“I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.”

This is one of my favourite mantras, one I feel closest to as well. For a long time it was even on my wallpaper, and I still keep coming back to it. Ho’oponopono is a mantra for Self Forgiveness. It’s more than just a prayer; it’s a process of making things right in relationships with others, the ancestors, deities, the earth, yourself.

The magic in this simple mantra lies in recognising our imperfection. And that it’s okay. 

The philosophy behind this practice is that we’re each responsible for what shows up in our reality and even if someone else has wronged us, we’re the ones who say “I am sorry. Forgive me…” And it’s really forgiveness towards yourself. Because of unity, the non-duality… That involves learning to heal all things by accepting that “Total Responsibility” for everything that surrounds us – confession, repentance, and reconciliation.

“In common with other shamanic traditions, the Hawaiian tradition teaches that all life is connected. Ho’oponopono is, therefore, not only a way of healing ourselves, but others and our world as well.” – Timothy Freke, Shamanic Wisdomkeepers

Chanting the Ho’oponopono mantra can be done anywhere and at any time. That’s the beauty of living the yogic path, taking the practice outside the mat… Breathing with it. It’s really a personal practice that you can always adapt to suit your needs, whetever state you’re in, wherever you are.

Practicing the mantra can be done aloud or silently, depending on what feels more “for you” at he moment. Some prefer to chant in a quiet, meditative space, while others might incorporate it into their daily activities, such as during a walk or while doing household chores. Some people even listen to it like listening to a podcast, or your favorite playlist. It’s the repetition of these words that helps to embed their meaning and power into your consciousness.

There’s questions that will arise during the practice too, very valuable questions:

• What am I sorry for?
• Where do I still need forgiveness?
• Where am I still seeking forgiveness?
• What am I thankful for?
• Do I really feel loved? “Why am I worthy of love? Where do I want to feel more love?

I like to treat this practice as something that also opens up my eyes to beyond what I’m, comfortable in. A way of getting to know myself better in different situations and mindsets. So many of the questions that come up are ones I’d never feel comfortable answering, I’d just avoid them, but this practice is also a way of encouraging myself to be true, honest and open up…