There is an age-old Hawaiian practice of forgiveness that is deeply healing for those who struggle with forgiveness, both for self and others. Ho’oponopono is the name of this beautiful yet powerful teaching on forgiveness (pronounced Ho-oh-Po-no-Po-no, discover how it works).
Forgiveness is an ancient Hawaiian practice that serves both as a concept of communication to reconcile and as a tool to restore balance and self-love.
It acts like a mantra for self-love in practice. What’s even more surprising is that it’s extremely simple.
As a zen concept, ho’oponopono means “to bring things back into balance” or to “make them right.” Pono refers to balance, in the sense of “life.” When things are in balance, nothing is wrong.
As a result, repeating the prayer over and over is a powerful way to cleanse the body of guilt, shame, haunting memories, ill will, and bad feelings that keep the mind stuck on negative thoughts.
Moreover, as a forgiveness practice, it resonates deeply with us, as it tends to penetrate our inner monologue over time.
Below is a practice you can follow to see how it works.
To explore how forgiveness connects to manifesting the life you’ve always wanted, check out our dedicated article on it.
Key Nuggets
- Forgiveness isn’t forgetting; it’s about acknowledging and releasing old emotional weight.
- Ho’oponopono’s four simple phrases can shift guilt into self-love and healing.
- Repetition builds impact—listening to the mantra works even when you’re busy or asleep.
- Forgiveness clears mental clutter, like decluttering a garage to make space for manifesting dreams.
It’s a Mantra-Lullaby
As a form of meditation, chant the following mantra repeatedly while sitting with your eyes closed in order to cleanse yourself of bad feelings.
Ho’oponopono is recited as follows:
“I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you.”
It’s that simple. Aren’t we all in need of hearing that?
It’s very touching, especially since these words are so simple and universal. “I’m sorry, I apologize, please forgive me.
Practicing these four simple phrases regularly builds self-esteem and self-love when we need it the most. Thus, it is both a lullaby to oneself as well as an insightful approach to forgiving others.
Because it first requires you to admit you’ve done something wrong by saying you’re sorry, this traditional Hawaiian forgiveness prayer is so powerful.
As humans, we need other people to acknowledge our feelings; in ho’oponopono, you acknowledge wrongdoing by first acknowledging that it exists. After that, you will have the ability to forgive yourself or others.
The final step involves acknowledging love, both for yourself and for others.
Forgiveness is often equated with total absolution, or the removal of the wrongdoing, when people attempt to forgive others or themselves. As a result, such an approach is ultimately futile as it ignores hurt feelings that inevitably surface later if left unattended.
Forgiveness and its true meaning
To the contrary, forgiveness isn’t about forgetting. Rather, ho’oponopono gives all parties the freedom to express their feelings by acknowledging the wrongdoing first. First, we acknowledge that this problem exists. After that, when it’s time to move on, we make the conscious decision to do so.
Moreover, real forgiveness involves both intention and attention. Having this done correctly is one of the most freeing sensations in the world- like lifting a weight that has been invisible for so long.
For centuries, the ho’oponopono prayer served as a type of shared reconciliation mantra for families that had been split apart. (Otherwise known as Ohana)
In today’s world, it is still highly effective for forgiving others both by helping people cope with hurt feelings as well as feelings of resentment towards others. It is great for healing the heart as well.
It’s an excellent way to practice self-comfort when you’re feeling down, especially if you carry a lot of guilt.
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Self-forgiveness using Ho’Oponopono
Taking several deep breaths with your eyes closed is the best way to practice ho’oponopono. Then begin repeating these phrases with your eyes closed about seven to eight times:
“I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you… I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you“— again, and again…
Let the message resonate for a few moments in silence afterwards. Open your eyes and take a look around. How do you feel?
***
It is also possible to experience this message passively. People sometimes listen to the ho’oponopono mantra while working or trying to fall asleep. By osmosis, you will receive some good vibes, which can help cultivate more self-love and compassion.
If you are someone who is very hard on themselves, this might be more moving than you expect.
Down below is an insightful YouTube video talking about the Hawaiian tradition of Ho’oponopono and how it is applied.
Forgiveness is a greater gift than carrying the burden of blame and moving forward, Kauka explains. “The only way to reach a higher level is to forgive and move on.
Mastering Ho’Oponoopono? Learn How it Works
Discover How to get the most in-depth, complete, and definitive online training ever created: Click here to get Your Authentic Ho’oponopono Certification
Ho-Oponopono, According to Joe Vitale
We asked personal growth guru Dr.Joe Vitale, bestselling author of “Mental Time Travel”, to share his thoughts on the subject:
What’s the scoop on Ho’oponopono? Imagine living life without those pesky negative thoughts and memories that weigh you down.
That’s what Ho’oponopono offers—a way to release and clear the subconscious mind of the things that block your shine. It’s about personal accountability and the realization that, as I often say,
“You are the creator of your own reality.”
Diving into Ho’oponopono, you’ll discover the four phrases that form its foundation: “I love you, I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you.” These aren’t just words; they’re powerful affirmations that reconnect you with the divine and your higher self.
If you’re ready to start this practice, here’s my advice: keep it simple. Begin by finding a quiet moment in your day, take a deep breath, and repeat these phrases with intention.
Reflect on their meaning and let them resonate in your heart. “I love you” for love, “I’m sorry” for repentance, “Please forgive me” for forgiveness, and “Thank you” for gratitude.
Remember, “The universe likes speed. Don’t delay, don’t second-guess, don’t doubt.” When you feel the nudge to practice Ho’oponopono, jump right in! The beauty of this practice is that it’s not about seeking external validation or change—it’s about changing from within.
So, to all who wish to begin: welcome to a journey of self-love, forgiveness, and profound healing. Trust the process, and watch as your life transforms, one “I love you” at a time. Keep it up, and you’ll be amazed at how the world opens up to you in return. Shine on!
Here’s My Take
Forgiveness is the unsung hero of manifesting. Think of it like decluttering your mental garage—if you’re still holding onto old junk (like grudges or guilt), there’s no room for the shiny new stuff you actually want.
I learned this the hard way. Years ago, I was chasing a dream project, but something just kept stalling my progress. Then it hit me: I hadn’t forgiven myself for a failed attempt years earlier. That lingering self-blame was like driving with the handbrake on—unseen but seriously slowing me down.
So, I gave Ho’oponopono a shot. Sitting quietly, repeating, “I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you,” felt oddly liberating. It was like flipping a switch; suddenly, my mental road cleared.
Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook—it’s about releasing the grip of the past. Only then can you manifest your best future.
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