Ho'oponopono: What Are We Cleaning? Lessons from Morrnah and the River Iao

Ho'oponopono: What Are We Cleaning? Lessons from Morrnah and the River Iao




The Iao River on Maui, whose Iao Valley was the scene of the battle of Kepaniwai ("damming of the waters") in 1790. So many warriors died that the river was jammed with their bodies.  Today the river runs clean and free -- and is still a very sacred place.

Someone asked me the other day what Ho'oponopono is about, and what we are "cleaning" when practicing this process.  

Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, the Kahuna Lapa'au who was inspired in meditation to simplify Ho'oponopono for modern times, provided one of the best answers to this I've ever read.  Ho'oponopono literally means "to correct an error," or "to make right."  But what kind of errors are we talking about, and what is there to make right?

Morrnah explained:

"We are the sum total of our experiences, which is to say that we are burdened by our pasts. When we experience stress or fear in our lives, if we would look carefully, we would find that the cause is actually a memory. It is the emotions which are tied to these memories which affect us now. The subconscious associates an action or person in the present with something that happened in the past. When this occurs, emotions are activated and stress is produced.

The main purpose of this process is to discover the Divinity within oneself. The Ho'oponopono is a profound gift which allows one to develop a working relationship with the Divinity within and learn to ask that in each moment, our errors in thought, word, deed or action be cleansed. The process is essentially about freedom, complete freedom from the past." 

She also stated: 

"We can appeal to Divinity who knows our personal blueprint, for healing of all thoughts and memories that are holding us back at this time.  It is a matter of going beyond traditional means of accessing knowledge about ourselves."

The more times I re-read this, the more it intrigues me.  Ancient Hawaiians certainly pre-dated Freud, and understood that unconscious/subconscious memories influence current behavior.  These memories have nothing to do with people in our present, so they're misplaced -- and are "errors."  They lead to further errors downstream in thought, word, and deed. 

Modern psychotherapeutic treatments analyze these memories, hoping that this will loosen their grip on the person's present moments.  Sometimes this is helpful in changing behavior; sometimes not.  The person still has to apply the insights and practice doing things differently.

Ho'oponopono deals with memories too -- but does not try to analyze,  interpret, manage, or cope with them.  And the memories concerned apply to the person's soul throughout time, not in the current lifetime alone. 

Rather than analyzing, Ho'oponopono provides a process that connects us with Divinity within, moment to moment.  We can ask Divinity -- the only One who can cleanse or erase memories or thought forms -- to address whatever is arising in our experiences: anxiety, sadness, anger, mistakes, delays -- anything.  Fortunately, Divinity also knows our individual blueprints, and can transmute whatever memories are "up" for release at the time . . . without our ever knowing what is going on.  

Simple. Direct.  Elegant.  

Morrnah believed that we are laden with memories -- dating from all the way back to when we were "seaweed."  It's just a part of being on the earth plane. These memories are held within the Inner Child (or Unihipili) part of us, and  can manifest in anything from depression, addiction, and heart disease to events beyond our bodies like car accidents and natural disasters. The land and everything on it can contain memories too.  

Morrnah also believed that the Ho'oponopono process allows each of us to individually petition Divinity for help letting go of these memories or errors -- allowing things to be made right, or "pono."  As these memories are released, so is our stress and other problems.  An added bonus: the memories come off of not only us, but everyone and everything connected to them also.  

She recommended that health care practitioners be especially mindful to do Ho'oponopono before treating each client or patient.  Otherwise, we can be like ground zero for all manner of pain and suffering.  

"It is important to clear Karmic patterns with your clients before you start working with them, so that you don't activate old stuff between you. Perhaps you shouldn't be working with that person at all. Only the Divinity knows. If you work with a person and it isn't your business, you can take on the person's entire problem and everything associated with it. This can cause burnout. The Ho'oponopono gives the tools to prevent that from happening."

I've broached this with some of my colleagues, and some are curious about this interesting way to address physician burnout.  Others simply give me the fish eye. :-)  Of course, none of this is evidence-based in terms of modern science, so how can we know it has any effect?  We really can't; we have to personally choose what we'll do.  

Some long-time practitioners like Dr. Hew Len and Kamaile Rafaelovich are able to see the process occurring.  Yet even they don't claim to know what all of it means; only Divinity sees the whole picture. Dr. Hew Len often says, "my only job is to clean." 

While walking in Maui's Iao Valley recently, I thought about this cleaning.  Despite the bloody battle in 1790, the Iao River runs fresh and invigorating today.  The air around it is energizing; the land exudes sacredness.  I felt Divinity cleansing me like this river, washing through every part of my being. 

There's no way to know all the experiences my soul has collected over time, or how they may impact people with whom I interact. I'm so grateful to Morrnah for her wisdom, and for the Ho'oponopono cleansing process that allows me a way to work with all this -- even though I don't know what's what.  While on the island, I met a kahuna who told me she saw "Auntie Morrnah" standing behind me.  Tears sprang into my eyes when she shared this. How could she know that I feel this woman I have never met, around me all the time?  Much occurs in this world, that I do not understand. 

Thank you dear Morrnah, and for your students Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len and Kamaile Rafaelovich who have become my teachers in the flesh. They have a lovely book called "Blue Ice: The Relationship with the Self," that you can read if inspired. I love it; it's brief, to the point, and provides ever more beauty and grace with each reading.  

Peace begins with me,
Pam

Growing Ho'oponopono in My Life: With Love for the Gardener

Growing Ho'oponopono in My Life: With Love for the Gardener


Last weekend I enjoyed a Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono seminar in Woodland Hills, CA -- led by the lovely Momilani Ramstrum and Christine Leimakamae Chu.  No matter how many of these trainings I attend, something more always shows up.

There's an outline of essential information, yet each instructor has his or her own way of conveying it.  Momilani mentioned that she responds to inspiration in each class as much as possible, since groups differ in personalities, focus, and patience. I appreciate the individualization.

"I want you to experience the Divine for yourself," Momilani said. "I'm not really teaching you anything. I'm doing the cleaning. Most of all I don't want to say anything that gets in your way."

This attitude differs from what some might expect in a teacher. How can a teacher "get in the way"?  There are thousands of possibilities -- including insisting that students revere the teacher's interpretations, rather than encouraging them to find their own way through personal practice. This is such a challenging tightrope to walk: one must provide necessary starting points, while also encouraging people to work with the process individually. Only in that way can the student truly own a new life practice.

Facilitating Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono is especially tender -- and in this I felt both Momilani and Christine were caring for all of us.  I've often heard Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len say that people need connection with Divinity, rather than any human's ministrations.  Some might be offended by this, yet it makes complete sense to me. We humans can so easily project and misinterpret; unless we know when to shut up, we can inadvertently make more messes. 

Through these classes, we can start knowing and appreciating all parts of ourselves, as well as the relationships between these and others too. When attended to gently, we can begin a lifelong practice of "making things right" -- releasing memories showing up as problems, in a moment-to-moment way. 

In some books and web sites, Ho'oponopono is described as a "clearing technique" through which a person can manifest desired outcomes in the world. This is one point of view -- possibly a very limiting one.  Divinity has much larger ideas than we humans can ever dream of.  Vision boards may have their place, but Divinity's viewpoint far surpasses any collage I might create!   

