The beautiful Hawaiian Prayer for Forgiveness is called “Ho’oponopono” (pronounced HO-oh-Po-no-Po-no), and it’s lovely.

This meditation will be great for you to use as a way to focus on more positive and loving thoughts and is a tool for restoring self-love and balance.

In practice, it works sort of like a mantra for self-love. And, even more surprisingly, it’s super simple.

The ho’oponopono prayer goes like this:

“I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you.”

That’s it. And isn’t that something we all need to hear? “I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you,   I love you.”  It’s very touching, and healing, especially given how simple and universal these words are.

To practice ho’oponopono meditation, take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed. Then, slowly repeat this mantra to yourself about 7 or 8 times: “I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you… I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you“— and so on.

End with a few moments of silence to let the message resonate within you.  Now open your eyes.  How do you feel?

Don’t be surprised if you feel a wave of emotions or cry, this is normal and just allow yourself to feel.

Do this meditation at least once a day, preferably 2-3 times every day. 

Chanting this prayer over and over is a powerful way to cleanse the body of guilt, shame, haunting memories, ill will, or bad feelings that keep the mind fixated on negative thoughts and your abuser.

With regular practice, reciting these four simple phrases helps rebuild self-love and self-esteem at the times when we need it most.

For people who carry a lot of guilt, it’s also an easy way to practice self-comfort when you’re feeling down.