One of the things that can keep you stuck in life is the unwillingness to forgive — either yourself or others.
Are you hanging on to past hurts and resentments? Have you tried to reconcile your feelings about forgiveness but still find it difficult to move on?
Forgiveness can be challenging, but in order to free yourself of the burden that’s keeping you tethered to a mistake or wrongdoing, you need an easy and effective solution.
I’d like to spotlight an ancient Hawaiian prayer called Ho’oponopono, which I learned about in my Advanced Consciousness Studies class. The practice translates to “make things right” or “make things move back to balance.” The purpose of this practice is to liberate yourself of the heavy chains that have been keeping you mentally imprisoned, so you can heal and open yourself up to the fullness of life.
The Ho’oponopono Prayer contains 4 short and powerful assertions that are recited in the following manner:
You say…
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
The first step focuses on repentance. We must convey remorse for the particular issue. Saying, “I’m sorry,” can be a difficult pair of words to utter, since you’re admitting ownership. But once these words are spoken from the heart, the second step, asking for forgiveness, breaks you open and reveals your humanity. The third step, expressing gratitude, creates an affirmative loop in the midst of a sensitive situation. And the fourth step is the most potent. Heartfelt forgiveness requires love — the substance that is at the core of all life.
I see forgiveness as a gracious act that begins AND ends with me. In other words, when I initiate the process, it’s mainly for my benefit. In asking for forgiveness, I pray that my thoughts and words will positively affect the other person or situation, but I have no control over the response. I am only responsible for forgiving myself, and hopefully, my actions will be received with love and grace. Forgiving others also begins with me. It frees me from the heavy weight of condemnation. In essence, what I’m really pursuing is my own health and peace of mind.
Although I have not completely relinquished my perfectionist queen crown, I don’t don it 24/7 like I used to. But sometimes, I can be super hard on myself regarding personal goals. Ho’oponopono keeps me grounded and humble. Repeating this lovely Hawaiian prayer during a meditation session, assists me in surrendering negative feelings. Incorporated with deep breathing, Ho’oponopono can render refreshing results. Ho’oponopono is a straightforward method of cleansing and reconciliation. It can be used to heal a relationship or to bolster practices in self-love.
Are you harboring guilt and shame for a poor choice you’ve made? Do you want to experience more peace and positivity? Add Ho’oponopono to your spiritual toolkit and notice how you feel.
Consider This
Forgiveness is a gesture of love for others and yourself. Interested in more forgiveness tips? Check out a previous Lifestyle 120 post called “Benefits of Forgiveness.” You’ll discover additional reasons why it’s important to forgive.
Do you have a vision for what you want the 2nd half of your life to look like? And are you willing to establish standards to help yourself get there?
Four steps to nourish, transform and flourish this week…
• Set a loving intention to regularly practice forgiveness.
• Begin by tapping into a simple and effective tool designed to transform a difficult situation and help you restore balance.
• How will using a forgiveness prayer like Ho’oponopono express your love for others and yourself?
• Now, close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help with building and sustaining healthy relationships?
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In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.