A Meditation (& Prayer) for dumpster fire times

Photo Credit: Arik Cardenas

We realize how stressful and exhausting the holiday season can be and we hope you are offering yourself plenty of tender moments and sweet little pockets of reprieve when you're able.

Some of you may be familiar with the Ho'Oponopono Prayer. Ho'Oponopono is not only super fun to say once you get the hang of it, it's also a Hawaiian prayer for collective and individual forgiveness, love, and healing.

I recall when my Aunt told me the story of the prayer. She grew up in Honolulu with my mom and 7 other siblings—9 in total—making my 6 sibling setup seem like a walk in the park. Auntie Karen was always a great storyteller with a substantial amount of knowledge about Polynesian history and folklore.

I offer this story with the disclaimer that I have no idea if the following *actually* happened. Something I come back to often in my life and with Kula is the reminder that I know ~very little~. I am continuously learning new information and, as many of you hear me reassure you in class, we're allowed to change our minds. Science is continuously evolving, our individual spirituality is always evolving. Also, who knows! Maybe magic is real!

So, ok story time! My Aunt introduces a psych ward in Hawaii that is filled with folks who were severely mentally ill. A new doctor was starting at the facility that day. When he enters, he sees patients screaming and chasing after nurses, people removing their gowns, shouting at nothing--a truly heartbreaking sight.

This doctor proceeds to review each and every patient's file. Not just examining their histories, but simultaneously praying over them with the following:

"I'm sorry.

I love you.

Please forgive me.

Thank you."

Something like days or weeks go by and every patient is eventually discharged. They had to close down the ward because there were no longer any patients who needed services.

Personally, I have yet to find substantial evidence that confirms this actually happened 😇 but I appreciate the sentiment behind it. This practice of offering forgiveness to people who have hurt us. Offering love and appreciation for the hope that there was something to be learned from that experience. I don't love the idea that folks who are struggling with mental issues have no agency and need an outside "capable" source to "fix" them--that feels wildly condescending and disempowering--but I appreciate the aspect that reinforces supporting those who are struggling to support themselves. These individuals are not invisible or just numbers. They are humans who have lived challenging lives, like all of us!

We are all feeling so much right now and I hope, if you are able, you can join us or reach out to us for some support. Come to a class, drop by for some tea, or pop into a casual Sunday yap sesh or craft time.