Ever noticed how tribal people always seem to enjoy and are happy with life, even though in some cases they struggle to survive day to day?
What stands in the way of so many of us in the western world to our dreams and happiness? Well Ho’opnonpono, an ancient Hawaiian mind cleaning technique, might provide just the solution to the “western disease” of unhappiness.
Mabel Katz in her very short book “The Easiest Way” outlines the basis of the ho’opnopono technique as taught by her teacher Dr Ihaleakala Hew Len. We reviewed Dr Joe Vitale’s book “Zero Limit” previously. Joe’s book attempts to cover the same subject, but we prefer Mabel’s coverage in many ways – shorter, succinct and easier to follow.
The book title “The Easiest Way” hints at the simplicity of the technique i.e. you don’t need a guru nor do you need to meditate for decades.
As with most spiritual traditions ho’oponopno suggests that all our problems stem from our thinking and memories and the way we perceive situations. Buddhism has been trying to teach us this for centuries as have most spiritual teachers and traditions. Ho’opopono is a process of forgiveness, repentance and transformation from these toxic thoughts. It’s about taking 100% responsibility for the problems (memories) that arise in our lives and cleaning or erasing them from our minds (and potentially the collective unconsciousness as well).
The book consists of 7 main chapters. The last chapter actually describes the ho’oponopono process. I loved the use of quotes from famous people sprinkled throughout the book – they really brought home some of the key points from each of the chapters.
- Who am I?“Even if a man conquers thousands of men on the battle field, only he who conquers himself will win the battle.”, The Teaching of BuddhaHo’oponopno has a 3 part model of the mind
- The super conscious – our spiritual side (perfect and clear of who it is)
- The conscious – our mental side (intellect, free will)
- The subconscious – our emotional side (our inner child, memories, it runs our bodies – breathing etc.)
- What is a Problem“A problem is only a problem if we say it is, and a problem is not the problem, how we react to the problem is the problem.” ~Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len“The mind can never find the solution, nor can it permit itself to be found by you, because the mind itself is intrinsically part of the ‘problem’.” ~Eckhart Tolle
- Faith“Our true power is happiness, and this comes only when we surrender everything else.” ~Dan Millman
- Money“Even when we attain all our desired possessions, we soon find that the hole is still there, that it is bottomless.” ~Eckhart Tolle
- Fears“And the truth will set you free.” ~Jesus
- Love“Love cannot be understood, it must be felt. Life is not imagining perfection and triumph, it is only love. We always try to change everything into a mental concept. Forget that, just feel!” ~Dan Millman
- The Shortest and Easiest Way“The only thing God is asking from us is that we take good care of ourselves and that we say ‘I am sorry.’” ~Dr. Ihalekala Hew Len
“I love you” and “I thank you” are the two most powerful phrases we can ever speak,because love and gratitude are central to happiness. The Hawaiians and early tribal peoples (including the Aborigines (‘mateship’) of Australia have known this for thousands of years).
“The Easiest Way” just puts in words what we already know intuitively. Highly recommended. It’s a very quick read, which is just right for busy western lifestyles.
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About Danny Sheehan
Danny lives in Hong Kong but is originally from Australia. He is Married to Maggie and together they have two children with whom they enjoy sharing and enjoying an exciting life with daily. Danny's passions are freedom, adventure and discovery, mainly in nature and science but also spiritually. He is a great believer in living in the NOW.
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