I always appreciate the transition of seasons, especially transitioning from winter to spring. The world around us begins to show new life, new opportunities, new beauty, and new creation. It can be a time to pause, reflect, and evaluate what is serving our truest selves, and what needs to be released because we have outgrown it, or because it is no longer serving us. As we transition out of winter and toward spring, what can we do to prepare for a spring cleaning within ourselves?

What can we revamp in our thoughts, feelings, and actions to create a thriving space within and around us? Where can we re-prioritize to improve our energy, our presence, our focus, and how we feel? What can we reevaluate to ensure we are including self-care in our schedule? What needs to be released and what needs to be welcomed in?

I recently attended a workshop learning about Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian custom that has been defined as a forgiveness, releasing, and reconciliation practice. From my understanding, Ho’oponopono is practiced in many different ways, and it can be used to release our attachments that we have created internally that are no longer serving us. As we go on the journey of cleaning from within, perhaps we can use this simple and powerful version of Ho’oponopono, to help us release what we no longer need. To use this, bring to mind what you would like to release, and say the following words to yourself and your relationship with what you would like to release.

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

Ho’oponopono - “Simple/Basic Method”

Saying, “I love you”, connects us to our opening hearts. Saying “I’m sorry”, reminds us to stay humble and allow for taking ownership for creating the internal and perhaps unwanted energy toward what you are wanting to release. Saying “Please forgive me”, acknowledges our imperfections and invites in the energy of forgiveness, and saying “Thank you” expresses gratitude for what this well-intentioned energy has been trying to do for you.

As I practiced releasing an attachment that is no longer serving me at this workshop, I found myself feeling unsure of letting it go, almost longing for it back. I even found myself going back to retrieve what I had released because I’m not sure I know how to be without it. I realize this will take additional practice to let this energy go. I also know that it will be worth it so that my light can shine, and I am thankful for practices such as this to help me with releasing what no longer serves my truest self.

As this transition into spring occurs, perhaps take a day, a few hours, or even a half an hour to assess the questions from above. Decide if you need to create a new routine or habit and if you need to let one or some go. Our lives are continuously evolving, so it makes sense to evaluate how your habits and routines need to evolve as well? As you ask yourself questions, see what else comes up for you. Are there additional questions that surface that need reflection or pondering? If you find yourself dwelling on a question or getting caught up in the emotion or feelings around it, try re-framing it into a generative question. Rather than “Why does this always happen?” try asking, “What can I do differently?” or “What can I learn from this?” Let your questions guide the direction of the activity, see what comes up, and determine what actions might need to be taken. It’s a process and it’s okay if it takes iterations to create the transformation or growth you are looking for.