Meditation for Non-Meditators!

Aloha!

Did you know that scientists have estimated the average person has 70,000 thoughts per day? When I first learned this, my next thought was, “well, then I must have about 100,000 per day because I think so much!”

With all those thoughts running around, meditation seems like the perfect anecdote.

Yet, as much as I’m into yoga, spirituality, and other mindfulness-based practices, the thought of meditating has always seemed daunting. I don’t gravitate towards stillness, as I love to exercise both my body and my mind. I do know that balance is everything, and so I’ve put together a moving meditation that can be done for up to an hour (or as short as 1 minute) that will keep your mind still, your body gently moving, and your life spinning in an upward direction! Sounds awesome, right?!

Hoʻoponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. It seems simple yet is extremely powerful. Ho’oponopono means “to make right”, and to do so you must take complete responsibility for all that has come into your life. The best part is that you can practice Hoʻoponopono with just four simple sentences: Thank you; I love you; Please forgive me; I’m sorry.

Those phrases have the power to “make right” your situation and even completely change the attitudes of others involved. These four phrases are like a prayer, and depending on your situation, you can focus them on yourself, another person, or a relationship that needs healing. It may seem silly, but ho’oponopono works, don’t take it from me, test it out for yourself! If you want to learn more, you can read this life-changing book all about ho’oponopono: “Zero Limits” by Joe Vitale.

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS :

1. Commit to doing this meditation for a specific length of time (set a timer if you like)

2. Go outside on a walk, hike, bike ride, or swim

3. Say the 4 phrases continually (Thank you; I love you; Please forgive me; I’m sorry.) without letting yourself get distracted by other thoughts

4. Find the rhythm with the 4 phrases and your movement, and keep it consistent. For example, if you’re swimming breast stroke, each stroke is one phrase.

Helpful hints:

1. Know what’s behind each phrase.

Example: You are overwhelmed and work way too much!

I’m sorry...that I let myself get to this point of overwhelm.

I forgive myself...for not treating myself with the respect I truly deserve.

Thank You...for a life that is so full and exciting!

I love you...I send love to myself and my body for staying healthy through all of this.

2. You will most likely have other thoughts want to creep in, that is normal! Just do your best to not indulge in them, and keep your mental focus on the 4 phrases.

3, The order of the 4 phrases doesn’t matter

After your moving meditation, you will feel more grounded, peaceful, and at ease with your situation.

I would LOVE to hear from you! Have you heard of ho’oponopono before? What are some life situations you would like to use it in? Leave a comment below this blog post!

Have a spectacular day!

Courtney