Today I was reminded of how powerful a lesson learning to let go continues to be in my life.
And I remember how hard I tried to figure it out – how I struggled to understand what letting go really meant. And I remember the absolute freedom I felt when I finally realized that letting go isn’t an intellectual process.
Letting go is about forgiveness and acceptance and love – of self and others. Unconditionally.
Letting go means I release my need to figure it out. I take my head out of the game, and allow myself to feel the peace that is.
Letting go comes from simply accepting all that is.
You may be asking… “How do I do that?”
Here’s a tool I keep in my self-care toolkit: a ritual called Ho’oponopono.
A big shift occurred for me when I was introduced to the Hawaiian tradition called Ho’ oponopono by world-renowned reflexologist Laura Norman. Ho’oponopono, a phrase that means “to make right”, is an ancient ritual originally used to help keep family harmony. In today’s world, we use it as an individual practice to release past grudges, to let go and live at peace with ourselves and those around us.
To put the power of Ho’oponopono into practice in your own life you must first accept that you are the creator of your reality. The ritual of Ho’oponopono invites you to release any judgments that are getting in your way. And it makes no difference if those judgments are toward yourself or others. By reciting this simple phrase with full intention you will find your way to forgiveness and acceptance.
So, find a quiet place to sit or lay comfortably, where you can close your eyes and focus attention on that which you intend to heal. Give compassionate attention to the person you are in conflict with– remembering that the conflict could very well be with yourself. Send loving energy toward that person as you recite this phrase:
Thank you
I love you
I am sorry
Please forgive me
Repeat these words over and over – out loud if you can. Repeat this phrase slowly, with deliberate intention, feeling the words as you recite them.
Release your need to think it through, to justify your actions, to question your intentions, or to wonder if this will work. Allow yourself to clear any questioning or projecting from your mind.
Continue to recite the phrase as many times as feels right for you, or until you can feel a shift into a greater sense of calm.
Simply accept the peace that will come at this moment when you allow it.
From this new place, with this renewed feeling of appreciation, go out into your day with joy!
Repeat this as often as you like, and don’t worry if you don’t feel as if you’ve released everything the first time around — this is a practice that requires regular attention.
Do share your experience here in the comments below and let’s connect to universal healing that will come when we all learn to let go with love.