A Glance into My Personal Ho’oponopono Practice
There are many traditions and interpretations of Ho'oponopono. Many of the reflections I'm sharing here have been shared with me from my kupuna.
The main lesson that has resonated with me is simple: healing begins from within. It happens by developing compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. When we heal ourselves, we strengthen our relationships with our family, our community, and the world around us.
For me as a musician, my most powerful healing is experienced through vibration. By chanting, singing, humming, feeling the guitar vibration against my chest, or just breathing with intention, these vibrations calm my mind and heart.
I once experienced this in a deep way that has always stayed with me.
At my Aunty Maile's funeral, my mother stood beside me with her arm draped over my shoulders while I played for the congregation as we all sang a hymn together. As I played my guitar, I could feel not only the vibrating guitar itself but also the vibration of Mom’s voice as it traveled through her arm into my body. In that moment, while grief was still present, I experienced an intense love and comfort. I felt connected to my mother, my Aunty, my ancestors, and to something much greater than myself. Healing is often found in our emotional connection with each other.
One simple Ho'oponopono practice that I often return to includes four heartfelt expressions:
E Mihi
I'm sorry.
E Kala Mai
Please forgive me.
Mahalo
Thank you.
Aloha
I love you.
I begin by breathing slowly. I imagine my heart filling with white light and compassion. Then I quietly repeat each phrase slowly several times, allowing the words to settle in.
Sometimes I chant them. Sometimes I simply whisper the words. Sometimes I strum my guitar and let that vibration carry the intention.
There are many personal variations.
As I breathe, I think of someone who could use healing. It may be someone I love. It may be someone I've struggled with or simply an acquaintance in need. It may even be myself.
I repeat:
E Mihi.
I'm sorry.
E Kala Mai.
Please forgive me.
Mahalo.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I love you.
Then sit quietly. Listen. Receive whatever comes.
My hope is that by sharing this practice, that it may help to bring you a moment of peace, a peace with the potential to ripple outward to family, community, our islands, and the world.
With aloha, Uncle George
