I’m a big fan of mantras and meditations. I have a strong daily practice, and teach others these powerful techniques. Recently, I was exposed to “Ho’oponopono” which is a Hawaiian prayer that is being used as a mantra meditation. Since my mantra practice has been based on Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, I was skeptical of using an English translation but I committed to my new practice curious about what the results would be.
The translation I used may be found below.
I love you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you.
For my practice, I committed to repeating this mantra 108 times each day for 40 days. 108 times is the number of beads on a mala and the rosary. It is said that this is the number of nadis (energy channels) surrounding the heart.
Surprisingly, I found immediate and lasting benefits from this simple practice. At first, my mind was drawn to individuals I may have wronged in some way - my parents for not being the perfect daughters, my children for not being the perfect mother, friends, colleagues, etc. The list went on & on. This acknowledgment alone, as I let feelings and memories come forward and release, was cleansing and left me feeling lighter, more free. The biggest revelation came when my thoughts began to dwell on myself - versions of myself from early childhood, a teenager, a young mother - I found myself loving and asking for forgiveness from me to me. It was a profound experience and very difficult to describe. The results have been a deep sense of love and compassion for myself and for others, a greater sense of peace and harmony in both my internal world and my interactions with the external world.
I felt compelled to share this practice with you in the hopes that you may want to try this mantra for yourself. You don’t need any fancy equipment. If you don’t have a mala to use, you can simply set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. To get started, pick a time that you won’t be disturbed, Take a comfortable seat - on a chair or on a cushion. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Begin to repeat to yourself silently or say out loud the mantra:
I love you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you.
Repeat the mantra for a set time (5 or 10 minutes) or for the length of a mala (108 beads). Notice any images or emotions that may pop up but don’t hold on to them - acknowledge them and let them pass through you. After you complete your chanting cycle take a few deep breaths before opening your eyes and continuing with your day.
I hope you all enjoy this practice and that it bring you healing and peace.
With love and gratitude,
Dawn