So the attitude we hold in practicing Ho'oponopono is very important too, since trying to "manifest" is very different from practicing simple purity of heart.  The latter feels peaceful, warm, and gentle. I am open to inspiration. The former feels more forced, as if trying to make Divinity into my genie. 

Another example: nurturing a garden. Can you force a garden to grow?  No. One must partner with the soil, environment, and plants.  One must observe what's needed, and plant in correct light and surroundings.  Watering, weeding, pruning, feeding, and other sustaining care must be provided too. Only then will double hibiscuses bloom fully, and will grapefruit trees grow delicious fruits.  Gardening is an excellent teacher for life, I think.  Would you ever say, "I already watered that plant once -- why aren't there tomatoes yet?"  Yet I've often heard people say, "I cleaned with that problem -- why isn't it gone?!" We humans are real pieces of work, sometimes. :-)  

This time, I came away with even more love for the relatedness between myself, other people, material objects, and the natural world.  I always had this as a little girl, and used to talk to the flowers. I silenced it when adults and other kids thought it was stupid, though.  Yet with Ho'oponopono, I can say "ice blue" to the plants -- talking with them again. It's very nice to be home within myself, these days.

Thank you Divinity, Momilani, Christine, Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, and Morrnah for lovingly sharing Ho'oponopono with the world -- and with me. You are good gardeners, and I am grateful.

Peace begins with me,

Pam

Ho'oponopono Cleaning with Our Inner Children -- and with the Children of Ebola

Ho'oponopono Cleaning with Our Inner Children -- and with the Children of Ebola

I've just enjoyed a 1987 video of Morrnah Simeona and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len conversing about Ho'oponopono, through Zerolag.biz. What a wonderful gift for a Thanksgiving weekend! Zerolag.biz is making this vintage 29-minute video rentable for $1.00, until Sunday evening 11/29/15. 

In it, Morrnah describes her familiarity with traditional Ho'oponopono, which translates from Hawaiian as "making things right."  Morrnah shares that Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono is her own process, updated for modern times. She remarks that she knew this in previous lifetimes as well. Morrnah believed we all have MANY lifetimes, and that their memory traces come with us wherever we go. In fact, this residue is the root cause of all problems everywhere.  

The entire conversation is beautiful to me, as it encompasses the parts of the Self, our relationship with Divinity, healing, and health issues like diabetes, addiction, and schizophrenia. It was filmed in Alaska, and the moderator asks some very useful questions. 

Both Morrnah and Dr. Hew Len emphasize that Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono is a way to work directly with Divinity ourselves -- rather than appealing to others who, after all, have not created us.  

Making sure all three parts of the self are well-connected is the first step, and Ho'oponopono seminars explain how to do this. This process aligns us with our Creator in ways no other human can accomplish -- which may be startling for some, and liberating for others. We can each appeal to the Divinity within for cleansing and healing, even when we don't consciously understand the myriad issues showing up in our lives.

For sure though, our Creator DOES know about them and their root causes. 

Dr. Hew Len describes some of his experiences with criminally psychotic patients at Hawaii State Hospital. Though employed as a clinical psychologist for 4-5 years, he did no talk therapy with these patients. Instead, he used Ho'oponopono processes to clean with his own reactions to their behaviors and histories. When other clinicians called them "crazy," he also cleaned with his own judgments about this rather than speaking directly with the people involved.

He would ask the Divinity what he needed to do within himself in connection with each of these patients (and staff) so that Divinity could do His own work with them. This self-cleansing clears the way for Divinity to transmute all problems and symptoms -- which only Divinity can do, in His own time and rhythm. 

This may be one of the most difficult aspects of Ho'oponopono for us to grasp. Both Morrnah and Dr. Hew Len mention that people come into our lives in the present, because of old memories or data from the past. This is equally true of our parents, spouses, children, siblings, patients, and anyone else in our lives.  When they arrive, it's an opportunity to let go of associated "stuff" within ourselves that might show up in any form including anger, hurt, judgment, physical symptoms, addictions, etc. We can ask Divinity to correct the errors we've unwittingly committed over time (all our shared previous lives!) that show up as these issues now.  As we practice Ho'oponopono cleaning with each of these situations, the associated pain and suffering (manifesting as "problems") gradually lessens. 

Who knows how many layers we're dealing with though, or what level we're at in the process? Only our Divine Creator really knows -- and that's why we may think our Ho'oponopono isn't "working." No matter what appears to be happening on the outside, our best bet is to heal the relationship between the mother and child parts of ourselves on the inside. "That's the most important relationship in creation," says Dr. Hew Len. 

As a doctor, one part I contemplate deeply is why certain patients come to me, and how their healing proceeds. In medicine, I'm trained that it's up to me to figure out what each person needs, and to apply my skills in helping them achieve that. This might include various talk therapies and/or medicines -- homeopathic, but still these are medicines. In Ho'oponopono, it's my task to get myself out of the way as much as possible so that the Creator can work with them. And that's why I clean before going into the office every morning, and as I leave each evening.  Hopefully, any care I provide is then more likely to come through Divine inspiration than through my own errors. :-)

I work towards similar repentance, forgiveness, and transmutation in my personal relationships too.  


If you'd like to see a brief part of the video, here's a link -- and no, it's not an "affiliate" one. :-)   

Ho'oponopono: Changing situations, or changing ourselves?

Ho'oponopono: Changing situations, or changing ourselves?
Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian method of problem solving and stress release, which Kahuna Lapa'au Morrnah Simeona updated for modern use. Practiced consistently, it can change everything about our lives. Yet instead of focusing on outer situations, the focus is entirely on working with ourselves. 

On top of that, there's complete acceptance of whatever shows up -- with no need for self-flagellation about past "mistakes." We simply recognize that the problems present opportunities for release, nothing more. Practicing the Ho'oponopono process is embracing Divinity's constant presence and helpfulness in our lives. Accepting that we are not "in charge" (Divinity is!) opens the very doorway to all possibility inside and outside of us. It's both miraculous and enigmatic at the same time.  

I've attended multiple more Ho'oponopono trainings over the past year, and have been pondering them deeply. One question many ask: "Why shouldn't we teach this to others who don't know about it?" 

It's a sensible enough question -- after all, here's a wonderful way to deal with the seeming problems in our day-to-day lives. Why wouldn't we want to tell everybody in our lives about it?  I love the response from Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len below: 

"Why would you want to teach it if you're the problem? If you teach something to somebody who's not ready for it, it could come back and slam you in a way that you would not want . . . I don't mean to be threatening, but it's incredible what will come back and slam you. Whatever you put out will come out and get you."

You can hear the entire interchange here.

Many of us want to be the bearers of "good news" for our friends, family, and others. We forget to practice the Ho'oponopono cleaning ourselves, before speaking -- and that's when we get into trouble. Ho'oponopono holds that it's the data IN US that causes whatever issues we might think we see in others. (And that makes us think, "gosh, they need to clean.") :-)  Our views of other people and situations can be skewed by the unconscious memories we carry. If we just take care of that as best we can inside, that's plenty.  

Often it's our ego wanting validation -- not inspiration from Divinity -- that pushes us to say or do things. We can tell when this is the case, because we get irritated if others make fun of, or don't seem to listen to, what we're saying.  We get hurt feelings if others don't seem to appreciate our efforts.  

