A Blessing to Ease the Heart
During our retreat in April in Mexico, I had the chance to sit in a cacao ceremony led by Gustavo and Giovanna, offered in the ancient Mayan tradition.
We sipped our warm cacao as we were held by sacred chant and gently guided through the ceremony. Our hearts slowly began to open—we were invited to turn toward the goodness within and around us, and to honor the presence of those who came before us.
It was one of those quietly powerful moments—rooted in ritual and full of presence...a moment I won't forget.
The morning carried a deep spiritual energy—intimate, heartfelt, and real. Among the many chants and beautiful songs, I learned a Hawaiian blessing that has continued to resonate with me, and that sometimes comes forward in my morning meditation—especially when my inner voice gets a little too sharp or my heart feels heavy.
This ancient prayer is called ho’oponopono, which roughly means “to return to balance” or “to make things right.” It’s simple—and deeply powerful. The words are:
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
Four phrases that can feel like medicine for the weary heart.
In the Hawaiian tradition, this prayer is a way of cleansing old wounds, releasing regret or resentment, and restoring harmony—within ourselves and in our relationships. It reminds us that healing often begins inside. I’ve been offering these words of blessing inward—soaking in the healing that comes from acknowledging what’s there, letting go when I can, and meeting myself with care. It’s become a quiet part of my practice, a way of staying close to my own heart when I need it most.
I also sense the power of offering this prayer outward—to those I’ve been hurt by, and to memories or situations I need to release. But for now, I’m staying close to the healing work within. Deepening understanding. Learning to trust. Letting this blessing tend to what’s tender in me.
If you find that your heart feels heavy, or your inner voice a little too sharp, I invite you to try this . . .
Pause for a moment. Close your eyes. Breathe in these healing phrases—and let the words settle. No need to force or figure anything out. Just trust the simplicity. Let it be a blessing. You might use these traditional phrases, or maybe there’s a variation your heart needs to hear: I forgive you. I see you. You’re not alone.
Mindfulness helps us notice what hurts and what longs to be felt with compassion. It invites us to pause, soften, and clear a path toward greater ease and peace. Who doesn’t need that?
Let it be your own. And as you pause to take this in, consider gently inquiring:
What part of me most needs to hear these words?
Or: Is there someone, or something, I’m ready to soften toward—even just a little?
If you try this practice, I’d love to hear how it feels for you.
~ Maria 💚