We all yearn to hear these words from someone, but do we say them ourselves? This past week, as I toggle between despair and anger at the election of a narcissistic potentate, anger seems the better option. Wine, dark chocolate, and impulse purchases should quiet the discomfort of anger. I’m sure sales are up.
If it can heal the criminally insane, maybe it can work for Donald Trump.
I don’t want to make any of this okay or believe that it is. That feels equally insane. But I’ve learned that if I want my life to change, I need to forgive. And that includes politics. These feelings are a sign for me to double down on my meditation practice and in this case, consider forgiveness of the President-elect and all the people who voted for him, or, at the least, forgiveness of myself, the Democratic party, etc. for not winning.
As many of you know, those words (I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you) are from the Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian forgiveness practice–have you used the practice yet to heal your relationships, body, soul, and life? If you haven’t heard it, read how Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len sat in a room for four years looking at pictures and files of the residents of a facility “for the criminally insane” chanting some variation of “I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.” It’s said that this practice healed not only Dr. Len but all the inmates and their caretakers within the facility.
Try this mantra version
I love this particular video YouTube way to do Ho’oponopono — the HO’OPONOPONO MANTRA – 108 Repetitions for Deep Healing, a 13-minute meditation with Sandra Rolus inviting you to chant it with her 108 times (a sacred number in yoga and Hinduism). Some days I chant it with her. Some days I just let it wash over me. Some days I begin with the notion that forgiveness is for a particular person or situation. Some days I know it is just for me. Whatever the intention, I’m the only one I have any control over and it makes ME feel a lot better.
Or sign up for 28 days of forgiveness
If this particular exercise doesn’t float your boat, consider signing up for 28 Days of Forgiveness from the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta. Starting November 24, you’ll get a daily voice message from a spiritual leader with a forgiveness practice. There are also weekly check-ins and forgiveness materials from Rev. Michelle Wadleigh of the Planned Happiness Institute (a friend and mentor of mine in this arena) and it’s all free. See more at www.slc-atlanta.org/news/28-days-of-forgiveness or FORGIVE to 470-745-0250 to sign up.
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