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The Ho'oponopono Prayer: A Path to Healing and Forgiveness

What is the Ho'oponopono prayer?


The Ho'oponopono prayer is a Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Rooted in ancient Hawaiian spiritual traditions, this prayer aims to heal relationships by clearing negative energies and restoring balance.


It offers us another way to take accountability for your past, present and future relationships -- with others, with the earth, with yourself.


When I have interactions with others, I aim to call in the highest alignment of all involved. That is to say, alongside me stepping into my higher self, calling on my team, ascended masters and all beings of the light and ‘I am’ presence, I call forth their higher self so it is in this alignment we connect, communicate and consolidate.


The Ho’oponopono prayer is one way I often work behind the scenes to both hold another in their highest potential and continue to realign any misused energies within the relationship from my behalf.



Hands holding Mala prayer beads


Origins


Ho'oponopono, which means "to make right," was traditionally used by Hawaiian communities to resolve conflict and restore harmony. The modern version, popularised by Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, emphasises personal responsibility in the healing process.

Benefits


There are four forces at work in this prayer: repentance, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. These are reflected in the four phrases that make up the prayer.


The phrases, which you can repeat in any order, silently to yourself or out loud, are:

  1. "I’m sorry."

  2. "Please forgive me."

  3. "Thank you."

  4. "I love you."


These words act as a form of self-cleansing, helping you release emotional burdens, heal wounds, and transform negative thoughts. Through repeated use, it brings peace, forgiveness, and inner healing, affecting both personal well-being and relationships.


It’s natural to resist this practice at first, especially if you’ve got a lot of healing to do. I was! After a few times, it gets easier. You might feel better right away, or feel your evolution like a slow melt into love.


How to Use It


This prayer has a lot of power in it. So, starting today, consciously practice the prayer daily and see who comes up, or you can practice the prayer on someone or with someone specifically… To practice Ho'oponopono, find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted, and get yourself comfortable. Repeat the four phrases, focusing on someone or something you wish to heal. You can apply it to situations, relationships, or even your relationship with yourself.

Chakra Connection


The Ho'oponopono prayer aligns with multiple energy centres:

  • Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): By letting go of guilt and blame, it restores personal power and self-worth.

  • Heart Chakra (Anahata): It fosters love, compassion, and forgiveness.

  • Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): It encourages clear, honest communication with oneself and others.


The 7 main chakra energy centres of the body


Signs of Misalignment & Journal Prompts


If you're feeling disconnected from others, overwhelmed by guilt, or unable to forgive, your heart or throat chakra might be out of balance. Ask yourself:

  • What am I holding on to that I need to release?

  • How can I show more compassion toward myself and others?

  • What past hurts still affect me, and how can I heal them?

  • What am I sorry for?

  • Where do I still need forgiveness?

  • Where am I still seeking forgiveness?

  • What am I thankful for?

  • Do I really feel loved?

  • Why am I worthy of love?

  • Where do I want to feel more love?

  • Here is the bombshell of all journal prompts: ' 'Who in my life, do I feel would need to forgive me?’ Whoa….mike drop!


In Practice


The simplicity and profound power of the Ho'oponopono prayer make it a transformative tool in spiritual practices. By regularly using this prayer, you can foster emotional healing, greater compassion, and alignment with your higher self.


The philosophy behind this practice is that we’re each responsible for what shows up in our reality. We own our feelings and our experiences. So even if someone else has wronged us, we’re the ones saying “I am sorry. Forgive me…”


The foundation of this practice is unity: an unbreakable bond connects you to everyone else, even though we seem so separate.


When errors are corrected externally, errors are corrected internally. When you “cleanse” your consciousness, you contribute to the cleansing of the “collective consciousness.” When you forgive others, you, too, are forgiven because...


Loving each other and loving yourself is kind of the same thing.


Woman sitting in a field meditating with one hand over her heart

Want More?


Explore the deeper power of Ho'oponopono in your healing journey, bringing balance to your mind, body, and spirit. Start today by sitting with these four phrases and allow the healing to flow.


Further your journey by exploring your chakra alignments further with my Toe In experience or consider the full Chakra Immersion.


Some good resources to take you further into the Ho'oponopono Prayer;


Joe Vitale His website explores more about this transformational technique and how it can help release limiting beliefs through forgiveness and healing. Visit Joe Vitale’s Ho'oponopono site for insights and practical tools. His book Zero Limits is a great read or listen Check out the Audible link to his book here


My very own Chakra Immersion is a profound way to align with the energy centres within you, complementing practices like Ho'oponopono. As the prayer invites healing through forgiveness and inner peace, the Chakra Immersion guides you through deeper self-awareness, helping you clear blocks and cultivate balance across your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. Together, these practices foster harmony, encouraging you to release what no longer serves you and embrace transformative growth. If you're ready for the next step in your journey, the immersion awaits.


Warmest, Martine

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