One of the most important processes one can do to heal oneself, others, and even this planet, is to practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a part of love and crucial for omitting that energy, and for being able to act with compassion. In Hawai’i, they have a practice called Ho’oponopono, which basically means to make things right again, to realign into aloha.

To practice Ho’oponopono, focus on a person that says he or she has been harmed by you, or that you know in your heart that you may have caused harm, whether intentionally or not, and pray for forgiveness, not only by that person, but also that person’s family and ancestors and anyone in the future belonging to that family. This way, we also honor others impacted by our actions and conflicts.

The prayer goes:

Divine Creator, Father, Mother, Child as One, if I, (insert your name) or any of my relatives and ancestors, have ever caused (insert name of person you ask for forgiveness) or any of his/her relatives and ancestors, any harm, in any form, I deeply apologize and humbly ask for your forgiveness. I ask of you to transmute any and all negative energies and turn them into light and let there be peace. And so it is. Amen.

To forgive yourself, simply ask yourself of forgiveness. I like to use my inner child as the one I’m apologizing to, so that I continue to have her trust and keep her safe and happy. When my inner child is safe and happy, she brings forth the Divine light in me, in all my interactions and endeavours. And she is not trying to take charge from the subconscious part of me, but rather is allowed to give voice to her needs, so that my inner parent can care for myself, and so that I can be an adult with others. Having given yourself forgiveness, lifts off your guilt and lessens your doubt, so that you can be more authentic and loving. Now, imagine to do this together with the person in question, or even between whole families – what a mature society we would have! Could it even be brought into our workplaces?

Find the feeling within, that corresponds with how the other person feels hurt by you, and you will find compassion.