In the realm of ancient Hawaiian wisdom, is a captivating and sacred practice for healing, problem solving, and forgiveness – of ourselves and others. Ho’oponopono, pronounced as “hoh OH pohno pohno,” carries within it the potential to untangle the knots of guilt, blame, regret, anger, and shame that may have woven themselves into the fabric of your mind, body, and spirit.
Imagine a journey where you can release the weight of past burdens and walk towards a path of forgiveness, acceptance, and release. The art of Ho’oponopono presents itself as a beacon of light for this very purpose.
None of us need struggle when there is something we can do to support and relieve our suffering.
In Hawaiian, this word translates to “to make right or to rectify an error,” a definition that transcends the boundaries of mere actions, extending to the realm of emotions, memories, and beliefs that shape the tapestry of our inner world.
An “error” embodies not only deeds but also memories, emotions, and words that linger in the depths of your subconscious. Ho’oponopono emerges as a conduit for transformation. It opens the door to cleanse, release, and heal the wounds that have nestled themselves within, often preventing the blossoming of our true potential.
Guided by the power of four profound phrases, this practice lays the groundwork for releasing pain, embracing forgiveness, and unearthing the gems of happiness that often remain hidden beneath layers of emotional debris.
Just as a skilled gardener tends to the soil, these phrases work to nurture the soil of your soul:
I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
TO PRACTICE
Picture yourself in a serene space, either seated or lying down, your spine erect, and your breath weaving a rhythm that connects you with the present moment. Through deep, intentional breaths, infuse your cells and organs with life-giving oxygen, fostering a state of harmony within.
As you settle into this gentle rhythm, allow your mind to call forth a memory, a belief, or an emotion that has lingered, casting shadows on your personal growth. With courage, let these emotions surface, riding the waves of your breath. And as they surface, give them the gift of release, allowing them to dissipate in the expanses of your breath.
Gently, like a mantra that soothes the soul, let the four phrases weave their magic. Whether they escape your lips or resonate in the sanctuary of your thoughts, they hold the power to unravel the knots that have hindered your progress.
Breath after breath, phrase after phrase, you venture into the depths of self-healing. Emotions rise and fall, sensations unfurl and recede. With each cycle, you affirm your capacity to embrace the flow of your emotions and, in doing so, dissolve their hold over you.
As the ancient practice of Ho’oponopono merges with the wisdom of somatic awareness, a metamorphosis unfolds. A transformation of the subconscious ensues – a transformation that births positivity, openness, and freedom.
With each breath, you heal; with each phrase, you forgive. As your heart heals, your mind transforms.
In the dance of healing and forgiveness, Ho’oponopono emerges as a partner – a steadfast guide inviting you to navigate the landscapes of your emotions, memories, and beliefs.
This is an invitation to shift your perspective, to unravel the threads that have held you captive, and to emerge with a heart that is lighter, a spirit that is freer, and a mind that is transformed.
In the words of Epictetus, which I tattooed on my arm in firm commitment to recover my life from the crippling grips of Bulimia Nervosa: “Ruin and recovery are both from within.”
So, as you journey into the realm of Ho’oponopono and somatic practices, remember this: your capacity to heal and transform resides within.
The power to rewrite your narrative, to untangle the knots, and to embrace forgiveness is yours. Allow these whispers of ancient wisdom to guide you as you navigate the terrain of your emotions, empowering you to walk the path of self-responsibility, acceptance, and liberation.
May you heal your heart and transform your mind.
Author:
Viki Thondley
Viki Thondley-Moore is an Integrative Holistic Counsellor, Brain-Based Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mind-Body Somatic Practitioner, Wellness Coach, Meditation Teacher, Educator and Disordered Eating Specialist. Viki is founder of MindBodyFood and Founder/Director of the MindBodyFood Institute.