Have you ever felt like something’s holding you back? Like there’s a part of you, deep down, that’s yearning for something more, something… truer? Many of us carry the weight of past hurts, old beliefs, and unhealed wounds that keep us from living fully and authentically. We get so caught up in the daily grind that we lose touch with our inner selves, that vibrant, wise, and joyful core that knows exactly who we are and what we need.

This is where the ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono comes in. It’s not just a tool, it’s a transformative journey towards healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It can help us reconnect with our inner child, unlock its wisdom, and finally step into our true selves. The journey is not just worth it, it’s a beacon of hope. I’ve seen firsthand how this practice can inspire personal transformation, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Ho’oponopono & Your Inner Child

Ho’oponopono (pronounced ho-o-pono-pono) is a powerful Hawaiian practice that can lead to profound inner peace and personal transformation.

It provides a framework for taking responsibility for our lives and healing our relationships, beginning with the one we have with ourselves. As explained in this article on self-responsibility and inner peace, this is a crucial first step. Dr. Joe Vitale, primarily through his work with Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len on the book Zero Limits, brought Ho’oponopono to a broader audience.

This transformative practice is a testament to the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and love. These principles are not just tools, they are the keys that help us release limiting beliefs and past hurts. They empower us to take control of our healing process, particularly effective for healing wounds imprinted on our inner child.

For those seeking deeper understanding, Dr. Vitale and Dr. Hew Len offer a unique Ho’oponopono certification program, allowing students to become certified practitioners.

I’m sorry. Please Forgive Me. Thank You. I Love You.

These are the four core phrases of Ho’oponopono. It is important to note that the apology is not necessarily an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment of your role. The process is about creating alignment within. To better understand these powerful phrases, you can explore their meaning here: “I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you.” And if you are wondering about the correct order of the Ho’oponopono phrases, many resources are available.

Meet Your Inner Child: The Key to Unlocking Your True Self

Now, let’s talk about your inner child. This isn’t some woo-woo concept; it’s a very real part of you. Think of your inner child as the part of you that holds all your childhood memories, experiences, and emotions, both positive and negative. It’s the playful, creative, and spontaneous part of you, but it can also carry old wounds and limiting beliefs.

When we experience difficult or painful things as children, especially if those experiences aren’t correctly processed, our inner child can become wounded. These wounds can manifest in our adult lives in all sorts of ways, from relationship problems and low self-esteem to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. Have you ever reacted to a situation in a way that felt disproportionate to what was actually happening? That might have been your inner child acting out.

For example, let’s say someone named Sarah experienced a lot of criticism as a child. Her inner child might have internalized the belief that she’s not good enough. As an adult, Sarah might struggle with perfectionism, fear of failure, and difficulty accepting compliments. She might constantly seek validation from others and feel deeply hurt by any perceived criticism. Sound familiar?

How Ho’oponopono Heals Your Inner Child

This is where Ho’oponopono becomes truly powerful. By applying the principles of responsibility, forgiveness, gratitude, and love to our inner child’s wounds, we can heal those old hurts and create a more loving and supportive relationship with ourselves. This might feel a little strange at first, directing these phrases inward, but many find it to be very powerful.

Here’s how it works:

• Forgiving the Past: Ho’oponopono helps us release the resentment, anger, and pain we may be holding onto from past experiences. By saying “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me,” we acknowledge our role in carrying these burdens and ask for forgiveness from ourselves and anyone else involved. This isn’t about condoning harmful behavior; it’s about freeing ourselves from the grip of the past.
• Reparenting the Inner Child: This is a beautiful part of the process. We can use Ho’oponopono to give our inner child the love, acceptance, and validation it may have lacked growing up. We can say “Thank you” to our inner child for its resilience and “I love you” to offer comfort and reassurance. Imagine speaking to your younger self with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a dear friend.
• Releasing Negative Emotions: Ho’oponopono helps us release the negative emotions that are often associated with inner child wounds, such as fear, shame, and guilt. By acknowledging these emotions and sending love to the parts of ourselves that are hurting, we can begin to dissolve their power over us.

A Simple Practice to Get You Started

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple way to use Ho’oponopono to connect with and heal your inner child:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Find a comfortable place where you can relax and won’t be disturbed.
2. Connect with Your Inner Child: Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Imagine yourself as a child, perhaps at an age when you experienced a particular hurt or challenge.
3. Speak from the Heart: Silently or aloud, speak to your inner child using the four Ho’oponopono phrases. You might say something like:

• “My dearest inner child, I’m sorry for any pain or suffering you experienced. Please forgive me for not always being there for you in the way you needed. Thank you for your strength and resilience. I love you unconditionally.”

1. Visualize Healing: As you repeat the phrases, visualize sending love and healing energy to your inner child. You might imagine them surrounded by a warm, golden light.
2. Listen for Guidance: Listen to any thoughts, feelings, or images that arise during the practice. Your inner child may have messages for you.
3. Repeat as Needed: You can do this practice as often as you like, whenever you feel triggered, or whenever you want to connect with your inner child. You can also adapt the practice by following a guided Ho’oponopono prayer.

The Path to Your True Self

Healing your inner child through Ho’oponopono is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. As you release old wounds and limiting beliefs, you create space for your true self to emerge. You begin to connect with your authentic desires, values, and passions. You start to live more fully and joyfully from a place of love and acceptance.

It is not always easy. It takes courage to face our past hurts and to embrace the parts of ourselves that we may have tried to hide or deny. But the rewards are immeasurable. When you connect with your true self, you unlock a wellspring of creativity, resilience, and inner peace. You start to live a life that aligns with who you are.

Beyond the Practice: Living Ho’oponopono

Ho’oponopono isn’t just a technique; it’s a way of life. It’s about taking responsibility for your experiences, practicing forgiveness, cultivating gratitude, and choosing love in every moment. As you continue your journey, consider exploring other resources like books by Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len or Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, or maybe even an online course. There is so much more to learn.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and trust the process. The journey of healing and self-discovery is lifelong, and Ho’oponopono can be a powerful companion along the way. You deserve to live a life filled with joy, purpose, and authentic connection. And it all begins with unlocking the wisdom of your inner child and embracing your true self. You have more strength and power within you than you realize, and the four simple phrases of Ho’oponopono can help you find them.