Shame & Forgiveness

Not too long ago, I found myself in a pretty heavy shame spiral. Now, this does not happen very often to me, but every once in a while, when I’m feeling particularly vulnerable, and something slips through the cracks, I crack.⁣

⁣My husband was kind enough to give me the space I needed, and I went and laid down for a while. I tried a bunch of meditations, but I’d forgotten how simple and honest this one is for me, and how it calms me.⁣

⁣Hoʻoponopono: the Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. While the practice has a much more rich history than I going to get into here, but the mantra, which is at the heart of the practice, resonates deeply with me.⁣

⁣I’m sorry.⁣

⁣Please forgive me.⁣

⁣Thank you.⁣

I love you.⁣

⁣When I find myself feeling particularly anxious, upset, overwhelmed, or flooded, I quietly focus on the situation, person, or in some cases, myself, and I repeat these phrases.⁣⁣

⁣I cannot express to you how much this simple act can calm my soul and help me lead to the healing I need sometimes. Give it a try. And may you find some inner peace too.