Moving Through Personal Challenges With 4 Simple Phrases

"If you want to solve a problem, no matter what kind of problem, work on yourself," says Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len. In a sense isn't that what a daily routine of yoga is all about? You learn from yourself and your mistakes, forgive yourself and begin anew. During today's yoga practice, I decided to implement Ho'oponopono. Ho'opono...What? Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian prayer that uses four of the most healing phrases a human being can ever utter. It is an exercise in deep humility, and it is a powerful lesson. The theory of  Ho'oponopono surmises that we attract whatever harms or wrongs come into our lives by not having been healed from within. For more understanding of the process of Ho'oponopono, please read this link to an interview with Dr.Ihaleakala Hew Len, a Ho'oponopono guru who has used this wonderful process to heal thousands of people all over the world! It's nothing short of miraculous and will give the rest of your day a huge burst of inspiration. An insightful and well-written book on the subject was co-authored by Dr.Ihaleakala Hew Len Ph.D, and self-improvement coach Joe Vitale called Zero Limits. It gives an in depth look at Ho'oponopono and how it can be used in everyday life. There is also an official website which discusses Ho'oponopono and lists dates to Dr. Len's workshops. In the meantime,the prayer of Ho'oponopono goes as follows or some variation thereof. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you." Whether or not you believe this to be the case doesn't matter and doesn't change the fact that these four phrases have great impact when spoken.They can calm the most angry or hopeless of situations, if said with honesty, sincerity, and humbleness. Think back to some of the most trying, stressful times in your life, or reflect on a person place or thing that makes you angry and repeat for 1-2 minutes this incredible mantra. You will notice that after a while you feel better just by saying the words to yourself while focusing on the matter. First start with someone or something you love deeply but have a problem with, and say the mantra, then progress to someone you don't dislike but don't know well. From there go on to someone you dislike, and then on to someone you hate. Just say to the person or issue at hand, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you." You may notice wonderful things happen around the subject you're dealing with, or it might simply cease to be important. Practice Ho'oponopono when you are faced with a challenge or obstacle and notice profound differences in your thinking towards the goal you are trying accomplish. Really be open-minded to whatever change you feel occurring within your mindset. Look for any shift in your thought pattern that will lead you to a more positive resolution and even if you feel resistance, take that path. This chant is all about letting go of ego and selfishness, and opening up to compassion and love. Make today about these 4 short sentences. Take a long grounding breath in and say "I'm sorry. Please Forgive me. Thank you. I love you."


Photo Credits: Scott Chan