Hoʻoponopono (pronounced HO – oh – Po-no – Po-no) is an ancient Hawaiian philosophy which essentially means “to make right.” The idea is to utilize the powers of forgiveness and reconciliation to eliminate unserving energy and emotional baggage. It is an energetic cleansing of the unresolved guilt or grudges that hold you back and compromise your physical and emotional health. Such a release brings the Self and one’s relationships into a state of balance—including those with one’s ancestors. Through this pathway, hoʻoponopono may lead to deeper energetic healing.
One way to apply ho`oponopono is as a mantra to remind yourself that many of the problems we face are temporary and not worth carrying. Release them by repeating the Hawaiian prayer: “I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” This is a good start, though it may not be enough to heal all the traumas we carry.
Employing the full potential of hoʻoponopono requires enlisting a higher level of consciousness and adjusting our perceptions. Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, a Hawaiian Kahuna Lapa’au, states: “If we can accept that we are the sum total of all past thoughts, emotions, words, deeds and actions and that our present lives and choices are colored or shaded by this memory bank of the past, then we begin to see how a process of correcting or setting aright can change our lives, our families and our society.” In order to do this, we must recognize our own responsibility and our power to let go of even the most challenging grievances, particularly those we have been hesitant to apologize for or forgive. By doing this we may cleanse our relationships much in the same way as we cleanse our environments.
“When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future.”
-Bernard Meltzer
Why Is Forgiveness Important?
Dr. Dale Archer of Psychology Today agrees that there is healing power in forgiveness, whereas holding on to past hurts can damage the Self more than the inflictor. He says “anger, bitterness, resentment and vengeance can rob our very existence of any semblance of contentment. It can ravage us physically and emotionally. Yet, only when we forgive from our heart the hurts bestowed upon us can healing truly begin."
In order to be most effective this practice of forgiveness should involve two components. The first is simply letting go or moving on. The second is offering reconciliation by developing empathy, understanding, and compassion. Keep in mind that forgiving someone is not to label their words or actions as acceptable. It is not letting them off the hook. It is allowing yourself to move forward and be whole again.
Studies show that those who forgive are more likely to recover from anxiety, depression and other psychiatric disorders. It is also associated with improved physical health. To hold on to guilt and resentment is to allow stress to stay and flourish. Chronic stress and anger are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. The good news is that when you embrace Ho`oponopono, you allow your body and spirit to relax. You reduce the strain on your heart and actually boost your immune system, allowing yourself to feel more energetic and less anxious as you go about your day.
That's not all. Something magical happens when you forgive yourself or others. Science actually shows a visible increase in frontal lobe activity within the brain. This region is responsible for the higher functions of thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. When we forgive we think better, and we also feel better about ourselves. We develop better self-esteem and confidence, replacing our perceptions of ourselves as being powerless victims. We can empower ourselves to decide how we live our lives and what energy we carry. Start with this simple visualization exercise.
Practicing Hoʻoponopono1. In your mind’s eye, envision someone with whom you have unresolved conflict—someone who has wronged you, or whom you have wronged, or someone who just evokes unserving thoughts for whatever reason.
2. Now visualize the infinite source of Universal love and healing. Watch it flow down from your Higher Self and in through the top of your head. Feel the warmth of its healing vibrations.
3. Allow this energy to flow through your heart and out toward the individual you envisioned. Direct love and healing towards them as a symbol of your forgiveness.
4. In your mind, tell this person that you forgive them, and then let them go. Watch them float away as the cords of resentment that once bound you together are now removed.
This practice can be repeated as many times as necessary. The real test is when you can think of a person or event without revisiting past feelings or resentments—a sign that the traumas of the past have lost their hold. Find yourself freed and healed. That is the miracle of Ho`oponopono.
Schedule a telephone consultation with Rose for more personalized guidance on applying the Ho’oponopono Mantra to unlock deeper energetic healing.
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What To Remember:
Ho’oponopono is an Ancient Hawaiian philosophy of “making right.”
It can be used to balance the Self and your relationships.
You have the power to release this unserving energy and break free from the past.
Authentic forgiveness and reconciliation are mentally and physically healing.
References:
- Archer, Dale (2015). The Healing Power of Forgiveness. Retrieved from Psychology Today.
- Borchard, Theresa. The Power of Forgiveness. Retrieved from Psych Central.
- Kretzer, K, et al. (2007). Self identity through Ho'oponopono as adjunctive therapy for hypertension management. Retrieved from PubMed.
- Weir, Kristen (2017). Forgiveness Can Improve Mental and Physical Health. Retrieved from American Psychological Association.
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