If instead we clean first before saying or doing anything, we're less likely to get into this kind of trouble. 

Dr. Hew Len refused to teach Ho'oponopono to anyone, unless they asked for this first. This has always been his stance, even when he was working at Hawaii State Hospital in the 1980's. No matter how much of a saving grace Ho'oponopono might be for anyone, Morrnah showed him that teaching without being asked was out of alignment with Divinity -- and could throw everyone off. 

I think of this in my own life also, both individually and professionally. In my office, it's extremely important that my patients learn to align with the Creator inside themselves, rather than anything I might say to them. I would much rather them receive help from their Creator, than me! The same is true with every other person I meet as well. I don't have to say anything at all about Ho'oponopono -- I just need to do my own cleaning.

This is what students agree to in writing, before attending any Ho'oponopono training with IZI, LLC. We sign a release stating that we will not teach or share their copyrighted materials without written permission. In contrast, some people purport to teach others this process online. Some even create and sell their own "Ho'oponopono products." I don't know whether they've asked for this written permission from IZI, LLC or not. I also don't know whether they've done the necessary preparation and spiritual cleaning to use the materials the way they do. Only Divinity knows.  

I've considered what I myself am doing by writing about Ho'oponopono. In this blog, I share only about my own experiences, and am not teaching anything at all.  I am no authority.  I am a sincere person and physician, engaged in my own ongoing healing process. My writing is part of the way I heal, and in doing this I'm taking care of my own self. If anyone finds usefulness in their own lives, it can be positive. Still, I refer people to IZI, LLC for further information.  

Peace begins with me,

Pam

Ho'oponopono: to Clean or Not to Clean? Or: Who Gets the Non-Stop Flight :-)

Ho'oponopono: to Clean or Not to Clean? Or: Who Gets the Non-Stop Flight :-)

Ho'oponopono is a process which can be used in ALL of life, not just sometimes.  It can cleanse memories or data from us, which would otherwise show up as problems. The trick is to remember to DO IT. Even the most caring and genuine among us can sometimes forget.

Ordinarily, Ho'oponopono preparations before an airplane trip would include gently talking with your Inner Child (or Unihipili) about where you're going -- and making sure s/he is willing to come too. You'd cover all the legs of the journey, offering protection and care. You'd do your "HA" breathing, to make sure all parts of you are connected and energized before setting out; you might use a specific cleaning tool as inspired, multiple times before leaving. Think of how you'd prepare a small child for such a trip, and you've got it.

Usually I clean with each of the steps beforehand, from door to door -- and talk with the plane when I board. Sounds weird, I know; but I do. Planes are often grateful somebody notices what all they do. Sometimes for all of this, an abbreviated process is fine.

And here's what happens when you don't do ANY process, even connecting with your Inner Child. :-( 

I'd been at a coaching workshop in Asheville, and was very tired. The event ended on Friday evening, and I had a long flight home to Phoenix -- non-stop (so I thought) from Charlotte.  

Things began innocuously enough, and we even arrived in Charlotte early.  But then, we had to sit on the runway for about 20 minutes because traffic was backed up. First sign of "uh-oh." Then we ended up parking at a gate at the very end of the "E" terminal -- making it a LONG sprint to my next flight.

Coming inside, I checked the departure schedule for my next gate. There was only one flight to Phoenix listed -- showing a different flight number from the one on my ticket. Yet it was to leave within minutes of that flight.  Feeling uneasy, I wondered whether the recent US Airways merger with American Airlines had caused some change they hadn't told customers about? With no other option, I scurried over to Terminal B.   

Arriving at Gate B12, I asked the agent for help. "You're the only flight to Phoenix this evening, but your flight number is different from my ticket. Can you please tell me if something has changed?" She looked puzzled, called her manager, and then told me the flight on my ticket was at Gate D6. Indeed it wasn't listed on the departure screen, but she assured me it existed and was boarding now. 

Huh? A "secret" flight? And yikes! This meant streaking back across the airport -- where crowds created a nightmarish obstacle course. As I zipped and maneuvered through folks with rollerbags, I'm sure I was part of somebody else's nightmare too. 

Breathlessly jogging to Gate D6, I found the boarding well underway. The flight number was correct, but the destination was Dallas-Ft. Worth! No mention of Phoenix at all. Handing my ticket to the gate agent, I asked her about this. With an exasperated tone of voice, she told me, "It goes straight through to Phoenix, ma'am."  The crowd shuffled along obediently, me with it.

Finding my seat, I promptly fell asleep. Still no cleaning, and no talking with the plane. Woke up realizing I was hungry, and asked if they were selling those chicken wrap sandwiches they advertised? "Oh no -- all we have is snacks, ma'am." None of them looked appealing. 

(Um, another step in preparing for a trip is to bring your Inner Child a bag with all needed supplies for the day. Check.)

Arriving in Dallas, we taxied to the gate. The steward FINALLY mentioned that any passengers going on to Phoenix should get off the plane and re-board. So I did -- and was still hungry. It was 10pm in DFW's airport. What quarry might there be? Some corn chips in a vending machine. Yes, I confess to eating them. May my Unihipili forgive me. 

Back on the plane an hour later, there were babies crying as if their little hearts would break. I finally said "Ice Blue" -- first sign of cleaning all night. Fell asleep again, exhausted.   

Once in Phoenix, everyone migrated to the baggage carousel -- and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally it started up, letting out 3 bags . . . then stopped for about 20 minutes. Then started again . . . producing nothing. People paced, rumbling in low voices to each other. It was 12:45am, and even college co-eds looked bleary-eyed. After another 10-15 minutes, a baggage handler guy popped up from the chute, and started hauling bags up onto the carousel by hand. I could just imagine the work he had ahead of him, doing the whole flight's luggage that way.  I said to myself, "Ice blue." 

From somewhere in the ceiling rang a voice: "Ladies and gentlemen, there's been a -- a baggage jam -- for Flight 894. We ask your patience while we get your luggage to the carousel." Then they announced a change to another carousel . . . which released a few more bags.  While this was happening, bags started appearing (unannounced) on the original carousel. Everybody shuffled back and forth to collect their belongings.  

I waited until the last bag came . . . and mine was not there.  By now it was around 1:20am -- and those of us remaining had to search out the baggage office. Long line there, and only 1 agent at first. Then 2 more materialized. 

My turn came, and I told the nice lady that my bag had a purple ribbon tied on the handle.  "Purple?" she repeated. "Purple," I said. 

She disappeared into the bowels of baggage claim -- and came out with my bag!  "Where was it?" I asked. "Back in our office," she replied. "No -- I mean it wasn't on the carousel," I said. "Well, it got here before you did." "Before me?" "Yes -- they put it on the other flight from Charlotte and it arrived 2 hours ago." 

This means my luggage got the non-stop trip to Phoenix, that I thought I had purchased when buying my ticket. The flight number it rode in on, left from the first gate in Charlotte that I'd tried (and failed) to fly out from. 

