The Power of Forgiveness - The Path to Inner Freedom
Ho'oponopono – the power of forgiveness
There are words that almost feel like a soft blanket when we say them out loud. Words that warm the heart and remind us that we are all human – with our mistakes, our sorrows and our longing for closeness.
♡ I'm sorry.
♡ Please forgive me.
♡ Thank you.
♡ I love you.
Four simple phrases and yet they carry a power that can change both relationships and the inner landscape we move in. In Hawaii, these words have become the very core of an ancient method of reconciliation and healing: Ho'oponopono.
What exactly is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a word we hear often but can feel difficult to live fully. It's easy to think that forgiving means forgetting, excusing, or approving. But in reality, forgiveness is about something completely different.
Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves – the freedom from holding onto anger, bitterness or pain. To forgive is to let go. Not because what happened was right but because we don’t want to let it rule our lives anymore.
When we forgive, the heart opens. It creates space for relief, for relationships that can heal, and last but not least – for our own peace.
The Origin of Ho'oponopono
Ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian tradition, deeply rooted in the idea of balance and harmony. The word roughly means to do right, to restore order.
- Ho'o means to start doing something.
- Pono stands for righteousness, goodness, balance.
- Repeated twice, the meaning is reinforced: to restore to a doubly good state.
Traditionally, Ho'oponopono was used within families. When conflicts, illness, or accidents arose, people gathered to speak openly. Each person acknowledged their responsibility, asked for forgiveness, and passed on forgiveness.
In the 20th century, the practice was modernized by Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona , a Hawaiian kahuna (spiritual teacher). She adapted Ho'oponopono so that it could also be used individually. Later, the teachings were spread by Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len , who made the method known throughout the world.
Four simple phrases
In the form we recognize today, Ho'oponopono is based on four phrases:
✨ I'm sorry – to acknowledge that something has been hurt, even if we don't understand how.
✨ Forgive me – a humble prayer for reconciliation, an opening for healing.
✨ Thank you – gratitude for life, relationships and the opportunity to start over.
✨ I love you – love as the strongest healing force, directed both inward and outward.
These words can be said to someone else but also to ourselves, to a situation or to life itself. When we repeat them, the energy within us begins to change.
Taking responsibility – not blame
A central part of Ho'oponopono is the idea of responsibility. This does not mean that we should blame ourselves for everything, but that we can take responsibility for the way we experience and encounter the world.
We are responsible for our own energy. If something is wrong, we can choose to meet it with forgiveness, compassion, and love. When we do so, we not only cleanse ourselves – we also affect our surroundings.
Forgiveness beyond time and space
Sometimes we carry feelings towards people who are no longer in our lives. Words that were never said, actions that hurt, or a longing for reconciliation that never happened. Here Ho'oponopono becomes a gentle tool.
Forgiveness does not have to be shared face to face. When we forgive in our own hearts, healing can still happen. It doesn't matter if the person is alive or if contact is broken.
The energy in the words: “I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” reaches further than we can comprehend.
When we live in forgiveness, something happens deep down.
✨ Peace of mind – we are no longer bound to old stories.
✨ More space – anger and bitterness take up space, but if we let go, the heart becomes lighter.
✨ Stronger relationships – when we forgive, we open the door to closeness.
✨ Self-forgiveness – often the hardest, but perhaps the most liberating.
Living Ho'oponopono in everyday life
🌿 In the morning: say the four phrases to yourself before the day begins.
🌿 In relationships: repeat the words silently when you notice irritation or misunderstanding.
🌿 When old memories surface: use the phrases to free yourself from the weight.
🌿 To yourself: look in the mirror, say the words and feel something soften.
The spiritual meaning
From a spiritual perspective, Ho'oponopono reminds us that everything is interconnected. What we purify within ourselves creates ripples in the world around us.
When we forgive – not only others but also ourselves – we become channels of peace. We contribute to the healing of our entire world.
Four keys
Forgiveness is not always easy. But it is always possible. And every time we choose it, we create more space for love, gratitude, and joy in life.
Ho'oponopono is a path into this freedom. A reminder that even the heaviest emotions can dissolve into light, and that even the deepest wounds can heal when we meet them with love.
So the next time something is weighing you down, you might want to stop, breathe, and say:
"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you."
Four keys to a lighter heart ♥
© by HerMine's
Last updated August 14, 2025
Utforska gärna
