As we end a 9 year, closure calls all the more to us!
Part of healthy closure is forgiveness. When I asked for ideas on Facebook for practices, the response was phenomenal! Because several people mentioned it, I feel inspired to share about Ho’o’ponopono, Hawaiian for “to make right”.
Many people are familiar with the abbreviated version. I have definitely used the shortened version to re-center myself and it works!
Through the Heart of Huna Haumana Studies of Hawaiian Healing and Spirituality (I was blessed to participate once a month for nearly 18 years!!), I learned a longer version through my teacher, Laura Kealoha Yardley.
Laura explains the process: “There is a natural and harmonious order to the entire universe. The three major forces are the gods and goddesses, nature, and man. The Hawaiian of old realized that it was necessary that these forces be kept in ‘harmony’ and they were all in some way interrelated.”
The steps:
- Prayer (pule)
- Identifying the problem (kukulu kumuhana)
- Stating the transgression (hala)
- Discussion (mahiki)
- Identifying the negative entanglement (hihia)
- Sharing of feelings (mana’o)
- Confession (mihi)
- Releasing the problem (kala)
- Cutting off the problem (oki)
- Summary and reaffirmation of bonds (pani)
- Closing prayer (pule ho’opau)
“The process of ho’oponopono works because it grows out of a culture that shares common values of aloha and ohana. The importance of harmony in relationship is basic. Implicity in the spirit of aloha is a sense that if harmony has been disrupted, one should have the courage to ask for and give forgiveness.”
I was blessed to attend a 5 day workshop/retreat to learn how this process works! A skilled kahuna is a powerful ally.
If you would like to learn more, please reach out to Laura Kealoha Yardley. She is definitely one of the good ones. J Her book, Heart of Huna, will be updated and reprinted soon. Her website is: http://www.heartofhuna.com
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