Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Ho'oponopono: The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness


By now, you've probably heard about Ho’oponopono, the Hawaiian practice of forgiveness. Ho'oponopono (which translates as “to make rightly right”) was originally used as a traditional family conference, whereby misunderstandings and conflicts were discussed in the presence of a mediator (haku). The process of resolution (kalana) required everyone involved to look in their hearts, take responsibility for the conflict, and forgive both themselves and the others.

More recently, through the work of Morrnah Nalamaku Simeonah (1970’s) and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len (1980’s), Ho’oponopono has become mainstream wisdom as a method of healing and purification. It is flexible system, practiced in various forms, which promotes:

  Deep heart connection, internally and with the outside world
  Forgiveness of self and others
  - Responsibility for the whole (Unity consciousness)
  Purification of inner blockages and beliefs that interfere with peace
  Cleansing of fears, worries, destructive relationship patterns, etc.

The Process (one of many variations):
If something disturbs you and you feel disharmony within yourself, or recognize a problem or conflict, try the following:

1.  Ask for spiritual support, courage, wisdom, or simply connect with your heart

2.  Consider the problem, then search your heart for your share in it (ie: a judgment, action, or memory that requires healing)

3.  Speak the four phrases:

I’m sorry
Please forgive me
I love you
Thank you


4.  Feel gratitude, and let go

This can be repeated over and over again, and is directed inward, toward the divine part of oneself. It can also be directed outward, toward another person, a condition (poverty, crime, etc.), or anything that needs healing.

For a beautiful, nine-minute guided meditation by Vicki Howie, please visit: http://consciouslifenews.com/heal-heart-relationships-hooponopono/

Pages