What is Ho'oponopono? The Hawaiian Forgiveness Ritual for Peace

My copy of Ho'oponopono, The Hawaiian forgiveness ritual as the key to your life's fulfillment 

by Ulrich E. Dupree

Dear Readers: I hope you are well. Since mid-March 2020, I spend my days sequestered in my home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My heart goes out to anyone who has experienced illness and/or discomfort during this time. May we all soon recover.

Tm.

As a result of social distancing, I challenged myself to reflect on my life, choices and circumstances.  During the Road of Trials, the hero spends time alone in a mountain, underwater or well.  This period of isolation is a chance for internal reflection and renewal. As I contemplated on my life, I recognized choices that I am proud of and situations that I wish I handled differently.  These experiences were opportunities for growth. I still have more to learn. While it is healthy to reflect on our lives, it is also important to practice self-compassion. Last month, coincidentally, I was introduced to a Hawaiian forgiveness ritual known as Ho’oponopono.  What is Ho’oponopono?  Let’s discuss….

Peace Begins With You: The International Day of Peace, September 21, 2019

On September 21, 2019, I plan to join the world community in observing the International Day of Peace with rituals, reflections, meditation and songs. Join us. Like you, I believe peace is a daily goal. Who doesn’t want peace? However, we are challenged to manifest peace due to our internal and external political and social conflicts. Yet, within the human collective is a strong desire for peace. Why should you observe the International Day of Peace? Let’s talk about it….

Introverts, Extroverts and Pretty Wings

Coincidentally, shortly after posting an article about ending relationships gracefully, "Pretty Wings", a beautiful song by the artist Maxwell, played continuously on the radio. Seeing this occurrence as an example of synchronicity, I pondered on the song's meaning. As I reflected, ideas about chemistry, relationship incompatibility and Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types came to my consciousness. Why? Let’s go on a journey….

The Lion King and Mindfulness

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

I enjoyed Disney’s The Lion King (2019). Even though major aspects of the movie stayed true to the 1994 original, the movie felt fresh because I noticed new motifs. Specifically, the importance of mindfulness is illustrated in Simba’s journey. How? Let’s talk about it….

Exit Plan: The Right Way to Walk Away

Recently, a colleague told me about a co-worker who abruptly quit. The office manager worked overtime to reshuffle workloads to make sure customer deadlines were met. Everyone was stressed. It is considered a courtesy to give employers a two-weeks notice before leaving a job. In the heat of the moment, professionalism was put on the back burner for various reasons. Still, at the end of all relationships, including professional ones, there is a right way to walk away. How? Let’s go on a journey….

In the Meantime: Coping With Life in Transition

In 2017, I started regularly writing in my journal. According to the article, Keeping A Journal Can Be Good For Your Health by F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W, writing in a journal can help you feel more grounded, manage stressful events and find clarity. At the end of the year, I read past entries. I notice how major life altering events lose power, over time. The circumstances did not change, but my perception about the issues and their effect on me were transformed. Somehow instead of being broken, I became stronger. What happened?  At a recent talk about being in the middle of change, author and Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis, PhD shared a quote by Carl Jung that sheds insight on how we grow from unfortunate situations and manage our lives in transition: “We don’t as much solve our problems as we outgrow them. We add capabilities and experiences that eventually make us bigger than our problems.” How? Let’s discuss...

Compassionate Disagreements

                                     Left, Dr. Folami Prescott-Adams. Right, McKenzie Wren 

July 5, 2018

Compassionate Atlanta, a non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of compassionate action in the Greater Atlanta area, recently sponsored an engaging workshop on empathetic communication at Kavarna coffee house in Decatur, Georgia. Dialogue Across Differences was described as an "introductory, experiential workshop...that will show you how to tap into expanding compassion as you confront your own biases and others', improve your listening skills, and ask powerful questions to help create courageous conversations." McKenzie Wren of Culture on Purpose and Dr. Folami Prescott-Adams of HTI Catalysts, two well-known and highly respected conflict resolution facilitators, led the participants on a journey to uncover the skills and tools needed to create conversations that lead to improved understanding, empathy, and inclusion.  Let's discuss...