So this, my friends, is what happens when you forget to do your cleaning. I'd started to feel irritable with the airline -- but suddenly, when my bag didn't show up, I realized the truth. I thought of Morrnah's leaving so many wonderful prayers and processes for us. I remembered Ihaleakala, Kamaile, Mabel, and everyone else who has ever taught me how to clean. What a night of, um -- accentuated learning!  


My Inner Child and I went home, holding hands with our suitcase. I'd say it did a better job cleaning than me. :-)  And I'll do my job next time, for sure.

Ho'oponopono Blessings, from Alaska to You

Ho'oponopono Blessings, from Alaska to You

I've just enjoyed a 1987 video of Morrnah Simeona and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len conversing about Ho'oponopono, through Zerolag.biz. What a wonderful gift for a Thanksgiving weekend! Zerolag.biz is making this vintage 29-minute video rentable for $1.00, until Sunday evening 11/29/15. 

In it, Morrnah describes her familiarity with traditional Ho'oponopono, which translates from Hawaiian as "making things right."  Morrnah shares that Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono is her own process, updated for modern times. She remarks that she knew this in previous lifetimes as well. Morrnah believed we all have MANY lifetimes, and that their memory traces come with us wherever we go. In fact, this residue is the root cause of all problems everywhere.  

The entire conversation is beautiful to me, as it encompasses the parts of the Self, our relationship with Divinity, healing, and health issues like diabetes, addiction, and schizophrenia. It was filmed in Alaska, and the moderator asks some very useful questions. 

Both Morrnah and Dr. Hew Len emphasize that Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono is a way to work directly with Divinity ourselves -- rather than appealing to others who, after all, have not created us.  

Making sure all three parts of the self are well-connected is the first step, and Ho'oponopono seminars explain how to do this. This process aligns us with our Creator in ways no other human can accomplish -- which may be startling for some, and liberating for others. We can each appeal to the Divinity within for cleansing and healing, even when we don't consciously understand the myriad issues showing up in our lives.

For sure though, our Creator DOES know about them and their root causes. 

Dr. Hew Len describes some of his experiences with criminally psychotic patients at Hawaii State Hospital. Though employed as a clinical psychologist for 4-5 years, he did no talk therapy with these patients. Instead, he used Ho'oponopono processes to clean with his own reactions to their behaviors and histories. When other clinicians called them "crazy," he also cleaned with his own judgments about this rather than speaking directly with the people involved.

He would ask the Divinity what he needed to do within himself in connection with each of these patients (and staff) so that Divinity could do His own work with them. This self-cleansing clears the way for Divinity to transmute all problems and symptoms -- which only Divinity can do, in His own time and rhythm. 

This may be one of the most difficult aspects of Ho'oponopono for us to grasp. Both Morrnah and Dr. Hew Len mention that people come into our lives in the present, because of old memories or data from the past. This is equally true of our parents, spouses, children, siblings, patients, and anyone else in our lives.  When they arrive, it's an opportunity to let go of associated "stuff" within ourselves that might show up in any form including anger, hurt, judgment, physical symptoms, addictions, etc. We can ask Divinity to correct the errors we've unwittingly committed over time (all our shared previous lives!) that show up as these issues now.  As we practice Ho'oponopono cleaning with each of these situations, the associated pain and suffering (manifesting as "problems") gradually lessens. 

Who knows how many layers we're dealing with though, or what level we're at in the process? Only our Divine Creator really knows -- and that's why we may think our Ho'oponopono isn't "working." No matter what appears to be happening on the outside, our best bet is to heal the relationship between the mother and child parts of ourselves on the inside. "That's the most important relationship in creation," says Dr. Hew Len. 

As a doctor, one part I contemplate deeply is why certain patients come to me, and how their healing proceeds. In medicine, I'm trained that it's up to me to figure out what each person needs, and to apply my skills in helping them achieve that. This might include various talk therapies and/or medicines -- homeopathic, but still these are medicines. In Ho'oponopono, it's my task to get myself out of the way as much as possible so that the Creator can work with them. And that's why I clean before going into the office every morning, and as I leave each evening.  Hopefully, any care I provide is then more likely to come through Divine inspiration than through my own errors. :-)

I work towards similar repentance, forgiveness, and transmutation in my personal relationships too.  


If you'd like to see a brief part of the video, here's a link -- and no, it's not an "affiliate" one. :-)  

URL: player.vimeo.com/video/143030595

Is Ho'oponopono a "Magical Fix"?

Is Ho'oponopono a "Magical Fix"?

Something has been bothering me, and I want to share it here. 

Ho'oponopono has a rich tradition of restoring harmony in families experiencing conflict -- and it long predates Christian missionaries ever visiting Hawaii. 

Traditionally, the practice required gathering the entire family (including children!) together for an extended and honest discussion of their difficulties, in the context of prayer, sincere listening, repentance, and forgiveness. A family or community elder guided and arbitrated the process, making sure that explosive emotions were contained. Otherwise, the proceedings themselves could traumatize the group further. All layers of feeling and action were examined, though. And as needed, contrition and restitution were encouraged, planned for, and carried out. 

You couldn't just dismiss someone's feelings about you -- you had to truly take in and consider them, and see how your own behavior was impacting others. I am sure many of these sessions brought out painful feelings, as each person took responsibility for his or her contributions to the problems. There was a releasing of ill feelings that might have been held for long periods. Not necessarily a "forgetting" of what had happened, but a letting go of hard, entrenched attitudes and grudges against each other. 

Despite requiring lengthy, challenging sessions, these methods proved effective in remedying (and even preventing) family discord over time. In the widely quoted book, Nana I Ke Kumu (Look To The Source) psychiatrist E.W. Haertig MD says, 

"Ho'oponopono may well be one of the soundest methods to restore and maintain good family relationships that any society has ever devised."

Producing this effect required ALL parts of the Ho'oponopono process, though -- not just one or two. Clearly, the internal attitude carried by each participant was important, as was the intention and experience of the elder arbitrating the process. 

It was far more than a matter of saying 4 phrases and calling things "done." Describing the complexity of such family issues, Victoria Shook uses metaphor very skillfully: 

"The metaphor of a tangled net has been used to illustrate how problems within a family affect not only persons directly involved but also other family members. The family is a complex net of relationships, and any disturbance in one part of the net will pull other parts. This metaphor reinforces the Hawaiian philosophy of the interrelatedness of all things." -- Victoria Shook, Ho'oponopono: Contemporary Uses of a Hawaiian Problem-Solving Process

Enter the current publicity about Ho'oponopono, which has exploded since Joe Vitale published his book Zero Limits with long-time Ho'oponopono teacher Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len (who was trained by and taught with Morrnah Simeona for over 10 years). Much of the book seems to quote seminars and conversations with Dr. Hew Len, who has said publicly that he hasn't even read the book. This makes me wonder how much of Zero Limits he actually wrote himself, if any. 

Morrnah is said to have updated traditional Ho'oponopono for modern times. She noticed that it was difficult to physically gather everyone who might be involved in a family or group issue, and meditated on "how" to make the process an internal one -- between you and Divinity. 

I did not know Morrnah Simeona personally, as others I've encountered did. Some have questioned the Ho'oponopono phrases attributed to her ("I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you," etc) -- because they say she never mentioned those phrases in her teachings. They describe concerns that use of these phrases by themselves, may be an over-simplification of the very rich, deep Ho'oponopono process -- reducing it to a type of magical thinking, essentially. 

