Ho'oponopono: The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness & Healing

What Is Ho'oponopono?

Ho'oponopono means “to make right” or “to correct.” Traditionally, it was a communal practice led by a kahuna (spiritual elder), where family members would come together to clear conflicts through prayer, discussion, and forgiveness.

Today, a simplified and powerful version, popularized by Morrnah Simeona and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, focuses on personal responsibility for healing. It involves silently repeating a four-part healing mantra to cleanse thoughts, beliefs, and energy patterns that may be creating suffering.

The Four Phrases of the Ho'oponopono Mantra

The modern Ho'oponopono practice centers around these four phrases:

1. I’m sorry.
Acknowledgment of pain or discord, even if you don’t fully understand its origin.

2. Please forgive me.
A request for forgiveness - not just from others, but from yourself and Spirit.

3. Thank you.
Gratitude for the opportunity to heal, release, and move forward.

4. I love you.
A return to love - the frequency that restores wholeness.

Each phrase is said inwardly, directed toward yourself, another person, a memory, or even a painful situation. You do not need to be in physical contact with anyone involved-the healing begins within.

How to Practice Ho'oponopono

1. Create a Quiet, Reflective Space

Begin in stillness. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and center yourself. You may light a candle or hold a meaningful object to anchor your intention.

2. Bring the Issue to Mind

Think of a person, memory, or feeling that needs healing. Don’t try to solve or analyze it - simply bring it into your awareness.

3. Repeat the Mantra Slowly

Speak each phrase silently or aloud, with sincerity:

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

Repeat for several minutes, allowing the words to flow with your breath.

4. Allow the Shift

Feelings may rise - tears, resistance, warmth, or calm. Let them come. Trust that healing is happening, even if nothing changes immediately on the surface.

5. Close with Gratitude

End the practice with a few deep breaths and a gentle “thank you” to yourself, Spirit, and the process.

When and Why to Use Ho'oponopono

• During emotional pain or stress
• To heal past wounds or limiting beliefs
• To release resentment or regret
• To offer forgiveness to yourself or others
• As part of daily spiritual cleansing

This practice is especially powerful because it doesn’t require the other party’s involvement. It is a self-directed spiritual healing method that restores inner peace regardless of outer circumstances.

The Deeper Teaching: Taking Full Responsibility

One of the core tenets of Ho'oponopono is that we are each responsible for what shows up in our experience - not through blame, but through energetic participation. This concept invites humility and empowerment:

“I’m not fixing you. I’m healing the part of me that contributed to this reality.”

By cleaning our inner landscape, we naturally influence the outer one. Ho'oponopono teaches that healing the world begins with healing the self.

Final Thoughts: Love as the Ultimate Medicine

At its heart, Ho'oponopono is a prayer of transformation. These four simple phrases offer a path back to wholeness - through truth, humility, gratitude, and love.

When you repeat this mantra, you are not just speaking to another. You are speaking to your soul, to your inner child, to the Divine within and around you.

Let this practice remind you: Forgiveness is not weakness - it is the return of power, presence, and peace.

Explore Ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian practice of forgiveness and healing. Learn how this sacred mantra can help you release pain, restore peace, and return to love.