Tony Robbins | Ho'oponopono

Summary

Tony Robbins introduces Ho’oponopono as a practice of compassion and taking responsibility for how you experience a situation. He distinguishes this from being responsible for everything that happens: events may be outside your control, but your response and the meaning you give them are your responsibility.

The practice centers on repeating four phrases:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “I love you.”
• “Please forgive me.”
• “Thank you.”

Robbins leads the audience in repeating the phrases while thinking of someone they hope to connect with or help heal. He encourages saying them sincerely rather than mechanically, and trying them with different feelings, such as love, joy, or a sense of sacredness. When appropriate, he also suggests looking the other person in the eyes.

Robbins recounts a story about Dr. Hew, who reportedly practiced Ho’oponopono while reading the files of patients at a Hawaiian mental hospital before meeting them. Robbins connects the practice to empathy and mirror neurons, suggesting that it may help people approach others with compassion rather than blame. These claims are presented as part of his account.

Presenters and sources: Tony Robbins; Dr. Hew, as described by Robbins; Ho’oponopono