(עין טובה) is a Hebrew phrase that literally translates to "a good eye." In Jewish and biblical tradition, it is an idiom used to describe a generous spirit, a positive outlook, and the practice of judging favorably.

Here are some actionable ways to have an Ayin Tovah:

• Judging Favorably: the practice of assuming the best in people and focusing on their positive attributes rather than zeroing in on their flaws.
• A Content Mindset: in the writings of Maimonides and other sages, it refers to a person who is satisfied with what they have and is genuinely happy for the successes of others.
• Generosity and Charity: sees the world as a place that replenishes, and giving and receiving as a part of it all.

To me, an Ayin Tovah is the foundation of hospitality.

To perceive and see the innocence and essence in ourselves and others is the most generous we can be.

Hospitality is not just about welcoming people into your home or heart. It is welcoming them into your perception.

Before someone feels held by your table, they feel held by your eyes.

An ayin tovah perspective says:

"I see your essence before I see your imperfections.

I see your soul before I see your wounds.

I see what is true about your essence even when you have forgotten it yourself."

That is one of the greatest forms of generosity of spirit.

Seeing someone's essence and having true hospitality in perception and generosity of spirit doesn't mean not having boundaries and discernment.

Boundaries and an open heart and mind are not mutually exclusive.

Both can (and must) exist.

Ayin Tovah is willingness to search for the spark.

To see why this is here for me. To see what I can learn here. To see what I can love here. To see the innocence here.

Not because everyone "deserves" or "earned" it.

Generosity of spirit is not a response to another person's "deserving."

It is an expression of your own Grace, your own soul, shining out.

Generosity of spirit is a remembering:

The sun does not shine selectively.

A spring does not ask who deserves water.

A tree does not choose who receives shade.

Its nature is simply to give.

And so is yours. So is the soul.

Beneath the fear.

Beneath the hurt.

Your soul is naturally generous.

Naturally expansive.

Naturally blessing.

Naturally welcoming.

Here is a prayer I have been saying each day for an Ayin Tovah that I'd love to share with you so if you choose, you can say it too:

Hashem/God:

May I be generous in my interpretations.

May I see the inherent perfection (and perfection in the imperfections) of everything and everyone without pedestaling or judging.

May I be generous in my listening.

May I know in my bones that boundaries and a generosity of spirit go hand in hand, and just because I see the good, I can still be discerning and balanced.

May I be generous in my seeing.

May I be generous with myself.

May I be generous with others.

May I have an ayin tovah.

May I see what Hashem sees.

The hidden spark.

The hidden beauty.

The hidden holiness.

And when I forget -

May I remember again.

Perhaps Ayin Tovah is one of the deepest forms of hospitality.

Not only about opening the door of your home, setting the most beautiful table, or being the most flawless host -

But opening the door of your perception.

Making room for people to be human.

Making room for people to be becoming.

Making room for people to be more than the worst thing they've done, the hardest thing they've lived through, or the story they currently believe about themselves, or even their accomplishments.

By FIRST doing that for your SELF. Seeing YOU for you, for your essence.

An ayin tovah perspective says:

I will not reduce you.

I will not rush to define you.

I will not mistake your coverings for your essence.

I will look a little deeper.

I won't waste a good trigger.

I will listen a little longer.

I will leave room for the possibility that there is more beauty or possibility here than I can currently see.

And I will offer that same grace to myself.

Because generosity of spirit begins here.

In the CHOICE (as the stewards of our own energy)

to see through the eyes of the heart and soul.

And whenever we forget, to remember again.