Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian technique practiced among the native peoples of Hawaii by those called kahunas, the ancient priests of healing.

Thanks to Morrnah Simeona, one of the last recognized kahuna la'au kahea (priest who heals through words), the technique was refined and brought to a more individual level, which is how we know it today. It is a true mental hygiene, which allows us to make peace with the past and forgive ourselves in order to move forward.

Ho'oponopono is practiced mainly through its original prayer and a mantra, which brings the four central phrases of the prayer - and which you have probably heard once in your life: "I'm sorry. Forgive me. I love you. I'm grateful". Both are powerful tools that help us heal the soul from suffering and hurt, through forgiveness. Learn a little more about them below.

You will find it in this article:

• Original prayer
• Main prayer mantra
• Ho'oponopono in 21 days
• But why 21 days?
• From a spiritual point of view

Original prayer

This prayer, loaded with meaning and impact, helps to process and eliminate negative memories such as guilt, hurt, resentment, and traumatic emotions. You can choose a quiet moment in your day to recite it with the calm and dedication it deserves.

"Divine Creator, Father, Mother, son - all in one.

If I, my family, relatives and ancestors have offended Your family, relatives and ancestors in thoughts, deeds or actions from the beginning of our creation until the present, we ask for Your forgiveness. Let it cleanse, purify, release and cut off all memories, blockages, negative energies and vibrations. Transmute these unwanted energies into pure LIGHT. And so it is.

To clear my subconscious of all the emotional charge stored in it, I say over and over again during my day the key words of Ho'oponopono.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

I declare myself at peace with all the people on earth and with whom I have outstanding debts. For this instant and in its time, for all that I do not like in my present life

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

I release all those from whom I believe I am receiving harm and mistreatment, because they simply give me back what I did to them before, in some past life.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

Even though it is hard for me to forgive someone, I ask that someone's forgiveness now, for this instant, in all of time, for everything that I don't like in my present life.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

For this sacred space that I inhabit day by day and with which I am not comfortable.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

For the difficult relationships of which I have only bad memories.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

For all that I do not like in my present life, in my past life, in my work and in what is around me, Divinity, cleanse in me what is contributing to my shortage.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

If my physical body experiences anxiety, worry, guilt, fear, sadness, pain, I pronounce and think, "My memories, I love you!" I am grateful for the opportunity to release you and me.

I AM SORRY, FORGIVE ME, I LOVE YOU, I AM GRATEFUL.

At this moment I affirm that I LOVE YOU. I think about my emotional health and that of all my loved ones... I LOVE YOU.

For my needs and to learn to wait without anxiety, without fear, I acknowledge my memories here in this moment.

I'M SORRY, I LOVE YOU.

My contribution to the healing of the Earth:

Beloved Mother Earth, who I am...

If I, my family, my relatives and ancestors have mistreated You with thoughts, words, deeds and actions from the beginning of our creation until the present, I ask for Your forgiveness. Let it cleanse and purify, release and cut out all memories, blockages, negative energies and vibrations. Transmute these unwanted energies into pure LIGHT, and so it is.

In conclusion, I say that this prayer is my door, my contribution to your emotional health, which is the same as mine, so be well. And as you heal, I say to you...

I am sorry for the memories of pain that I share with you.

I ask your forgiveness for joining my path to yours for healing.

I thank you for being here for me...

And I LOVE YOU for being who you are."

After saying this prayer, experience a feeling of gratitude and full happiness, liberation, and a renewed soul.

Main prayer mantra

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The Ho'oponopono mantra, as already mentioned, presents the four central phrases of the prayer. Simply repeating them creates a state of tranquility, calmness and self-reconciliation. You can chant it whenever you feel the need. Learn more about the meaning of each phrase.

I am sorry

By saying you are sorry, you show that you are aware of your responsibility for your actions and their consequences. In addition, you work on humility and show that you are truly willing to take the first step to transform yourself.

Forgive me

Even more powerful than apologizing is asking for forgiveness. By making this simple, yet powerful gesture, you not only set yourself free, but also put your heart at the disposal of others and yourself, learning to exercise a more compassionate outlook. The guilt and mental states that are blocking you begin to fade away, and you prepare yourself to find a path of inner peace.

I love you

Probably (or certainly) what the world needs most is love. Love of all forms, which spreads kindness, accepts without judgment, welcomes and lifts the spirit. So why not truly say "I love you" to others and to yourself? This step helps to take the weight of bitterness and resentment off, opening your heart to the purity and undeniable power of love.

I am grateful

Being grateful is not just being content with victories and positive things. It's accepting life with maturity and patience. It's being open to absorbing lessons and limitations, just as you receive achievements. When you feel full in your reality, being grateful for everything you have and the people in your life, you are free from attachment, the need to compare or to dwell. You feelcomplete and genuinely happy.

Ho'oponopono in 21 days

Something very common when we do prayer rituals, mantras, prayers, or other meditation practices is to repeat them for 21 uninterrupted days.

This tactic can also be applied to Ho'oponopono, so that you can feel the effects of this powerful cycle in your life. There are many ways to practice this repetition, so we will try to point you to an extremely simple one, so that it becomes totally doable.

Always look for a quiet place and a time when you can dedicate yourself exclusively to prayer. Prepare yourself by connecting to the present moment and being with body and mind full of high energy and positive thoughts. Say the prayer we presented above and finish by emanating gratitude and love. Repeat the practice for 21 days in a row.

But why 21 days?

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You may be asking yourself, "Why 21 days? What's so special about this period?" There is a basic reason for this: the 21-day theory, supported by the American plastic surgeon Maxwell Maltz, who claimed, back in the 1960s, that 21 days was the time his patients needed to adapt to their new self-image after undergoing surgery.

Using this reference, several subsequent studies have been done regarding this period, estimating it as the minimum for us to adapt to a new habit, making them become a routine. Of course it is not an exact account. Some argue that more time is needed for certain habits, and only the simplest ones tend to be automated by the brain within this time frame. But oneone thing is for sure: you need to start this change as soon as possible!

From a spiritual point of view

There is a second reason for this magic number, related to the spiritual and energetic aspect. When we propose to do energetic cleansing prayers or meditations, the chakras of our body are worked by this higher energy, which comes with the purpose of purifying our body.

Each chakra takes three days to be purified, one after the other, in an involuntary way, starting with the most dense and connected to the Earth element. Since there are seven main chakras, we arrive at number 21. During this time, all our cells are organized, promoting a spiritual cleansing that allows a more balanced life and a healthier physical, mental, and spiritual alignment.

This is why repeating the Ho'oponopono prayer, or even the mantra, for at least 21 days is a highly effective option if you want to see a concrete, positive result in your life.

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If this content has helped you in any way, share it with someone who is also in need of a light to make peace with the past and move forward with a lighter heart and a renewed soul. Believe me: the best of your life only depends on you!