Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 11, 1 November 2022 — The Season of Ho'oponopono [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Season of Ho'oponopono

V MALAMA I KOU ICINO V ^ CARE FOR YOUR BODY " LAKl LUK lUUh DUU1

By Jodi Leslie Matsuo, DrPH One of the eommon purposes of Makahiki and Thanksgiving is that it is a time for 'ohana. A time to reconnect and strengthen relationships. However personal hurts and grudges between family members ean stand in the way of enjoying this holiday, creating anxiety and uneasiness among those involved in the celebration. Holding on to hurts and grudges ean affect our heahh as well, either by causing illness, making existing illnesses worse, or slowing healing within the body. The Native Hawaiian healing practice of ho'oponopono is a traditional method of restoring relationships among 'ohana. This practice is also understood to be a method of eonflict resolution and ean be expanded to include other relationships as well, including friends and co-workers. As Mary Kawena Pukui describes, "...it is to set things right with eaeh other and with the Almighty". This involves deep personal reflection on one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives. Assigning hlame or judgement for one's thoughts or actions, or justifying one's actions, isn't part of this process. The end goal is to forgive and be forgiven. In order for ho'oponopono to work, all those most involved with the problem needs to be included; having too many people involved is not as helpful. A belief in the process, a sincere intention to participate throughout the process and seek resolution, is also a must. The haku leading out ho'oponopono needs to be someone unbiased and experienced in doing so. This could be a trained practitioner or a trusted

kūpuna or elder in the community. The important first step in any traditional healing work, including ho'oponopono, is pule. It is a recognition of Akua as the Source of healing and a prayer to work through the practitioner and the healing of all people involved. Following this, the haku sets-up the discussion by sharing the purpose for that session. A reminder to speak only through the leader is often made, as to help keep everyone's emotions under control. Periods of silence throughout the session may be called upon by the haku to ealm emotions or to allow time for reflection. With honest reflection and examination of one's own motives and feelings, eaeh person then confesses their role in situation, taking ownership for their actions and decisions. The haku may ask questions or for more information. Eaeh person then asks sincere forgiveness for their choices, whieh may include offering some type of eompensation or restitution, depending on what was done. Equally important to this process is accepting forgiveness and releasing the hurt and guilt, also with sincerity and without doubt. A ho'oponopono session lasts as long as needed for everyone to go through this process. After everyone has had their turn, the haku summarizes what was shared and closes with pule. The dispute is considered to not exist anyone. 1his is followed by a meal together, to celebrate healing of relationships and renewed aloha between eaeh other. Taking the time to strengthen your 'ohana ean build a strong family for generations to eome. ■ Born and raised in Kona, Hawai'i, Dr. Jodi Leslie Matsuo is a Native Hawaiian Registered Dietician and certified diabetes educator, with training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. Follow her on Facebook (@DrJodiLeslieMatsuo), Instagram (@drlesliematsuo) and on Twitter (@DrLeslieMatsuo).