Ho'oponopono

Where it comes from

Traditional ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian process of reconciliation in which a family meets, often led by an elder, to set relationships right. From 1976 the healer Morrnah Simeona (1913–1992) adapted it into a self-help form. Ihaleakala Hew Len and the author Joe Vitale later made a short four-phrase version famous through the book Zero Limits (2007).

Key books

• Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len, Zero Limits (2007)

The core idea

In the modern version you take responsibility for what you experience and “clean” it by repeating four phrases with sincere feeling, addressed to yourself, another person or the divine.

How to practise it

1. 1Think of a situation, a person or a feeling that troubles you.
2. 2Say slowly: “I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”
3. 3Repeat for a few minutes, letting the words soften how you feel.
4. 4Write what you want to make peace with, and come back to it.

What it can help with

• Calming yourself after a conflict
• A short forgiveness and gratitude practice
• Letting go of a grudge

Further reading

• Wikipedia: Morrnah Simeona