It can also be a kind of New Age misappropriation of something which rightfully requires its entire context and culture, to be fully appreciated. 

People often object to the specific phrases "I'm sorry, Please forgive me." They ask why they should "have" to apologize to anyone, when they feel they're the ones victimized? And is it also possible to end up inadvertently "punishing the victims" further, by using this "updated for modern times" Ho'oponopono -- without honoring its complexity? ("Oh, you say you were raped -- what did you do to cause that?" etc). Of course, all this can happen -- in the service of human self-protection and defensiveness.

In response to such reactions, I've often heard Dr. Hew Len talk about human arrogance and alienation from ourselves. After all, if all parts of us are in alignment, things would already be "pono," or "right." We would see that our own "stuff" is part of the presenting mess, so to speak -- and we would take responsibility for it without shame or guilt. We'd do what is right and perfect to do about these things, and then move on. The process of Ho'oponopono is about doing what it takes to set things right, when they're askew -- to untangle that fish net of interrelatedness mentioned above. It might even go all the way back to the beginning of time, if our minds could encompass all that.  

 "Today Ho’oponopono is just like family therapy. This has been really influenced by the Christians. But I’m talking about the real Ho’oponopono from before they came. [Back] then the Hawaiians didn’t need to talk anymore. They could go straight to the Light. This is very ancient. It goes back to the start, because that’s where Hawaiians came from." – Dr. Hew Len, Shamanic Wisdomkeepers

This is where the going gets rocky, between the shoals of over-intellectualism (too many "words" and questions) and magical thinking ("just say the 4 phrases and you're good" -- nothing else needed to heal those relationships). Dr. Hew Len has been personally helpful to me in letting go of some of my own defensiveness and intellectualism, and I am very grateful to him and others who have taught me. His suggestion is that even if I do not completely understand all the issues myself, Divinity (who created me) certainly does. So if I am authentically repentant -- assuming responsibility for my own contributions to that tangled relationship net above, and willing to accept help -- Divinity will help sort things out. The process starts with me -- and I can signal my willingness through use of the phrases. Or the use of many other "cleaning tools" shared at Self-I-dentity Through Ho'oponopono trainings. The IZI group specifies that their work is "different from traditional Ho'oponopono problem solving."

Does this use of Ho'oponopono principles, represent magical thinking? I don't personally think so, because my orientation has always been towards caring for the deeper meanings of life. But I've also seen how some seem to glibly toss out a few phrases -- and then give up when these utterances don't seem to "work" (meaning things are not going according to their preferred plans, etc). This sort of expectation DOES seem like "magical thinking." So I can really understand why native Hawaiians are bothered by the "New Age Ho'oponopono" so common on the internet today. I don't want to contribute in any way to the cultural misappropriation of sacred Hawaiian practices -- nor do I want to suggest that Ho'oponopono offers "the cure" for any specific ailments or problems in our society. Nevertheless it has helped me grow as a human being, and to deal with certain issues in my own experience. For that, I can take 100% responsibility.

Will I continue using Ho'oponopono personally, in my own life? Yes. And will I keep being open to more learning and understanding? You betcha. 

With love to all,
Pam

Peace begins with me

Ho'oponopono or "Faux-o'ponopono"?

This is a very brief video conversation with Morrnah Simeona and Dr. Ihaleakala Lew Len. Morrnah passed into spirit in Germany, in 1992.

The sincerity in both of them comes through for me. Morrnah became known for "updating" the ancient Ho'oponopono process of correcting errors and making things right, for modern times. She termed her method "Self-I-dentity Through Ho'oponopono."

They speak of allowing Divinity to help each of us heal ourselves and our relationships through repentance, forgiveness, and transmutation -- the last of which, only Divinity can do. They point out that Divinity created us, not any other person. The traditional Ho'oponopono process involved an entire group of people, moderated by an elder who might make suggestions to dissipate family conflict. Here, Morrnah explains that her amendments rely on each person's bonding directly with Divinity, rather than relying on any other human to solve his or her problems. Further, she comments that she knew this process in "other lifetimes."

I am sure her teachings were and are controversial, as they diverge markedly from traditional Hawaiian Ho'oponopono practices where an elder (with prayer and deep listening) might determine what each person "should" do to heal family problems and relationship breaches.

Some have taken issue with certain phrases attributed to Morrnah, which may or may not have actually been part of her teaching ("I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you" etc). She taught an at least 12-step process to use, and it involved quite a bit of preparation. This is what I have been shown in the many Self-I-dentity Through Ho'oponopono seminars I have attended and helped staff with IZI, LLC over the years. Many of these, Dr. Hew Len taught himself -- and his teachings were handed down from Morrnah. I do not know where the tradition of "cleaning tools" originated, but this is what the 4 phrases (and some other items) represent. They are said to condense the "cleaning" process into shorter segments that can be used as needed in everyday life. They are also ways to engage one's inner child to help with the cleaning, 24/7.

The challenge with this, though, is that some call this "Faux-o'oponopono." They feel this "all inside the self, between you and Divinity" method leaves out the mutual, interactive Ho'oponopono practices successfully used for generations.

Even more disturbingly, many non-Hawaiian trainers have jumped on the bandwagon, proclaiming the 4 phrases as "all you need to know" about Ho'oponopono to work with it effectively. Some also suggest it can be used to enhance financial wealth.  

 To me, this seems to cheapen and truncate a very rich and deep self-healing process. Some have read about this "mantra" in Joe Vitale's book, "Zero Limits." Dr. Hew Len is listed as a co-author, but he has commented publicly about never having even read this book.

I have recently received comments from associates of Michael Micklei, who for 5 years worked closely with Morrnah Simeona in Germany. In fact, she lived with Michael and his wife for the last year of her life. Michael expresses dismay at purported, inappropriate changes in the training -- specifically "the mantra" which he says Morrnah never taught in all his experience with her. I cannot claim to know what she was teaching at that time, which overlaps with the 10 years she also worked with Dr. Hew Len. I only learned about Ho'oponopono for the first time in 2005, and took my first trainings with Dr. Hew Len in 2006-7.

The whole situation is painful for me, and I wish the 2 organizations could discuss and resolve their differences directly. Perhaps this is a situation where having all involved parties in the same room together, might really be helpful? It seems the technology available today could make this possible.

Another reason it's painful for me, is that I don't want to come across as attempting to co-opt something from another culture. For sure I don't want to  promulgate incorrect information about it! If I have somehow done any of this through this blog, I sincerely apologize.

Over many years now, the spiritual practice of Self-I-dentity Through Ho'oponopono (SITH) has become a guide in my life. It is definitely more than uttering a few phrases, and then waiting for my "order" to be filled. :-) Eons of memories are in every single one of us -- and can show up as relationship conflict, illness, life problems, etc. I have also read much about traditional Hawaiian culture, and heard from Kanaka Maoli (indigenous Hawaiians) who regard non-Hawaiian involvement in these practices as harmful, arrogant cultural misappropriations. It breaks my heart to find myself placed in that category. I am deeply respectful of the Hawaiians I have met -- and while curious about their perspectives, I do not mean to intrude into areas that belong to them alone.

Ultimately, the truth of these practices can only be verified through one's personal experience. Some of SITH for sure is Hawaiian; some may have evolved over time and has other origins. Morrnah herself was certainly Hawaiian, and so is Dr. Hew Len and many other participants I have met through my SITH seminars. I am told that Morrnah was and is a controversial figure though, so I guess this will continue to be a flash point in some circles. I know I cannot solve it myself. I can only live my life, respect the rights and feelings of others, and practice in a way that feels authentic to me. I have been through much in the last year -- more on that, later.

Peace begins with me,

Unconditional Love: The True Story of Evy McDonald

I'd like to claim a superior command of academic literature and laserlike intellectual memory, but it had nothing to do with that.

Instead, it was due to a song.

While reading Jimmy Piver's story about hearing loss, within me I distinctly heard an old friend singing a song he had written and recorded about Evy. Really. Hearing that voice and the wonderful lyrics from several years ago, my heart swelled. My senses came alive.

This evoked a Google search, which produced the article I linked for you.

Please credit Greg Tamblyn, one of my favorite people and singer-songwriters anywhere, for haunting my musical consciousness. I've enjoyed his songs countless times, including cross-country car trips! And he created a real beauty in "Unconditional Love: The True Story of Evy McDonald" on his CD, "The Shootout at the I'm OK, You're OK Corral". This is the song-memory that arose inside me, and let me recall Evy.

Greg's music is a blend of humor and heart wisdom -- and this song is one that really struck home with me. Having it come up while reading about Jimmy's healing-in-process was no accident. The two situations resonated inside me, probably because I am healing too.

And Evy herself? Pastor Evelyn McDonald (RN, MS, and MDiv) is alive and well at Grace United Methodist Church in Newburgh, NY . Jimmy himself researched and found her. Science and spirit are one.

Thanks again, Greg. I love your music -- and Jimmy hopes to hear it too, one day.

Ho'oponopono and healing -- Something worth hearing

Many people wonder how ho'oponopono or other spiritual practices could help them with conditions such as hypertension, depression, and even hearing loss.


Ho'oponopono and hypertension? Spirit, meet blood vessels

Some people doubt that spiritual or meditative processes can affect physical conditions.

Yet there are many studies supporting the adjunctive use of mindfulness-based stress reduction, for instance, in conditions such as chronic pain, heart disease, psoriasis, and hypertension -- not to mention conditions said to be 'emotional', like anxiety disorders.

Enter another area for consideration: Ho'oponopono, a spiritual practice developed and used in Hawaii for centuries.

Ho'oponopono, which means "to make right" or "to correct an error", is a step-by-step problem-solving approach to identify and relieve stress. Though it one learns to care appropriately for the self through a practice of repentance, forgiveness, and transmutation. This process helps one develop a better working relationship between the conscious mind, subconscious, and superconscious (mind, body, and spirit), increasing self-understanding and self-acceptance.

Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono is a modernized version of the process created by a kahuna healer named Morrnah Simeona, and is now taught worldwide through The Foundation of I.

Might this spiritual practice also have physical health effects?

Kikikipa Kretzer PhD et al recently published a pilot study, "Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono as adjunctive therapy for hypertension management," in Ethnicity and Disease. They wondered whether Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono along with standard medical therapy might better control hypertension than standard therapy alone.

Serving as their own controls, 23 adults over age 30 with hypertension or pre-hypertension participated in a half-day class on Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono. They learned how to apply this process in their everyday lives. Systolic blood pressure decreased after the intervention, averaging 11.86 mm Hg below pre-intervention levels. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5.44 mm Hg. These findings were both statisically and clinically significant.

Reading the actual research paper shows that blood pressures decreased more over the 1-2 months following the intervention, than on the class day itself. Intriguingly, blood pressures even increased slightly on the class day. Why?
I wondered if class participants might have experienced increased stress with new (and maybe unfamiliar) ideas about themselves and their health. This possible effect, mirrored in the blood pressure readings, does seem to have tapered with ongoing time and practice after the class.
How many of our blood pressures rise when someone or something first challenges our long-held assumptions? What if the world really is drastically different -- and much more complex -- than we'd like to believe? hmmm . . . .
Having such spiritual resources within us can be a great relief, once we get over the shock of having them. :-)
The study included measures of spirituality before and after the classes; these scores increased significantly after the intervention.
Also, 91% of study participants wanted more personal involvement in their healthcare treatments. Providing a simple way to deal with stress, Ho'oponopono could allow such involvement while also improving blood pressures.

In this study, Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono offered a low-cost, low-risk, and readily accessible intervention associated with lower blood pressures and improved feelings of well-being in participants.
 
Though some will say the study is "small" (only 23 subjects), it carries big implications. I'm hoping the authors will explore further -- and that people like us will stay tuned.

The September 2007 issue of Ethnicity and Disease published a study showing that adding classes in ho'oponopono helped hypertensive people improve their blood pressure more effectively than medications alone. It was a relatively small "pilot" study, but is a beginning in exploring what people might be able to accomplish through such processes. Others' experiences with ho'oponopono and their health situations fascinate and inspire me.

Jimmy Piver, one of my friends in North Carolina, has written about his own challenges with hearing loss in his blog "Ho'oponopono for Today". The post is titled: Why Hearing Loss and Deafness were Blessings: Or Why My Hearing Went South. He shares wisdom about mind-body interactions, how he feels these apply to him . . . and how ho'oponopono has helped him through all this. Hoʻoponopono

Hoʻoponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Similar forgiveness practices were performed on islands throughout the South Pacific, including Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Traditionally hoʻoponopono is practiced by healing priests or kahuna lapaʻau among family members of a person who is physically ill. Modern versions are performed within the family by a family elder, or by the individual alone.

one has to repeat constantly the mantra, “I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.” It is based on the principle of 100% responsibility, taking responsibility for everyone's actions, not only for one's own. If one would take complete responsibility for one's life, then everything one sees, hears, tastes, touches, or in any way experiences would be one's responsibility because it is in one's life. The problem would not be with our external reality, it would be with ourselves. To change our reality, we would have to change ourselves.

Healing and cure may be very different. I have seen many people healed who were not necessarily cured; they may rebalance and feel whole even while still experiencing symptoms. This is certainly a gift in itself. But in some cases once this point of peace is reached, the symptoms themselves have resolved over time.

For instance, Evy McDonald RN, MS, MDiv is one of the first people ever to have reversed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) . This is a usually fatal illness, and she is now over 20 years in remission. Her intent was not to cure her disease, but to experience unconditional love for the first time in her life. Hers is a powerful story.

One of the graces of ho'oponopono is that we apparently don't need to know the full extent of the problem in order to invite Divinity's help in its release and transmutation.

Even better, we can ask Divinity's help in letting go of our reactions about the situation. That's where ho'oponopono says the real problem is anyway. Dr. Hew Len often reminds us: "Problems can be solved without knowing what the heck is going on!" What a wondrous relief.

My ears are always open for people's healing stories -- they're definitely worth hearing. Please pop on over to Jimmy Piver's blog to see what he's talking about.

Peace begins with me,

Pam

Ho'oponopono: It's not what you think

Ho'oponopono: It's not what you think Ho'oponopono: It's not what you think it is.

