coach

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact