Ho'oponopono
Inside each of us lives an inner child, the part of our being that once saw the world with wonder, innocence, and untold creativity. This child trusted freely and expressed joy without hesitation. But as we grow, this part of us often becomes wounded, burdened by painful experiences, the weight of others' expectations, and the search for external validation. Over time, we learn to suppress those emotions and silence our needs. Though we may not realize it, our inner child still lingers beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged, healed, and set free.
Certain moments in daily life can unexpectedly bring our inner child to the surface. A sharp remark, a familiar scent, or a particular situation can trigger emotions we thought were long buried. These moments reignite old wounds, fears, and self-doubt, reminding us of times we felt unseen, unheard, or unworthy. Our inner child responds just as we once did, yearning for love, safety, and acceptance. Instead of resisting these feelings, we must learn to acknowledge them with compassion, offering ourselves the understanding and care we may have lacked in the past.
One powerful way to heal these wounds is through Ho'oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian practice of forgiveness and self-healing that helps us release emotional burdens and restore inner peace. Like a child clinging to painful memories, our subconscious holds onto past hurts that shape our fears, doubts, and need for validation. Without realizing it, we carry these wounds into the present by overanalyzing and trying to control everything. True serenity comes from letting go. To move forward, we must compassionately meet our emotions and clear the subconscious imprints that keep us trapped in the past.
Ho'oponopono began as a communal Hawaiian practice for resolving conflicts and restoring harmony. In the 1970s, healer Morrnah Simeona adapted it into a personal self-healing technique, teaching that we all carry memories that need cleansing. Her work later inspired Dr. Hew Len, who famously used Ho'oponopono at Hawaii State Hospital to heal mentally ill patients.
Healer Morrnah Simeona - Dr. Ihaleakalā Hew Len
By repeating the four phrases, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you." We cleanse the subconscious, release past wounds, and create space for new energy to flow. These words are spoken to others, ourselves, and our inner child, acknowledging the pain we have carried and offering the love we may have once longed for. As we let go of old beliefs, doubts, and attachments, we align with our true essence, allowing creativity, intuition, and inspiration to emerge naturally. Leading us to our authentic path. This Hawaiian practice is not about forcing inspiration but about removing what blocks it.
In Don't Chase Your Dreams, Allow Them to Come to You, I explore how seeking validation keeps us disconnected from our true selves. Like Ho'oponopono, releasing the need for external approval creates space for inspiration, peace, and self-acceptance. When we stop chasing acceptance and instead trust in ourselves, what we were searching for finally finds us.
This practice of self-love and forgiveness is more than words; it has also been a personal journey. After discovering and using these four phrases, I noticed how the weight of my past, the stories I had carried for so long, began to dissolve. In the empty space they left behind, inspiration poured in, filling me with a sense of creativity and freedom. I was no longer bound by old wounds; I was open, alive, and ready to receive.
Ho'oponopono didn't just help me heal; it reunited me with the part of myself waiting to be seen, heard, and loved.
