I recently attended an intimate "talk story" gathering with Harry Uhane Jim, a Kahuna (Hawaiin priest), healer and teacher, to learn about the Hawaiin practice of Ho’oponopono, which centers on forgiveness, gratitude, and love. Here's a little piece about Harry:
“Harry was born and raised on the island of Kauai, and was trained as an apprentice by the best known native Kahunas of the last seven decades. He carries a distinct authenticity and is know for unveiling profound ancient truths with a delightful dose of wit and laughter. As the author of Wise Secrets of Aloha and a revered Kahuna, Harry travels far and wide sharing a wealth of ancient Hawaiin teachings.”
The evening, which was presented by the Wellness Institute of Hawaii, offered a sampler of “Ho’oponopono:”
“…an ancient Hawaiian tradition that is utilized to bring balance and harmony into one’s life. At its root, Ho’oponopono is a technology of forgiveness, and allows us to release that which keeps us feeling stuck in negative thoughts and patterning.”
The Ambiance of Love and Laughter
Something very powerful came through during Harry's talk. But, probably only twenty percent of the wisdom was expressed in the words. Eighty percent reverberated in the ambiance of love, laughter, and magical presence so effortlessly generated by Harry.
In ordinary language that’s called, “Walking your talk.” How you are and what you do often says far more about you than what you say. However, when all three are in alignment with each other and with goodness, an unstoppable healing force flows forth.
This inexpressible but palpable atmospheric shift occurs through the strength of a teacher’s presence and the expression of their heart. In this nourishing space, you can relax, open, and experience a non-conceptual taste of a more spacious and compassionate way of being. You can get a feeling for who you truly, which is usually hidden behind all the ordinary thoughts, emotions, and drama in your life.
Love Lessons from Ho’oponopono
I will share a few lessons from this special evening, but please know there’s so much more that’s far beyond the words.
The evening began by invoking the spirits and taking 30 breaths together. I know from my own experience that returning to the breath brings you back into your body, settles the mind, and creates more ease. If you are running too fast on the treadmill of life, chances are you’re caught in shallow breathing. Taking 30 breaths is a simple way to reconnect with yourself and nourish your brain and your body.
Like almost all ancient traditions, you can find information about Ho’oponopono all over the internet. People have good intentions, of course. But just like when you played the game of “telephone” as a child - passing a message from one ear to the next - sometimes the information is incorrect, changed, or distorted. It might still work even so because the power of love is just that strong.
Harry told us there are two types of forgiveness: now or later. And, as he continued to “talk story” with us, he shared the original Hawaiin Ho’oponopono chant:
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”
The chant is repeated often, expressing it to the light of God within you and others. Repeating the words silently to yourself can dramatically change you, your relationships, and the world because a thought is as powerful as the spoken word.
Ho’oponopono is simple. But, as Harry pointed out, it’s all about making the investment to live, breathe, and be the essence of Ho’oponopono. That means taking personal responsibility and regularly embracing forgiveness, gratitude, and love.
Here’s another version that Harry says is even more potent than the 4-line chant.
“I love you. I love you. I love you.”
This one can be repeated silently too. No need to go up to total strangers and frighten them by telling them, "I love you."
A few more precious reminders from Harry:
- Love every molecule around you.
- If there’s an exhaustive energy around you, it needs love.
- Love creates safety. You can’t negotiate or mediate until there’s safety.
- Navigate this world by what you’re feeling rather than what you’re thinking. Keep choosing what’s being given to you by your heart intelligence.
- You’re not on this plant to be happy, but to get your next lesson. This universe is all about discovery.
- Your purpose is to run your own universe.
- Healing means preparing for the next lesson.
Why We All Need the Practice of Ho’oponopono
Two evenings after the talk, I had a strong dream. A friend and employee from a previous time in my life was in my face. His energy was monstrous; his eyeballs red rimmed. He wanted retribution for what he perceived as my misbehavior toward him in the past.
I woke with a start. I immediately realized how much I need this practice of Ho’oponopono to cleanse and clear all my past relationships and present ones as well. I wasn’t aware of any discord between myself and my past friend; we parted on friendly terms. But so much of our experience imprints at a deeper level and may never be voiced.
Plus, we're connected with a web of known and unknown people through our every action.
For example, when you buy a box of tea bags, there’s the farmer who grew the tea, all the insects killed in the growing process, the person who transported it to market, the shopkeeper and the cashier and on and on. Our most innocent actions may have caused suffering for another at some point along this chain of cause and effect.
We need a practice like Ho’oponopono to cleanse our past actions and clear our relationships so we can live a happy, joyful, and meaningful life.
Anchor Joy
We ended the evening repeating this affirmation together.
“Anchor joy so earth may be nurtured and bloom.” - Harry Uhane Jim
If I've inadvertently jumbled up any of these ancient principles, I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
Do you make regular space for forgiveness, gratitude, and love in your life?
Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious! Don’t forget to sign up for my e-letter and get access to all the free self-development resources (e-books, mini-guides + worksheets) in the Always Well Within Library. May you be happy, well, and safe – always. With love, Sandra