Aloha friends! Today, I want to share something truly special and transformative with you. It’s a gift that has the power to change your life forever, and best of all, it’s completely free. I’m talking about the ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono, a spiritual technique that has been proven to work wonders over the past two decades.
In this solo episode of “Zero Limits Living,” I’ll be taking you on a journey into the depths of Ho’oponopono, sharing the incredible true story of how it helped heal an entire ward of mentally ill criminals. Yes, you read that right – this is a tale of modern-day miracles that will leave you in awe.
So, grab a comfy seat, open your mind and heart, and get ready to dive into one of the most profound healing modalities the world has ever known.
The Miraculous Tale of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len
Let me start by setting the stage with a story that will blow your mind. Around 20 years ago, I first heard about a therapist who managed to heal an entire ward of mentally ill criminals without ever directly working on the patients themselves. Instead, he focused solely on his own inner work, and through that process, the patients began to transform and heal.
At first, I dismissed this story as an urban legend. The idea of a therapist healing dangerous, criminally insane individuals by simply working on himself seemed too far-fetched to be true. But a year later, when I heard the story again, something inside me knew I had to investigate further.
If this tale was indeed true, it meant that the world needed to know about this incredible healing method. And perhaps, just perhaps, the technique used by this therapist could be something that you and I could also leverage in our own lives.
So, I embarked on a quest, hiring a private investigator and researchers to track down this elusive therapist. And sure enough, after much effort, I found him – Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a humble man living in California.
The Profound Wisdom of Ho’oponopono
During our 45-minute phone conversation, Dr. Hew Len generously shared the details of his remarkable journey with me. He explained that the healing method he had used was called Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian practice rooted in the belief that we are all connected, and that true healing begins within ourselves.
According to Dr. Hew Len, his job was to clear himself of his own perceptions, beliefs, and what he called “data.” As he cleared himself internally, the outer world responded and transformed accordingly.
In the case of the mental institution, Dr. Hew Len didn’t work directly with the patients, who were so dangerous that they had to be shackled or sedated daily. Instead, he worked on himself, clearing his own perceptions and beliefs about the inmates as he reviewed their case files.
As he did this inner work, something miraculous began to unfold. The patients, previously considered criminally insane and beyond help, started to heal. They became calmer, more grounded, and eventually, many were deemed well enough to be released back into society.
The Four Powerful Phrases
At the heart of Ho’oponopono lies a simple yet profoundly powerful practice: the repetition of four potent phrases:
“I love you.” “I’m sorry.” “Please forgive me.” “Thank you.”
During our workshop together, Dr. Hew Len taught me that by repeating these phrases internally, we’re not only addressing the specific issue at hand but also clearing ourselves of the unconscious beliefs, perceptions, and “data” that created or attracted that issue into our lives in the first place.
You see, in the philosophy of Ho’oponopono, we are 100% responsible for everything in our lives – not in a blaming or self-punishing way, but in the sense that our internal state creates our external reality.
When we say, “I’m sorry,” we’re not admitting guilt or wrongdoing in the traditional sense. Instead, we’re acknowledging our unconsciousness, our lack of awareness that led to the creation or manifestation of the problem we’re facing.
“Please forgive me” is a request for forgiveness, not just for ourselves but also for our ancestors, whose beliefs and programming we may have inherited.
“Thank you” is an expression of gratitude for the healing process, for the opportunity to transform and evolve.
And “I love you” is perhaps the most powerful phrase of all, a declaration of love for the divine source, for the process of Ho’oponopono itself, and for the incredible gift of life.
Applying Ho’oponopono in Your Life
As Dr. Joe Vitale shared his journey with Ho’oponopono, he invited us, the audience, to experience the power of this practice firsthand. He encouraged us to think of a problem we’re currently facing – a relationship issue, a financial struggle, a health challenge, or any other area of concern.
Once we had identified our specific issue, he guided us through the process of taking complete responsibility for it. Not in a blaming or self-critical way, but rather in the understanding that our perceptions, beliefs, and unconscious programming have played a role in attracting or creating this situation.
With our problem in mind, Dr. Vitale then asked us to go within, imagining ourselves in conversation with our creator, our higher power, or the divine source – whatever that means to each of us individually.
