I Forgive

I Forgive

"It is much bigger to forgive than to carry the burden of blame and to move on," Kumu Sabra Kauka, a Hawai’ian elder, historian, educator, and activist notes. "Because only by forgiving and moving on can you reach a higher point."

My husband and I first visited Oahu, Hawai’i in 2013 during my time with the iconic acoustic guitar manufacturer C.F. Martin & Co. (Martin Guitar). Our love for Hawaii deepened as Martin sponsored Surfer Magazine's annual award ceremony, Surfer Poll Awards, held in Oahu every December in conjunction with the Vans Triple Crown and Billabong Pipeline Masters competition. Hawaii became our happy place, where good vibes filled each day, and we made many dear friends. Mahalo.

The people of Hawai’i embody beauty in every way - their love for Ohana, their faith, the stunning land, and their rich culture resonate the moment you set foot on the shore.

Recently, my dear friend, Chief Founding Guide and member of my personal Board of Directors, Mary Stephenson, shared with me a meditation practice for forgiveness called Ho’oponopono. I was deeply moved by it and felt compelled to share it with you, hoping it resonates with someone today.

The word Ho’oponopono roughly translates to "cause things to move back in balance" or "make things right." In the native Hawaiian language, "pono" means balance, in the sense of "life."

Chanting the meditative phrase over and over can be a powerful way to cleanse the body of guilt, shame, haunting memories, ill will, or negative thoughts that keep the mind fixated.

According to the Mayo Clinic, letting go of grudges and bitterness can pave the way for improved health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to:

  • Healthier relationships
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced anxiety, stress, and hostility
  • Fewer symptoms of depression
  • Lower blood pressure
  • A stronger immune system
  • Improved heart health
  • Enhanced self-esteem

As a woman of faith, I firmly believe in the power of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison; it only hurts you. But let's be honest, forgiveness is easier said than done. It requires practice, patience, and humility, among other virtues. Forgiveness also doesn’t mean forgetting.

In the practice of Ho’oponopono, you must first acknowledge that wrongdoing exists. Only then can you find it in your heart to forgive yourself or others. In the final step, acknowledge love - both for yourself and others.

My journey with forgiveness became tangible when I consciously chose to release the weight tied to things, people, feelings, places, and spaces that no longer serve me. In time and with great patience, I chose to forgive myself and others and to move forward with grace and love. As Mary explained, "True forgiveness requires both attention and intention. When done correctly, it is one of the most freeing sensations there is." Sage advice for the weary-hearted.

To practice Ho’oponopono, take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed. Then, slowly repeat these phrases to yourself about 7 or 8 times:

I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you.

When you're ready, try this practice. End with a few moments of silence to let the message resonate. Open your eyes. How do you feel?

Go forth, my Muse, and be great. I am rooting for you, always.

Musically yours,

Amani D.


Helene DeVries

Executive Search + Recruitment Consultant | Diversity | Talent Acquisition Strategy | Marketing | Advertising | MarTech | Communications | Director level thru to C-suite

9 个月

I love this concept - thank you for sharing Amani Duncan!

Janet Barker-Evans

Chief Creative Officer

9 个月

Amani, I love this. First of all, I love Hawaii too, and have found so much spirituality and moving life lessons when I’ve been there. Secondly, the concept of forgiveness is one I also struggle with, and yet embrace. You paraphrased one of my favorite quotes: “It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” It is a journey, but such a useful one. And only for the strong. The weak can’t forgive. Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ll be using it often!

Amani Duncan thank you for sharing this wisdom and for offering people another approach to clearing and shifting challenging relationships, even with themselves. #forgiveness

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Amani Duncan的更多文章

  • A Personal Thank You and an Exciting New Chapter

    A Personal Thank You and an Exciting New Chapter

    Dear Muses, Eight months ago, I was feeling lost, a little scared, and very much confused. To say I was wandering in…

    12 条评论
  • Fearless Beginnings

    Fearless Beginnings

    When I started this weekly newsletter back in May, I didn’t know if anyone would care or even read it. To my surprise…

    13 条评论
  • Sawubona

    Sawubona

    In Zulu culture, “Sawubona” is not just about physically seeing someone; it is an acknowledgment of the person’s…

    15 条评论
  • For the Love of Money

    For the Love of Money

    "For the love of money Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money rule you For the love of money Money can change people…

    14 条评论
  • And so it begins...

    And so it begins...

    This one has taken me a few weeks to write. The topic is challenging, and I needed time to gather my thoughts in a way…

    17 条评论
  • Planned Neglect

    Planned Neglect

    What is Planned Neglect? Planned neglect is a strategy where a person deliberately ignores or sets aside certain tasks…

    19 条评论
  • The Message is simple. Vote.

    The Message is simple. Vote.

    I woke up this Monday morning with one thought on my mind: VOTE. Election Day is just one day away, and the stakes have…

    1 条评论
  • The Power of Pluralism – Lessons from The Nantucket Project

    The Power of Pluralism – Lessons from The Nantucket Project

    We have the ability to cut across the divisions impacting America but its a choice." - Eboo Patel 2024 The Nantucket…

    15 条评论
  • A Blueprint for Making Wise Decisions

    A Blueprint for Making Wise Decisions

    Procrastination—it creeps in quietly, often disguised as indecision or overthinking. But when you peel back the layers,…

    8 条评论
  • Infinite Possibilities

    Infinite Possibilities

    Impossible vs. Possible I’ve always considered myself someone who thrives on making the impossible, possible.

    8 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了