What if four simple phrases could shift your energy, heal emotional wounds, and create peace in your relationships — all without changing anyone else?
I’ve been in the spiritual world for quite a while and when this prayer found me, it’s had a profound shift in my life ever since.
It’s been over 10 years since the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono has been a solid, consistent, miraculous, joyful, powerful practice that never fails me.
In the latest episode of Joyfully Empowered, I’m diving deep into the origins, meaning, and modern use of this ancient spiritual technology.
But before you tune in, here’s a meaningful overview of what makes this prayer so impactful — and how you can begin practicing it today.
🌺 What Is Ho’oponopono?
Ho’oponopono means “to make right” or “to restore balance” in Hawaiian. It’s an indigenous forgiveness and reconciliation practice that was traditionally used by Hawaiian families to resolve conflict and restore harmony — not just externally, but spiritually and emotionally as well.
The practice was originally guided by a kūpuna (elder) or kahuna (spiritual leader), and centered around community healing, truth-telling, and restoring the flow of love.
🙏 Honoring the Roots
Today, Ho’oponopono is often practiced as a personal, internal mantra — but it’s important to recognize that it comes from a living cultural tradition of the Native Hawaiian people.
This sacred ritual was modernized by Morrnah Simeona, a Hawaiian healer and spiritual teacher who reimagined it as a self-healing prayer accessible to all.
Her student, Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, helped spread the message globally through his work as a psychologist. Inside the episode,
We use this prayer today not as a trend or tool, but as a gift from a deep spiritual lineage — one that deserves our respect, gratitude, and care.
✨ The Four Phrases That Shift Everything
At the heart of Ho’oponopono are four simple but profound phrases:
I’m sorry
Please forgive me
Thank you
I love you
These aren’t just words — they’re energetic codes. When spoken with intention, they help us take radical responsibility for our internal world, release heavy emotions, and return to a state of divine love and clarity.
💜 The Story That Touched the World
One of the most famous stories about Ho’oponopono involves Dr. Hew Len, who worked at a psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane in Hawaii.
The ward was chaotic — violent patients, burned-out staff, and a deeply toxic environment. But instead of offering traditional therapy, Dr. Hew Len reviewed patient files privately and practiced Ho’oponopono internally, asking:
“What is in me that created this?”
As he cleansed his own energy using the four phrases, the entire ward began to heal. Over time, patients recovered, staff returned, and the unit was eventually closed because there were no longer enough patients to treat.
He later said:
“I didn’t heal them. I healed the part of me that created them.”
This story is a powerful reminder: healing begins within.
I go more in depth about this story inside the episode.
💫 How You Can Practice Ho’oponopono Today
You don’t need a specific ritual or setting to start. Here are a few powerful ways to integrate it into your life:
At night before bed to clear emotional residue from the day
During conflict — silently repeating the phrases to yourself
Inner child or shadow work — healing past versions of you
Money & abundance healing — releasing inherited scarcity beliefs
Parenting or partnership triggers — to soften, not suppress
You can whisper it, journal it, repeat it in meditation — the key is your presence and sincerity.
🎧 Tune In: Joyfully Empowered Podcast Episode
In this week’s episode, I go deeper into:
The true history and origin of Ho’oponopono
The energetic principles behind why it works
The real story of Dr. Hew Len (and why it still inspires global healing)
How I personally use it as a spiritual reset when I feel overwhelmed
My favorite daily practice to use this prayer with intention
Whether you're navigating relationship tension, emotional burnout, or just craving spiritual clarity — this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or here on Substack :) 🎧
and if you love the episode, leave a review or 5-star to help me continue spreading the word on Joyfully Empowered!
Let this sacred Hawaiian prayer remind you: you are never too far from healing, love, or balance.
May you follow your joy always & in all ways!
xx
Stéphanie
💌 Resources and Links:
Connect with host and certified coach Stephanie Virchaux
Check out Stephanie’s Self-Paced Courses including The JOY Method here
Inquire about 1:1 work including coaching with Stephanie here
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