RECENTLY, THERE IS A SURGE of interest in a Hawaiian method of healing called Ho'Oponopono, consisting of seeing the world as a reflection of our own inner landscape. When we are confronted with difficult people or situations that seem unfair, rather than pointing fingers outward, Ho'Oponopono calls on us to see whatever is troublesome outside as a reminder to us that we are not clear. As a result, we take responsibility for what we see and begin a process of cleaning. This is accomplished through repetitive statements of "I'm sorry, Forgive me, I Love You, Thank you". The idea here is that as we see ourselves out of balance, we rectify the actions of another by clearing our own blockages to neutrality. By saying those words, we are speaking to Creator and cleansing all that is getting in the way of harmony in the world.

This process has worked for many people, and a book has been written about the work of a psychologist in Hawaii who used this method on criminally insane individuals in the psych ward of the hospital where he worked. He never saw the patients, he merely looked through their charts and asked for forgiveness for creating them in an image less than optimum. Within a few years, the entire ward was cleared and closed. Author, Joe Vitale heard about this and wrote an article that began to spread like wildfire on the internet. He recently released a book - Zero Point - which is a collaborative effort between himself and psychologist, Dr. Hew Len.

In reading about Ho'Oponopono and practicing it, something didn't feel quite right to me. I had no problem accepting responsibility for what I have created in my world, and was glad to have tools to help clear any damage I've caused others through my own limitations. But, in doing the four words, there was a missing element - and it came to me this morning. If I see my world through a lens that says I have caused distress or disease or less than optimum circumstances for another, I am assuming that what the other is experiencing IS less than optimum for their soul growth, and I am bound to the concept of Original Sin. However, when I look at each person in my life as a GIFT, and I accept their being as an opportunity to grow, I change the whole focus from being separated from the Source of Life, to being integrally connected, and seeing beyond the illusion of the appearance. When I realize that there is a grand symphony unfolding, and that all of us are aspects of that unfolding orchestration, the only words needed from me are "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!" And so, I practiced saying, "Thank you, God, Thank you, God. Thank you for everything." I used a musical tonality when I said it in my mind, and an interesting thing happened. I was overwhelmed by feelings of love and nurturance. All anxiety vanished. All judgment disappeared. Everything I saw was a gift, and I was demonstrating my genuine gratitude for it.

By saying "Thank you", I am acknowledging that life is a gift. I am signaling to God/Universe/Creator that I am aware of the goodness that resides within the experience, no matter what it looks like on the surface, and I am stating my appreciation for the opportunity to view and grow through whatever the situation has to offer. I am also coming to the table fully embodied in my spiritual heritage and wellbeing. I have nothing to apologize for, because the images presented to me are Source created, and my creation is what I do with what is presented - not assuming that I have created it all in my own limited view. To be in a state of apology is to miss a larger opportunity. To ask for forgiveness means that what we see is perceived as a mistake. Yet, when I view God as perfect, and creation as perfect - even though I don't understand why certain things are as they are - I am acknowledging the Great Mystery that life is, and I am showing my gratitude for being part of this magnificent orchestration. I release a burden that is unnecessary to carry.

The message of Jesus was that he died for our sins. The purpose of that message was to release us from the time bound guilt that has played out over and over again through millennia. The reason for His sacrifice was to release us to become the light bodies we are intended - to play in the field of consciousness and bring our own unique gifts forward. When we are constantly in a state of apology, we limit ourselves and the great resources within, because we are taking on responsibility for a cause that is not ours to take, and we are missing the greater opportunity of learning through viewing. By saying "Thank you for everything" and by repeating "Thank you" when issues arise, we come as fully responsive human beings to meet and greet what is in front of us with grace rather than guilt... with loving appreciation rather than assumption that something is wrong.

By thanking our Creator for the opportunity, we validate the value of the experience. We validate the role player who demonstrates the opportunity, and rather than making our judgment about the right or wrong of who and what "they" are or what "it" is, we see it all as part of a Divine unfolding. We are aware that our limited vantage point in the moment does not allow us to see either the set up or the finale of why something is in front of us. It only gives us opportunity to appreciate and respond with the best of ourselves in the moment, and to move through the situation bestowing the blessing of gratitude toward the entire process. In the process, we take action - but the action is based on our fullness, not our lack. We are able to assist one another, not out of guilt, but out of genuine respect for the opportunity to share our love, gifts, and ability to care.

I have found that "Thank You" is one of the most empowering expressions I can conjure. It fills me with gratitude, peace, appreciation, and every other overflowing feeling that warms my heart and allows my soul to sing!

"Thank You for Everything!"

Food for Thought

1. Look at a situation in front of you through the eyes of guilt for its creation. How does that make you feel, and what is the motivation behind the action you take to rectify it?
    
2. Look at the same situation through the eyes of gratitude. What is the difference in the way you feel and in the action you take?
    
3. Take time today to look at each person and every situation through the eyes of gratitude for the opportunity to see the mystery of life in action. Say "Thank You" even when you don't understand why something is occurring. Let the heart of gratitude lead you from the question to the beholding to the answer, no matter how long it takes.
    
4. Say "Thank you" to people who serve you at the store or in a restaurant. Make personal eye contact and see them as part of a larger circle to which you belong. Humanize everyone with whom you interact, no matter how small their function in your life.
    
5. Practice saying "Thank you" to yourself for showing up to participate in life, and acknowledge all you do rather than what you don't do.

© Kathleen Jacoby, 2008

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
Kathleen Jacoby is a writer, author, and numerologist, who has been a contributor to PLW since its beginning. Seasons of the Soul is also a quarterly print edition newsletter published since 1996, and can be purchased for yourself or as a gift at a cost of $12 per year. Contact Kathleen for more information at: KathleenEJacoby@aol.com.

You can also read Kathleen’s BLOG: www.kathleenjacoby.blogs.com.