HO’OPONOPONO

One of the best ways I know to release the past is through Ho’Oponopono, an ancient Kahuna cleansing technique used to release unwanted memories, thoughts and beliefs. While traditionally this technique is done in a group under the guidance of a Kahuna healer, it may also be done alone.

Ho’Oponopono means to make things right. This problem-solving process brings you back into harmony with any relationship, be it someone you know, you don’t know or even with your ancestors. Most of our thoughts arise from either the past or the future. These thoughts, in turn, create our responses and reactions. Ho’Oponopono clears the memories and fears/worries that create these thoughts and beliefs so that we can freely act in the moment instead.

When you find you are thinking/reacting from a place of memory – hurt, anger, sadness, etc, – or from the future – worry or fear for example - do Ho’Oponopono. Speak its four phrases as if to a 6 year old, your inner child, and say them in this order:

I love, you.

I’m sorry (I apologize).

Please forgive me.

Thank you.

Say these four phrases repeatedly until your thoughts are clear. Traditionally, this practice is not done as needed, but as an ongoing process. It is used to clear memories from the ancestors, individuals, childhood, and groups. It cleans memories from known issues, but also memories whose origins are unknown.

Ultimately, Ho’Opnopono is about recognizing our oneness with all life and the impact we have on each other. It is a process of taking full responsibility for our actions and thoughts and the actions of others toward us. It is recognizing that our thoughts create our realities and what happens to us. By cleansing our limiting thoughts and beliefs, we “cleanse” our worlds and bring experiences of inspiration instead of continuous wounding (which reflects our limiting and cyclical thoughts and beliefs).

Instead of stuffing your thoughts, feelings and beliefs, use this technique to observe them, to recognize how you are thinking and feeling. Then immediately say these four phases – I love you, I apologize, please forgive me, thank you – to cleanse the memories, feelings and beliefs. Any time you feel anger, frustration, sadness, fear, churning in the gut and so on, do this technique and you’ll be amazed at how things change in your life.

There’s a story about Ho’Oponopono that’s circulated the net recently. It’s a fantastic example of the power of this technique and whether true or not, it’s a great story. As it goes, a Kahuna healer was called into a Mental hospital in Hawaii because things were out of control. Instead of visiting with and treating the patients, however, he only went through their files for three full days. During this time, all the patients got better, some to the point of being released.

When asked what he did, the Kahuna healer responded, “I was simply healing that part of me that created them.” He explained that total responsibility for your life means that everything in your life – simply because it is in your life – is your responsibility.

So bring Ho’Oponopono into your life and give it a try! May you find harmony, balance and peace in the New Year through this process, both within and without, and may your life be filled with joy and peace.