I've been fortunate to attend several teleconference calls with Mabel Katz and also a live seminar with Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len this past week. These are two of my most treasured teachers in the ho'oponopono process, a way of living that keeps me mostly sane these days.

At first my intellect was doubtful that saying things like "thank you" "I'm sorry" "please forgive me" or "I love you" could make any difference in this tumultuous world of ours. How can such a nonsensical process solve problems? I'm trained to think through problems, dissect causes, consider options, and pick the most sensible way to fix them. My intellect loves to think it's in charge.

Instead, ho'oponopono holds that our intellects can't possibly know what the problem truly is. After all, our conscious minds can be aware of only ~15 bits of information at a time, yet there are 15 million bits of information flooding our brains in any one moment! (Please check out "The User Illusion" by Tor Norretranders for more about this.)

We could be thinking about something, but be clueless about the real problem. Dr. Hew Len likens problems to Gordian knots, intertwining throughout billions of people, places, eons, and lifetimes. They are the unconscious memories we carry within us, manifesting before our eyes.

So what's a thinker like me supposed to do? Get frustrated and gnash my teeth? Unfortunately this is what sometimes happens -- the ego can hang on with a grip like alligator jaws.

But the idea of ho'oponopono is to let go, and recognize that we don't know what's going on. This allows the part of us that DOES know to get to work. This part is in direct contact with what some call God, Divinity, or other names. Supposedly if we let go and keep on "cleaning" by using "I love you" or other tools, we will be more open to divine inspiration . . . leading to effective action on our parts.

This is far from a passive process -- in fact it's mighty hard at times to do! But through examples, questions, and commentary, Mabel and Ihaleakala show how. And I can attest to the peace within and without that results. I may not know just how things will show up, but somehow something always does.

When I was in therapy earlier in my career, my analyst told me that I needed to let go of certain life situations and hoped-for relationships. In confusion I asked him, "But how do I do that?" He really couldn't explain; it wasn't found in psychoanalysis.

Years later, I think practices such as meditation and ho'oponopono are more likely to show us "how" to let go -- even when our intellects are running amok like crazed monkeys. If I never personally solve another problem in my life, I'm clear that letting go of those monkeys is a far, far easier way to live. Lots more possibilities can come up in the process, too!

If interested in further learning yourself, the Foundation of I, Inc. offers live seminars -- and Mabel Katz has wonderful teleconference calls. Each seeming problem offers another opportunity to let go of one more little piece of the Gordian knot. Here, "coming undone" is actually healthy!

 

The User Illusion: Cutting Consciousness Down to Size (Penguin Press Science) 

 

 

As John Casti wrote, "Finally, a book that really does explain consciousness." This groundbreaking work by Denmark's leading science writer draws on psychology, evolutionary biology, information theory, and other disciplines to argue its revolutionary point: that consciousness represents only an infinitesimal fraction of our ability to process information. Although we are unaware of it, our brains sift through and discard billions of pieces of data in order to allow us to understand the world around us. In fact, most of what we call thought is actually the unconscious discarding of information. What our consciousness rejects constitutes the most valuable part of ourselves, the "Me" that the "I" draws on for most of our actions--fluent speech, riding a bicycle, anything involving expertise. No wonder that, in this age of information, so many of us feel empty and dissatisfied. As engaging as it is insightful, this important book encourages us to rely more on what our instincts and our senses tell us so that we can better appreciate the richness of human life.

 

 

                   

Forgiveness

I've just returned from a workshop with several other doctors, discussing how to modulate the stress in our own lives and teach others to do the same.

Our perfectionistic personalities make us ripe for overwork, guilt when things go wrong, shame when we make mistakes, and anger when we can't control outcomes. Through both lectures and exercises, Lee Lipsenthal MD of Finding Balance Productions helped us see ourselves . . . and the view was not always pretty.

Much of Dr. Lipsenthal's teaching involved ways of dealing with our own reactions, and how to keep what's important central in our lives and hearts. In fact, many of the exercises focused on heart-based breathing and meditations.

I thought about how my personal practice of ho'oponopono fits into these ideas. It's a moment-to-moment working relationship between all parts of me and Divinity within, leading to forgiveness and peace. And, it's definitely heart-based.

The process involves noticing whatever is arising in my life or emotions, etc, and saying simply (within myself): "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you." Maybe it is a little like a mantra, for some.

I am accepting (as much as I can) 100% responsibility for whatever shows up in my life or my office. Ho'oponopono holds that we are all one -- including through holding certain unconscious memories that distort what we see and experience. So even when we don't know what these are, we can apologize to Divinity within for them, inviting help and release from them. As these are released from us, they are released from everyone else as well.

The only purpose is to feel peace, not to create a particular outcome -- similar to mindfulness meditation or some of the exercises that Dr. Lipsenthal led us through the last few days. To be sure, though, things can shift in unexpected (often pleasant!) ways with consistent practice.

The idea of asking Divinity for forgiveness is very ancient. But in ho'oponopono it doesn't come from the perspective of something being 'wrong' with us. Instead it is about accepting that data collected over eons is running within us, like a movie that won't stop playing. We can be just fine as we are. But the movie shows up in our lives, through our experiences. My goal is to clean up whatever is happening within me that is presenting as seeming "problems", chaos, discord, lack, whatever.

This inwardly asking forgiveness and saying "thank you" for what is present, allows peace to reappear. Then we can move ahead as guided. When I remember to do this, there is more compassion within me for others. Sometimes my ego gets the best of me, though. I begin again, and again, and again.

I think of how alone, helpless, and overwhelmed I've sometimes felt when faced with people's suffering, and how these feelings are echoed in my colleagues. Few of us would freely acknowledge this; we do the best we can anyway. Wouldn't patients ultimately benefit from processes that calm their doctors? I believe so, and keep on practicing.


Remembering Lee Lipsenthal


“I’m organizing this thing at the Institute of Noetic Sciences...kind of an informal gathering of kindred spirits who don’t know each other but who are all doing cool stuff in health care, environmental policy and socially-conscious capital. I’m not exactly sure what it’ll be, or what you’ll get out of it. But I have a really strong feeling you guys should be there.”

That was the gist of the phone call I got from Lee Lipsenthal in the middle of Winter 2009.
The “Optimal Health Alliance,” as Lee and his friend, social entrepreneur Jeff Klein, had dubbed it, was just what he said it would be---a loose aggregation of very smart people who: A) all knew Lee or Jeff, & B) were all somehow working to create more holistic, humanistic forms of health care. There were clinicians, administrators, business people, technologists, community organizers, academics & activists.
The objective? To envision “optimal” health care, share experiences from our respective fields, and find ways to help each other move our endeavors forward.
The working definition of “Optimal Health” formulated by Lee & Jeff was: “The conscious pursuit of the highest level of functioning and balance of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human experience, resulting in a dynamic state of being fully alive. This creates a condition of wellbeing regardless of the presence or absence of disease. Optimal health celebrates life, rather than fearing death.”

Pay attention to that last sentence.
At the end of the sessions, Lee was almost apologetic. “I hope you got something out of all this,” he said to me as we left IONS. He knew we were struggling to keep HPC alive in a dire economy, and could ill-afford to spend time on rap sessions about “somedays” and “maybes.” On the other hand, I think he also knew that Meg and I were both burnt out and needed the sort of restoration that the hills of Northern California—and the company of kindred souls—can provide.

