Responsibility, Forgiveness & Transformation

Among them, Ho’oponopono stands out as a truly transformative, cleansing ancient Hawaiian practice for forgiveness and healing. 

I believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and Ho’oponopono aligns perfectly with this philosophy. By addressing the root cause of many of our challenges, negative thoughts and emotions, Ho’oponopono aims to empower us to create a more balanced and harmonious life, offering a pathway to inner peace that radiates outward, impacting every aspect of our lives.

Through my spiritual experiences, I’ve come to understand that our outer reality reflects our inner world. As we resolve disharmony within, our external reality begins to harmonise.

Ho’oponopono - pronounced Ho-oh-pono-pono - is an ancient Hawaiian healing practice for problem-solving and restoring harmony in life. The term means “to make (ho’o) right (pono) right (pono)” or simply “to make things right or to rectify an error” - to bring them into balance. It is a powerful tool for self-healing and restoring balance within ourselves and our world.

This practice was brought to modern attention by its founder, Kahuna Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, and further popularised by the late Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len. 

The Heart of Ho’oponopono

Ho’oponopono rests on four key principles:

1. Responsibility: We are responsible for everything that appears in our experience, not because we caused it, but because it's a reflection of our inner world.
2. Repentance: Acknowledging our part in creating the situation, even if we don't understand how. It's about taking ownership of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
3. Forgiveness: Releasing ourselves and others from the burden of resentment and anger. Forgiveness is primarily for our healing and liberation.
4. Transmutation/Love: Using the mantra “I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you” to transform negative energy into love, the ultimate healing force.

The Four Phrases Explained

Each phrase of the Ho’oponopono mantra carries a specific intention:

1. “I'm sorry”: This acknowledges our responsibility and expresses remorse for our role in creating the situation.
2. “Please forgive me”: A request for forgiveness from ourselves, from whatever force larger than ourselves we believe in, and potentially from others involved (though the focus is internal).
3. “Thank you”: Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to heal and for the process itself. Gratitude opens the door to miracles.
4. “I love you”: Sends love to the situation, to ourselves, and to all involved. Love is the ultimate healer.

How to Practise Ho’oponopono

The beauty of Ho’oponopono lies in its simplicity. Here's how you can begin:

• Preparation: Incorporating meditation into your Ho’oponopono practice can enhance its effectiveness by fostering a deeper connection with your inner self. A recommended breathing technique involves inhaling deeply through the nose for a count of seven, holding the breath for another count of seven, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth for a final count of seven. This method, often referred to as “HA” breathing, is rooted in traditional Hawaiian practices and serves to calm the mind and prepare the body for the healing process. Repeat “HA” breathing seven to ten times to connect with your higher self and your spiritual practice. Then, slowly repeat the mantra to yourself about seven or eight times:

“I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.”

• The mantra: Find a quiet space and repeat the four phrases mindfully, in rhythm with your breathing, either silently or aloud. Focus on the feeling behind each word. You can direct the mantra towards a specific problem, or a relationship, or use it as a general practice for clearing negativity.
• Cleansing tools: Consider incorporating tools like blue solar water (water left in a blue glass container in the sun), which represents cleansing, or visualising a violet flame to transmute negative energy. 
• Journalling: Writing can help identify and release limiting beliefs and negative emotions. Document the situation you’re working on and explore your feelings related to it.

The Benefits of Ho’oponopono

Regular practice of Ho’oponopono can bring a wealth of benefits:

• Stress reduction: By releasing negative emotions, you can experience greater peace and calm.
• Improved relationships: Ho’oponopono can help heal strained relationships by clearing resentment and fostering understanding.
• Increased self-awareness: The practice encourages introspection and helps you understand your patterns and triggers.
• Enhanced well-being: By addressing emotional and spiritual imbalances, Ho’oponopono can help support overall physical health.

Ho’oponopono is a gift - a powerful tool for self-healing and transformation.

It invites us to take responsibility for our experiences, forgive ourselves and others, and embrace the power of love to heal all. I encourage you to explore this ancient practice and discover the profound peace and well-being it can bring to your life. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Noxy Khowane is a health solutionist with a particular interest in women’s wellness. To get in touch, contact [email protected].