
I wrote recently on the ‘power word’ benediction, and today it’s blessing and welcoming hospitality that arise, deliciously, for reflection.
In the February message from Friends of Silence, the reflection theme was friendship, but moreso a quality of blessing and welcoming hospitality that seems the gift of the anam cara or soul friend.
Even more beautiful, as we cultivate and work with these ‘power words’ or qualities, we notice their essence rise and spread within us as well as overflowing outward to friends and even strangers alike.
When I feel out of sorts — and that’s easy these days — these are among the simple practices I return to to restore a sense of center and graciousness (another power word!).
The Friends of Silence message started with, “…the value of a life well-lived is not measured so much in accomplishments as in the way we treat each encounter with another person as an opportunity for welcoming hospitality.”
In the various reflections included, is one from the late beloved poet, author, and former priest, John O’Donohue, whose inspiration I’ve included in Sophia’s Children meditations before:

“It is such a blessing and privilege to have people who continue each day to bless us with their love and prayer. These inner friends of the heart confer on us inestimable gifts.
In these times of greed and externality, there is such unusual beauty in having friends who practice profound faithfulness to us, praying for us each day without our ever knowing or remembering it.
There are often lonesome frontiers we could never endure or cross without the inner sheltering of these friends.
It is hard to live a true life that endeavors to be faithful to its own calling and not become haunted by the ghosts of negativity, therefore, it is not a luxury to have such friends; it is necessary.” ~ John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us.

Follow the inspiration to related posts below, or continue on to Joy, Presence, and the Power of Reciprocal Blessing here at Sophia’s Children.
Or if it’s up your alley, find inspiration in the Feminine Mojo audio program, Circe: The ‘Everyday Magic’ of the Warm & Gracious Welcome.
For more power word musings, stay tuned; they’re on the writing list.
For other soothing, calming remedies for intense times and ‘zap zones’, visit the Resources for Empaths & Sensitives Series and check out the links.
May you be showered with a thousand golden blessings (or another color, if you prefer!). And may you increasingly be blessing and hospitality embodied. (Sounds like fun!).
Big Love,
February 28, 2015 at 8:53 pm
I love reading John O’ Donohue. He has sun a mystical quality to his words. I am learning to be my own Anam Cara. It’s so important to wellness.
February 28, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Beautiful, Kim. It’s a sort of lectio divina, for sure, and I, too, have enjoyed John O’Donohue’s writings. He was a poet and mystic, to be sure. And yes, we do well to cultivate our inner anam cara as well as those we’re fortunate to have somewhere in our lives. Blessings, Jamie
March 1, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Hi Jamie,
We’ve been experiencing the Anam Cara here, too. Thanks for sharing about what gets you through these times. You have a lot of good links here. It’d be a nice place/post to return to for more reflection.
Aloha,Ka
March 1, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Aloha, Ka – another beautiful word-vibe, Aloha. I’m glad you’re experiencing the Anam Cara, and you’re welcome – I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the Muse-food. Blessings to you. Love, Jamie
March 2, 2015 at 1:23 am
Ah, aloha, great word! It’s all in the breath. Lovely post, too. Thanks, I enjoyed reading.
March 2, 2015 at 1:25 am
Thank you; I’m glad you enjoyed it, too. It’s true, isn’t it? It’s all in the breath and some words are just like that. I’ve been enjoying your posts as well!
March 2, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Excellent post and such a nice blog. You are very talented. Hugs, Barbara
March 2, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Thank you for the kind words, Barbara. Deeply appreciated. 🙂 And I enjoy your blog as well, and all of the passion and ‘key intel’ you share through it. Blessings, Jamie
March 2, 2015 at 7:20 pm
That was so nice for you to say. Thank you. Hugs, Barbara
March 2, 2015 at 7:27 pm
My pleasure. 🙂
March 2, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Reblogged this on IdealisticRebel's Daily View of Favorites.
March 2, 2015 at 4:02 pm
Reblogged this on IdealisticRebel's Daily View of Favorites.
March 2, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Thank you so much for reblogging this post, Barbara! I appreciate that. Blessings, Jamie
March 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm
It is my pleasure. You do good work. Hugs, Barbara
March 2, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Similar replies at the same time – we’re in sync. 🙂 Thank you, Barbara.
March 7, 2015 at 2:50 pm
“There are often lonesome frontiers we could never endure or cross without the inner sheltering of these friends.”..
My circle of Spiritual Sisters grows ever wider, and we each of us are now finding once another..
Many thanks for sharing as I add my continual prayers and Blessings
Hugs Sue x
March 7, 2015 at 4:03 pm
It’s so true, Sue, isn’t it? It’s like ‘manna’ when we cross paths, as we’re all distributed here and there (like acupuncture needles on the body of the Earth!). You’re welcome, and many thanks for the good-medicine of your continual prayers and Blessings! xoxo Love, Jamie
March 7, 2015 at 4:07 pm
I like that.. ” acupuncture needles”….I have this treatment monthly… and its amazing how it works.. 🙂
March 7, 2015 at 4:11 pm
So lovely! I miss my tcm/acupuncturist dearly. It really IS amazing how it works, and perhaps even moreso for those of us ‘wired’ that way. xoxo Jamie
March 7, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Agreed 🙂