Seeing Farther Than Most

The dialogs were interesting and the people were wonderful, but I confess I did leave feeling sort of down, with low expectations that our participation would lead to any tangible benefit for HPC.

Wouldn’cha know, about 9 months later, we got a call from none other than Lee’s friend Jeff Klein, whose Cause Alliance Marketing agency had a client---ONE Coconut Water---that was eager to educate doctors about their healthy alternative to soda and sports drinks. The result? A beautiful monograph that was one of the most enjoyable projects we’ve done here at HPC.

You see, Lee saw farther ahead than most other people---not just around corners but up over hills, and under water, too. That’s why, as medical director of Dean Ornish’s Preventive Medicine Research Center, he taught the value of lifestyle change for preventing heart disease years before most people with “MD” after their name had even learned to say, “fish oil.”

It’s why he was among the first wave of doctors to discover HeartMath technology—the brilliant biofeedback system that enables people to attenuate CV risk through entrainment of autonomic balance.

It’s why Lee became a founder and eventual president of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM), the first national organization to develop and systematize a comprehensive curriculum and certification exam for conventionally trained MDs & DOs interested in holistic practice.

It’s also why he was into the Talking Heads long before “Once in a Lifetime” could be heard blasting from car radios and cafes around the world.

The processes by which the realities Lee envisioned came into being had a logic and timeframe all their own. Lee’s sense of timing was broader, deeper, and more far-reaching than most people’s…kinda like God’s.

The Path of Acceptance

Lee Lipsenthal died last week, on September 20, at the age of 54, after a two-year encounter with esophageal carcinoma. I say, “encounter,” not  “struggle,” because Lee made it clear that while he sought treatment—conventional and “alternative”—for the condition, he was not “fighting” cancer.

He loved his life, his wife Kathy, his children Will and Cheryl, his extended family, friends and colleagues deeply & dearly. But he seemed ready to relinquish it all, to “slip into the Masterpiece,” as Leonard Cohen so elegantly puts it. I guess 30+ years of meditation practice---of trying to live as if “today is a good day to die” (the last line in Lee’s “Finding Balance in a Medical Life” book)--really does prepare one for the infinite silence.

We, who remain on this Earthly plane, who are not so adroit at letting go, who may love George Harrison’s album, “All Things Must Pass,” but who haven’t quite swallowed it’s truth….we will miss the man. The permanent silencing of his voice is hard to accept.

Lee experiences neuroacoustic realignment at the Center for Neuroacoustic Research's booth at Heal Thy Practice 2009.Lee was an articulate, humorous speaker and gifted facilitator who could combine deep personal experience, scientific acumen, rock critic irony and spiritual insight in equal measures, simultaneously challenging and reassuring his audience. A true Leo, he had natural charm, abundant leadership mojo, and a knack for lighting people up. His presence seemed to say, “Anything’s possible. Here, watch me...I’ll go first!”

His “Finding Balance in a Medical Life” workshops helped hundreds of doctors regain their humanity, restore their relationships & repair the emotional damage caused by the harshness of medical training, the stresses of clinical practice, and the internal self-destructive patterns that shadow the Type A, perfectionist, people-pleasing tendencies typical of medical folk.

Friend, Ally, Teacher

I first met Lee at an American Board of Holistic Medicine course (the “Integrative” hadn’t been inserted yet) back in the Fall of 2002. HPC was new back then (as was the Board). While our enthusiasm burned bright, Meg and I were quite shaken by the experience of Sept. 11 (HPC’s HQ was 7 blocks from the WTC).  Meg, a gifted pianist/ composer, had written a hymn intended for the one-year anniversary of the attacks. Seeing that the conference venue had a piano, she asked if she could offer the piece during the closing ceremony.

“You’ll have to ask Lee Lipsenthal,” came the response. No sooner did Meg turn around to go look for him, when he appeared in the doorway. Synchronicity was common around Lee. He and Meg hit it off immediately; they shared a similar radiance and seemed to understand each other immediately and intrinsically.

Lee became one of HPC’s strongest allies. He saw the value of what we were doing, and contributed in whatever ways he could. He wrote articles chronicling his evolving insights on the soul-sicknesses that affect so many doctors. He offered discerning views on health care trends. True to his pioneering spirit, he was on the faculty of our first Heal Thy Practice meeting in Tucson, guiding attendees through a spirited mini version of the “Finding Balance” experience.

That was the last time we saw him in person, just a month before his cancer diagnosis.

As an editor, I can say Lee was the most gracious “editee” I’ve ever worked with. Nobody really likes to have his stuff edited, but when Lee said, “Thank you---you understood what I was trying to get across, but couldn’t find the right words for,” I felt he really meant it.

Lee was extremely generous, as any one who knew him will attest. He always sought ways to help those he considered friends and to further causes he found worthy. He loved to turn others on to bands or books he’d discovered, and he took great joy in connecting people & catalyzing new relationships. He was constantly teaching, sharing, writing, workshopping, organizing, advocating, putting his Type A ambition in the service of a greater good.

I didn’t get to know Lee as well as I would have liked. I respected, admired and loved him—but always at a polite distance. We shared a deep, wide love of music. I knew he played guitar & loved to rock. But for whatever reason, I could never get him to join our sweet, late-night, Cabernet-fueled hotel room jams--the highlight of many an American Holistic Medical Association meeting. Lord, I wish he had! I heard the man speak, but never heard him sing.

Lee would probably have said it was all just as it was meant to be, we shared exactly what we needed to share with each other--nothing more, nothing less. He’s probably right, and I’m grateful for having known him at all. Still, it would’ve been nice to harmonize together on “Wild Horses” or something.

I knew he was ill, and many times thought of calling or writing or something. But I didn’t know what to say, didn’t feel l had anything of value to offer. It’s not like I spoke with him often, and I didn’t want to call just to say “goodbye.” Secretly, I was afraid of a finality, a finiteness, he seemed to be accepting.

Lee chronicled his cancer experiences and the culmination of his life in a book called, “Enjoy Every Sandwich,"  (it'll be on sale Nov. 8). The title is from rock singer Warren Zevon, who died of mesothelioma several years ago. When asked by David Letterman how the diagnosis had changed his life and work, Zevon replied, “It’s more valuable now. You’re reminded to enjoy every sandwich.”

There are things in this world that are hard to understand, that must simply be accepted. Questions with no answers, like why a man who dedicated his life to preventive medicine develops a rare, aggressive cancer that takes him out at 54?

In a promo video for the new book, recorded just months before he died, Lee seemed beyond the need for answers, reasons, explanations. He seemed to be in a state of full acceptance. I don’t think he was faking it. Paradoxically, he looks quite healthy…healthier than many “healthy” people I know (self included). I guess health & death are not mutually exclusive...not if you’re Lee Lipsenthal anyway.

For decades, Lee tried to teach people how to live with vigor; now he was trying to teach us how to die with grace.

Lee died with dignity encircled by his wife, his children and his parents. He died knowing he’d done good works in this world, that he’d enjoyed its sweetness, confronted its challenges, and earned the love and admiration of many, many people. What greater blessing is there?