Hoʻoponopono

Hoʻoponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Loosely, and I mean loosely translated in English means, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.”

The word has much more meaning in Hawaiian. It has been used for a long time, but it’s Dr.Hew Len who we have a account of just how powerful a mantra it truly is. He was appointed clinical psychologist for the prison ward at the Hawaii State Hospital. Poorly managed, patients were out of control, employees feared for their life. Dr.Len would go through the patient’s files and Ho’oponopono them as it were. He never saw a patient. Slowly but surely the environment changed, patient and staff health improved until after 4 years, the entire ward closed. Forgiveness works. Case closed. ; )

Tip: You can do this for yourself and others. Simply repeat the words over and over again to yourself, outloud or written. Let it go and watch the magic happen!

“I’m sorry,

please forgive me,

thank you,

I love you.”