A Journey to Self-Healing: Embracing the Ho’oponopono Inner-Child

The journey of self-discovery can be a labyrinth, a complicated maze with unexpected turns and twists, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Today, we delve into the heart of Ho’oponopono—an ancient Hawaiian philosophy that guides us through this labyrinth in a soothing rhythm, helping us reconnect with our inner selves, with a particular focus on what is often called the inner-child or the Unhipili.

Unhipili: The Subconscious Inner-Child

The subconscious mind, the Unhipili, and the inner-child—while these terms may seem distinct, they represent the same band of vibrations within us. The Unhipili, a Hawaiian term translating to ‘the child,’ serves as our life’s faithful record-keeper, diligently storing every memory, every experience we’ve ever had. It’s like a trusty old friend who has been there for every step of our journey, quietly noting everything.

A bit clinical to describe it as the subconscious mind, isn’t it? That’s why when speaking to my readers—mostly Westerners—I find it more endearing to use the term ‘subconscious inner-child.’ This term brings an affectionate warmth, stripping away the clinical chill that ‘subconscious mind’ often carries.

The Symphony of Vibrations

Our world operates on vibrations. This isn’t some lofty spiritual concept, but an inherent characteristic of our universe that scientists readily recognize. Vibrational wavelengths help astronomers calculate cosmic distances, while radiologists and ultrasound technicians rely on them to investigate the human body’s intricacies. Similarly, each of us carries our unique vibrational symphony within us, helmed by our subconscious inner-child.

This remarkable component of our psyche diligently records every experience, every memory—those we consciously register and those we don’t. So complete is its record-keeping that forensic hypnotists can sometimes unlock unconscious memories—say a car’s license plate or the face of a crime suspect—from this vault during police investigations.

Winning Trust: Building a Relationship with Your Inner-Child

Engaging with your subconscious inner-child doesn’t require a degree in psychology or hypnosis. It’s all about cultivating trust and love. Much like bonding with a physical child, it requires patience, kindness, and understanding, especially if you’ve neglected it consciously for some time. In our fast-paced world, this can seem like a daunting task. Still, the rewards of this relationship are profound and enduring.

Imagine how you’d feel when a physical child accomplishes something significant or undergoes surgery. You’d feel a rush of pride or a pang of worry. Similarly, developing sensitivity for your inner-child lets you share in its triumphs and trials.

And unlike physical entities—movie stars, politicians, royalty—that age and change over time, your subconscious inner-child is timeless. It is your most steadfast companion on life’s journey. Yet, this inner-child can err, amassing data and connections that form a filter, or blockage, obscuring your link to your inner Divinity.

Cleaning the Lens: Ho’oponopono and Forgiveness

Picture this: a parent perceives their child as being ‘naughty’ or ‘bad,’ only to later discover the child was genuinely trying to help. Naturally, the parent’s initial frustration transforms into gratitude, and they comfort the child with phrases like ‘I Love you,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘Please forgive me,’ ‘Thank you.’ Isn’t this a familiar sentiment for practitioners of Ho’oponopono?

These phrases form the cornerstone of Ho’oponopono, but they’re not merely a mantra to be repeated mechanically. Their true power lies in their use as a tool for ‘cleaning,’ a key concept in Ho’oponopono.

Cleaning involves acknowledging and addressing what disturbs us, just like a parent comforting a child after misunderstanding their intentions. It’s about taking responsibility for our actions and responses. And it’s not just about dealing with our negative feelings but owning and loving them, as they are part of our inner-child.

For instance, if another person triggers us, it’s important to not only address our negative feelings towards them but also to love and accept them as memories within our inner-child. This can be a difficult task, especially for those accustomed to blaming others for their problems.

Beyond the Individual: The Collective Embrace of Ho’oponopono

Remember, Ho’oponopono is not about healing others or the world. It is about cleaning our own karmic-memories, our filters, allowing us to follow the path that our inner Divinity guides us onto. Recently, when I was invited to lead a weekly meditation circle on Ho’oponopono, I had to decline. Why? Because I can only guide others on how to clean their filters effectively. The relationship each person has with their inner-child is deeply personal, and it’s this relationship that must be cherished.

Embracing Ho’oponopono is about embarking on a journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with our inner-child, and cleaning the lens through which we view ourselves and the world around us. So let’s walk this path together, let’s learn, and let’s grow, with the soothing rhythm of Ho’oponopono guiding us every step of the way.