The Story of Ho'oponopono: From Healing Others to Healing Ourselves
Dr. Vitale's book introduces us to the remarkable story of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a psychologist who worked at a mental hospital in Hawaii. This facility housed patients considered highly dangerous, and the environment was so tense that staff often left after a short time. Yet, Dr. Hew Len took a unique approach: he reviewed each patient’s chart, and instead of directly interacting with them, he worked on healing within himself.
Through the practice of Ho'oponopono, Dr. Hew Len would recite four powerful phrases—I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you—not directed at the patients, but at the energy he experienced within himself that connected to them. Amazingly, over time, the entire ward began to change. Patients started to improve, and even those deemed untreatable were eventually released. This powerful story illustrates the core of Ho'oponopono: by taking responsibility for everything we experience, we can heal not only ourselves but also influence the world around us.
Embracing the Four Simple Phrases
At its essence, Ho'oponopono is about self-cleansing. We repeat these four phrases as a way to address our own inner feelings and subconscious patterns:
- I’m sorry – acknowledging the pain or block we feel.
- Please forgive me – for any part we played in creating or holding onto this.
- Thank you – for the chance to release it.
- I love you – embracing ourselves and everything connected to our healing.
This practice reminds us that peace begins within. By embracing these phrases, we offer ourselves the gift of healing and release.
Dive Deeper with Zero Limits
If you’d like to explore this life-changing practice further, I highly recommend Dr. Joe Vitale’s book Zero Limits. It not only shares Dr. Hew Len’s incredible story but also offers insights on using Ho'oponopono in daily life to let go of blocks and experience greater freedom. This book can be a beautiful addition to anyone’s journey in self-healing and personal transformation.
Experience Ho'oponopono Through Music
To support you in this practice, I’ve created a song inspired by Ho'oponopono’s healing principles. Music can deepen the experience, making it easier to connect with each phrase and the sense of inner peace it brings. You can listen to my Ho'oponopono song on Spotify here.
Allow this practice to guide you toward a place of inner harmony, where you can release, forgive, and embrace life fully. Ho'oponopono is a gentle reminder that healing is within our reach, one simple phrase at a time.