Would you like a way to bring yourself back to centre? To clear stuck energy? To re-connect to your inner peace? For me it seems more important than ever. We are each of us responsible for the energy we bring to our lives, our relationships, our interactions, our work. I recently discovered a beautiful and transformative practice called Ho’oponopono, and was amazed at the power of this ancient practice, it works wonders.
What is Ho’oponopono?
Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice, simple yet profound. In the roots of this practice is the belief that harmony can only be achieved when we recognise and accept our responsibility in creating our reality. There are four key phrases: “I am sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” and “I love you.” When spoken internally or aloud with sincerity and intention, these phrases can release negative emotions, heal relationships, and bring about a sense of balance and peace. Ho’oponopono is about forgiveness and setting things right.
In fact, the word “ho’oponopono” is derived from the Hawaiian words “ho’o” (“to make”) and “pono” (“right”). The repetition of “pono” means “doubly right” or being right with both yourself and with others. Traditionally it was used as a mediation process within families and communities to resolve conflicts and restore harmony and balance. More than just a practice, it is a way of life that teaches us the power of forgiveness, responsibility, unconditional love, and offers us a path towards emotional healing and spiritual growth.
Getting Started with Ho’oponopono
If you’re new to Ho’oponopono, here is a simple way to begin:
- Find a quiet space where you can sit down or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes, and let them rest.
- Take a few deep breaths. A full breath in, and a long, releasing exhale out through the mouth. Keep going, with every exhale, allow any tension to melt away.
- Now, bring to mind a relationship, or a specific situation that you feel needs healing. We will use four simple, yet powerful statements to initiate this healing process.
- Whisper or speak the following phrases internally or aloud, for as long as feels right. Gently repeat: “I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”
- Feel the emotions beneath the words. Allow these statements to wash over you, bringing healing and peace.
- When you feel ready to end your practice, take a big inhale and tune into your heart space. Notice any shifts, any lightness, or release that you may feel, any changes at all.
- Offer yourself gratitude for spending this time in meditation, for giving yourself this gift of healing.
The Healing Continues…
Ho’oponopono is a practice that deepens and becomes more powerful over time. I encourage you to return to this meditation as often as you can, as a daily practice or whenever you need to restore the peace. As you incorporate this practice into your daily life, you may discover a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
You can apply the Ho’oponopono phrases in different ways, for different aspects of your life. For example:
- To heal strained relationships, direct healing intentions towards those involved.
- To overcome personal challenges and failures, forgive yourself.
- To improve your well-being, offer your body and mind compassion and healing.
- To heal ancestral wounds, reflect on your ancestors, honour their lineage and express gratitude for their lives.
- For a more peaceful world, send out healing for balance and harmony.
Ho’oponopono has the power to create profound change in your life. Why? Because it allows for a heartfelt conversation with your inner self and with those things you wish to heal. Whether you’re seeking to heal personal wounds, improve relationships, clear the air or find inner peace, keep these words close to your heart and and let them guide you on your journey. May we each experience healing and harmony and know that as we heal the self, we positively impact the whole!
