Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Words are powerful; thoughts become things; therefore, what we think will become reality. This concept has existed for ages, with Greek philosophers exploring the potential of words and ancient civilizations aware of their powerful impact. For instance, the Hebrew word abracadabra, although now associated with magic, was once used by physicians as far back as the second century (101-200 AD). The incantation translates to I create what I speak, and the term was believed to have the power to heal and cure. This belief continued for over 17 centuries until it was deemed quackery.

Many ancient cultures, including the Hawaiians, believe we have a spiritual, mental, and emotional body that comprises our physical bodies. They believed that an imbalance of the spiritual laws caused illness. The illness was cured when they returned to balance, often atoning for the misdeed.

The Hawaiian practice, Ho’oponopono, was used to mediate and resolve family disputes. Its literal translation is to make right or good, defined in the Hawaiian dictionary as mental cleansing and setting things right through mutual restitution and forgiveness. However, Hawaii was not alone in these practices; many Polynesian cultures had similar rituals.

The core teaching of Ho’oponopono instills taking 100% responsibility in our perception of life, which includes everything we see, feel, and experience. The belief, simply a thought we keep thinking, is that our realities are collective memories of everything we have ever undergone.

How we perceive reality relies on our perspective filtered through our prejudices and beliefs. It is common to judge someone and then change our opinion about them once we understand who they are. This ability to see deeper is facilitated when we look at ourselves first and can step aside from these preconceptions, thus changing our opinions about them.

The heart of Ho’oponopono is to connect the spiritual, mental, and emotional bodies and process healing the disturbances with others by healing oneself first. They believe that when the conscious mind is blocked, negativity occurs. These blocks are feelings caused by our thoughts. They can result from projections of how we think others feel about us or how we feel deeply inside.

If we change nothing, nothing changes, so to change starts with the desire to alter what has been.

This simple yet very effective self-talk of Ho’oponopono focuses on forgiveness, gratitude, and love in the areas where we hold memories that no longer serve us. All that is necessary is verbalizing these four phrases to ourselves, letting go of what blocks us. By doing so with a commitment to transformation, we will create a difference in our lives.

These four sayings promote self-love by shifting our energies inward rather than outward. The consequences are enormous, resulting in healing and reconciliation with ourselves and others.

These 4 Phrases of Ho’oponopono Can Change Your Life 

I’m sorry. Accept that wrong things and thoughts start within us.

Forgive Me. Asking for forgiveness may be difficult, yet it is instrumental in helping us to move forward. The strength to forgive is repaid tenfold by letting go of the blame that weighs us down.

Thank You.  When any disputes, friction, or conflict comes into your life, say thank you for the lessons they are showing me. Without these annoyances, we would not be allowed to learn about who we are. Once we can look at our reactions, we will understand our power to alter them. Thank them for the opportunity to grow and then let go of the emotional attachments, the need to be right, and the desire to have the last word.

I Love You: Love is the energy that heals all. We can heal ourselves and others by caring and understanding without judgment or projecting our opinions.

There are many ways to utilize this power. Remember, these phrases are said to ourselves, like a mantra. You may think of specific situations you want to clear, or it can be an overall clearing of the past. For example, I am sorry that I misunderstood you. Forgive me for making mistakes or wrong decisions. Thank you for allowing me to grow. I love you for taking the responsibility for learning.

You repeat them in repetition; all four phrase makes up one repetition: I’m sorry, forgive me, thank you. I love you. Start with 1 minute and work up to 20 minutes or longer. You will find a calm and relaxation wash over you. Emotions may arise; let them come and let them go. Do not try to force them or to inhibit them. Allow what happens just to be. You may prefer to repeat the phrases 108 times, sitting comfortably with a mala.

However, this does not have to be done meditatively, although you may feel like it takes you into a deep, relaxed place. Take a walk, lie in bed, or repeat them while doing household chores. There is no right way; however, I would be careful while driving, as it can make you less alert. The only requirement is to do it.

To change the world starts with working on ourselves. Every step to find balance and peace within ourselves brings us closer to a more harmonious world. Take action to let go of those weights that hold you back from the lightness you deserve. Ho’oponopono can lead you there.

The only reason for our existence is to discover who we are

– Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len