There’s a reason Hawaiians are some of the longest lived Americans and I’m pretty sure one of them is an ancient Hawaiian forgiveness practice called Ho’oponopono
It means: I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
Literally, it means to make amends, to put things right. And it’s usually used as a mantra.
What some people find is that, even if they think they don’t have anything to be sorry for, use of the mantra brings up stuff. Old stuff. New stuff. Deep stuff. And the mantra helps soothe that stuff, settles the disharmony in the mind.
Of course, if we begin to dig, we do find stuff we can put right. Each of us. But this goes even deeper:
This beautiful practice recognizes the connection of all life and that by healing ourselves we begin to heal the world, too.
If we want to change what’s going on in the world (and God knows, we do), we must begin with what’s going on inside us. The practice of Ho’oponopono is one way to do that.
It’s not like we are personally responsible for all the wrongs in the world. But we ARE responsible for ourselves and setting ourselves right can begin to set the world right. What if we all did that? What kind of change would we see in the world?
Not too long ago I read that the focus in Hawaii these days is on using the practice of Ho’oponopono to help with reconciliation with family, both living and dead. But its tradition is far broader.
But I think it’s a practice whose time has come. Use of Ho’oponopono can help settle the mind and soul in this crazy time, a time when we feel assaulted both literally and physically. It’s a way of bringing peace and stillness to our lives.
I first came across the concept when a shaman friend brought it to my attention. I didn’t do anything with it, then, but it obviously resonated deeply because although I didn’t call it by its name, it was one of the things I thought about doing when faced with a challenging family situation.
I’m going to begin using it as a daily mantra and see what happens.
Maybe you want to do the same?
That is a wonderful practice. I hope more and more people start practicing it!
This is so beautiful. I once lived in Hawaii and am grateful for having an itimate look into the culture. What a great Mantra you shared!
I LOVE this! We are all human, and none of us are perfect. We could all stand to make this a part of our daily lives.
Stacie recently posted…12 Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood With Kids of All Ages
Yes. Just saying the word is a fun concentration on positivity!
Haralee recently posted…Summer Closet Cleaning
Thank you for sharing! I love this practice. Forgiveness and love are so important. We are all human and no one is perfect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I did not know Hawaiins lived long but who wouldn’t want to live in Hawaii. I love that mantra and we all would benefit from a mantra like that.
Melissa Chapman recently posted…5 Ways to Create Your Very Own Summer Backyard Oasis
There is no doubt that forgiveness is much needed in todays world. Of self and others. Perhaps even of things that were never committed but instilled hurt in the intention. Great mantra … for us all!
Mitch recently posted…Fun Facts I Bet You Didn’t Know About The 4th Of July
This is great information, I had no idea! I have tried to incorporate this type f idea in my daily life through the things I have learned in a 12 step program. I love anything that teaches me to own my part in situations, to forgive, and to be forgiven!
Mitch Chaitin recently posted…It’s An Updated Bedroom With Our New Zinus Mattress! @zinusUSA #Ad
The Hawaiians are some of the most spiritual people in the U.S. I think if we can apply this to our everyday life, the world would be better off.
Sometimes the hardest things to do are also the simplest like saying I’m sorry.
Jennifer recently posted…It May Be Painful To Separate
This is a great practice. The culture of the Hawaiian people is one of much love and respect.
I love this! I would love to hear how to pronounce the word, it’s seems so sweet!
Akamatra recently posted…My breastfeeding story. If I can do it, so can you!
its one of the most beautiful mantras. I’ve been doing it for a couple of years. A lifesaver.
This is so pretty! I wish more people in the mainland USA were more loving like Hawaiians are. We have a lot that needs to be made right here.
That mantra is absolutely gorgeous. So interesting to know that Hawaiians are the longest-living Americans.
Kelly Reci recently posted…The Fascinating Neve Tzedek as a Tourist Destination
I love this! Now I’m just trying to figure out how to say the word! This is definitely a way to be happier in your own life.
Shannon Gurnee recently posted…Visiting the Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach, California
I haven’t heard of this word before but I seriously think it is a great mantra to live by. Thanks for sharing this!
Toni | Boulder Locavore recently posted…Star Spangled Layered Finger Jello
Thank you for sharing as this was a very uplifting and inspiring read. I love what Ho’oponopono stands for and will use it for my won life.
This is a great practice, I bet my kids would benefit from his too. Saying sorry is so important for people to move on!
I can see why it would be a way of healthy living. The ability to forgive is so very important. It’s not only good for the person who receives it but so much more for the person who gives it. Focusing on forgiveness and love does make life better and reduce stress I would imagine.
David Allen Elliott recently posted…The Single Dad’s Guide to Fake News Volume 9
What a wonderful mantra. it is true that if we want to make/see changes in the world, we must first start with ourselves. I will put this Ho’oponopono habit into practice.
i practise this. love you for sharing this !!! hooponopono – i love you, thank you and i am sorry, please forgive you
This is a very nice practice. I had never heard of it before! it is a wonderful mantra. True that if you want to change the world, you must change yourself first
Even the name inspires forgiveness and tranquillity. I love reading about new cultures and Hawai is definitely on my travel list. Ho’oponopono ♥
CATALINA NINI recently posted…Why did we move from the Lake District National Park ?
What a lovely practice. It’s a good thing to start doing.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Have You Considered Apartment Life as an Option for Retirement?
What would happen if, with every situation that causes you to be angry, confused, upset, worried, or frightened, instead of railing at the situation and placing the blame “out there” (the White House, hurricanes, the situation in Yemen, the latest mass shooting, etc.), just what if you simply addressed each one of these situations by saying, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.” …. Read More