Ho’oponopono: A Simple Yet Powerful Practice for Healing

Have you ever noticed how certain thoughts, memories, or feelings keep circling back into your life—almost like old tapes playing on repeat? It might be a painful memory, a past mistake, or even a story someone else told you about who you are. These loops weigh us down, creating mental clutter and emotional heaviness that eventually show up in the body.

One of my favorite practices for gently clearing this “stuck energy” is the Hawaiian tradition of Ho’oponopono. The word translates to “to make right” or “to correct,” and at its heart, it’s a forgiveness and reconciliation process. Unlike many healing tools that require hours of effort, Ho’oponopono is refreshingly simple—and that’s what makes it so powerful.

What Is Ho’oponopono?

In Hawaiian culture, Ho’oponopono was traditionally practiced in families or communities to resolve conflict, restore harmony, and realign relationships. Everyone involved would gather, speak honestly, and then use prayer and forgiveness rituals to bring things back into balance.

Today, many people practice Ho’oponopono as a personal mantra for healing. It consists of four simple statements:

• I love you

• I’m sorry

• Please forgive me

• Thank you

When repeated with intention, these words shift us from shame, judgment, and blame into compassion, acceptance, and release .

Why It Works

At first glance, it may seem strange—why would you apologize to yourself or forgive yourself for something you didn’t directly cause? But here’s the secret: our subconscious often holds onto emotions and beliefs that aren’t even ours. In The FLOURISH Way™, I talk about O.P.P.—Other People’s Points of View. From the time we were children, we’ve been carrying other people’s expectations, criticisms, and judgments . Over time, those voices become internalized, and we start living as if they’re true.

Ho’oponopono cuts through that noise. Each phrase addresses a layer of healing:

• “I love you” reconnects us to our inherent worth and divine essence.

• “I’m sorry” acknowledges the times we’ve forgotten who we really are.

• “Please forgive me” clears lingering guilt, shame, and regret.

• “Thank you” seals the practice with gratitude, opening the way for transformation.

Ho’oponopono in Daily Life

You don’t need to set aside hours for this practice. Ho’oponopono can be woven into everyday moments:

• When you catch yourself in negative self-talk, pause and repeat the mantra.

• When an old memory surfaces that still stings, use the words to release its grip.

• When you feel triggered by someone else’s actions, quietly practice Ho’oponopono instead of reacting.

• Before bed, use it as a way to clear the day and rest peacefully.

One of my favorite ways to use it is when I notice resistance—whether it’s procrastination, avoidance, or falling back into “victim mode.” Instead of fighting it, I get curious: What is this resistance teaching me? Then I soften with Ho’oponopono, allowing the energy to move without judgment .

The Science Behind Forgiveness

Modern research supports what ancient Hawaiian wisdom has always known: forgiveness practices lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. By releasing resentment and self-blame, we lower cortisol levels, improve heart health, and create more space for joy and creativity.

Even more fascinating, neuroscience shows that when we practice compassion and forgiveness, we literally rewire the brain’s reward pathways. Over time, this helps us break out of old cycles of negativity and choose healthier responses.

A Midweek Reset

Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most profound shifts happen with the simplest practices. Ho’oponopono is one of those tools—a way to let go, lighten the load, and return to balance, even in the middle of a busy week.

So the next time you feel weighed down, try whispering these words to yourself:

✨ I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I forgive myself. Thank you. ✨

Say them slowly, breathe deeply, and notice how your body softens. Notice how your mind clears. Notice how your heart opens just a little wider.

Healing doesn’t always require hard work—it can be as gentle as remembering the truth of who you are.

💛 Ready to bring more practices like this into your life? In The Flourish Way™ Experience, we explore simple but profound tools that help you restore balance across all seven pillars of living—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sexual, and financial.