As we connected with that sacred presence, he invited us to express the four phrases internally:
“I love you.” “I’m sorry.” “Please forgive me.” “Thank you.”
Repeating these phrases, feeling the emotions they evoke, and allowing them to become the background soundtrack of our inner dialogue, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Ho’oponopono.
Dr. Vitale shared his own deeply personal experience of using Ho’oponopono when his mother was in the intensive care unit, nearing the end of her life. In the midst of fear, confusion, and grief, he turned inward, repeating the four phrases over and over again.
While his mother’s healing journey didn’t unfold as a Hollywood-esque miracle, something profound did shift. The next day, she was sitting up, alert, and ready to go home – a remarkable improvement from her critical condition the previous day.
Addressing Common Questions
Throughout his decades of teaching and sharing Ho’oponopono, Dr. Vitale has encountered many common questions and concerns from students and practitioners. Let’s address a few of them here:
- Do I have to say the phrases in a specific order? No, you can say the phrases in any order that feels natural to you. The power lies in the repetition and intention behind the words, not their sequence.
- Do I need to feel the phrases when I say them? While not strictly necessary, Dr. Vitale has found that feeling the emotions behind each phrase can accelerate the transformation process. When you truly feel the gratitude, love, remorse, and forgiveness expressed in the words, their impact is amplified.
- Why do I have to say “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me” if I didn’t do anything wrong? These phrases are not about admitting guilt or wrongdoing in the traditional sense. They acknowledge our unconsciousness, our lack of awareness that allowed the situation to manifest. Just as we’d say “I’m sorry” for accidentally bumping into someone, these phrases recognize our role in co-creating our reality, even if unintentionally.
- Can I use Ho’oponopono to change another person? No, Dr. Hew Len taught that attempting to change others would violate their free will. The focus of Ho’oponopono is on changing ourselves – our perceptions, beliefs, and “data” about the other person or situation. As we transform within, the outer world reflects that shift.
The Global Impact of Ho’oponopono
Since first learning about Ho’oponopono from Dr. Hew Len, Dr. Joe Vitale has dedicated himself to sharing this transformative practice with the world. He has written three books on the subject (“Zero Limits,” “At Zero,” and “The Fifth Phrase”), created certification programs, and conducted numerous events and workshops.
The impact of Ho’oponopono has been nothing short of extraordinary. Dr. Vitale has received countless testimonials from individuals who have used the four phrases to heal relationships, overcome financial struggles, improve their health, and transform every area of their lives.
In fact, Dr. Vitale’s reputation has spread so far and wide that he has been invited to speak about Ho’oponopono on stages in countries where English is not the primary language. Yet, when he introduces the four phrases – “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you” – the audience recites them flawlessly in English, a testament to the universal appeal and power of this ancient wisdom.
A Tribute to Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len
As Dr. Vitale concluded this profoundly moving and insightful episode, he shared the heartbreaking news that Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, the man who introduced him to Ho’oponopono, had recently passed away.
With tears in his eyes, Dr. Vitale expressed his gratitude to Dr. Hew Len for sharing this life-changing gift with the world, and dedicated the entire episode to honoring his legacy.
In a fitting tribute, Dr. Vitale encouraged all of us to embrace the spirit of Ho’oponopono, to let go of limiting beliefs, and to open ourselves to the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Closing Thoughts
As we bid farewell to this incredibly powerful episode, let us carry the wisdom of Ho’oponopono with us into our daily lives. May the four phrases – “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you” – become our constant companions, guiding us towards greater peace, healing, and wholeness.
Remember, the true gift of Ho’oponopono lies not in its simplicity, but in its profound ability to shift our perceptions, clear our limiting beliefs, and align us with the divine source that flows through all of creation.
So, let us embrace this ancient Hawaiian practice with open hearts and minds, knowing that as we heal ourselves, we heal the world around us.
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for joining me on this transformative journey. May the spirit of Ho’oponopono bless you, guide you, and empower you to live your life with zero limits.
Ho’oponopono Resources:
Author Joe Vitale’s book Zero Limits explains how he learned this transformative technique from master teacher Dr. Hew Len.
Vitale also offers various courses and certifications to learn beginner and advanced ho’oponopono practices for complete healing.