The traditional practice called ho’oponopono literally meant “to put things right” and originally refers to a family conference in which relationships were set right through prayer, discussion, confession, repentance, mutual restitution, and forgiveness. This valuable therapeutic tool is an ancient practice that remained in the Hawaiian culture background after Christianity arrived and continued to be used in traditional families. It is receiving a lot of attention these days as families and communities look for a means of resolving problems. It has been called by modern day users “one of the soundest methods to restore and maintain good relationships inside and out of the family that any society has ever devised”.
The ancient Hawaiians believed that illness and misfortune came from an imbalance in the relationships between people and their gods. They believed that every-thing in life was related, and thus a problem between family members was a problem for the whole group. The “family” in Hawaiian context, includes everyone in their circle of influence, such as extended relations, adopted children and close friends. In earlier times when there were issues not addressed early on they would often escalate into larger scale feuds that even turned into skirmishes between the island inhabitants.
To sum up; ho’oponopono is and immensely useful process that can be used in the family, individually, and in many situations of conflict. The Hawaiian principals underlying it are:
1.Unresolved hurt, anger, shame, or guilt can result in physical illness or other disharmony.
2.A problem between two family members affects the entire group.
3.Superficial conflicts are often symptomatic of hidden hurts.
4.Higher power will assist those who work to resolve their difficulties.
5.There is strength in the shared purpose of a family working together to solve problems.
6.Since forgiveness can release negative emotional entanglements.
7.Prayer is essential.
8.Relationships can be healed.
By sharing the concepts and practices of ho’oponopono in these trying times, I believe greater peace and harmony can be obtained even in the most difficult situations.
