Lesson #19: Pathway of Freedom and Foregiveness - Living Pono
Introduction
The Pathway of Freedom and Forgiveness - Living Pono is the nineteenth pathway. Freedom carries responsibility. When a person is free to express, that is to think, feel, and act, it is important to remember that these expressions create our lives. How we choose to express today creates our tomorrow. What we expressed yesterday, we are finding happening today. We are free to create our lives anyway we wish. Our Souls guide us towards positive, loving lives.
When we harm ourselves or another in thought, word, or deed, we weaken our connection to the Divine Spirit, and we are affected by the negative energy. It may not be apparent at first, but it is there. We want to live in a positive environment where we choose to make good choices and create good in our lives.
One way to practice making good choices is to live Pono. “Pono” is the Hawaiian word for “making things right.” It means “making choices that promote well-being and have a positive impact, both individually and within the community.” And it means when you slip, you can make things right again. Practice Pono at every opportunity.
Forgiveness is a part of Freedom and a powerful process of Pono. It is the spiritual part of Freedom. Forgiveness is a spiritual act of the Soul and part of our growth process. Learning to forgive freely and completely is a powerful spiritual practice. Forgiveness erases all the hurt and pain and replaces it with Love and Kindness.
Prayer for Pono
Creator of the Universe, lead me on the path of rightness; of being able to see and choose the right path to follow; the right thoughts to think; the right emotions to feel; the right deeds to do; and the right words to speak. Give me courage to ask for forgiveness when I have strayed and the strength to refrain from all harming. Thank you for my freedom to choose. And so, it is. Pau.
Affirmation: Practicing Pono
I am free to choose my thoughts, words, and actions. I choose to live Pono every day, uplifting and inspiring myself and those around me. I can forgive and I am forgiven.
Meditation: Forgiving
Go out in Nature to your favorite quiet meditation place. Sit in the Silence for a few moments breathing in Light and breathing out Love. Ask your Inner Self to show you a color that represents Forgiveness for you. Take this color and envision a soft colorful mist moving out from your heart to all those you wish to forgive. Let your Forgiveness Mist flow all around the person, absorbing all the hurt and bad feelings around the situation. When there are no more hurt or feelings, sincerely say, “I forgive you” or “Please forgive me.” Go onto the next person you wish to forgive or be forgiven by. Realize that once you feel forgiven, you are forgiven. Affirm quietly that you will never act that way again. When you are finished, return to the present moment, feeling cleansed and new.
Spiritual Practices
Week 1 - Pono Practice: Jain Practice of No Harm. Be mindful that you don’t harm any living thing. Don’t step on grass or plants as you walk along. Catch and release any flies or spiders or other insects you believe may bother you. If you harm another living being, ask for forgiveness and pledge not to do such harm in the future. Be mindful of how you walk on Mother Earth.
Week 2 - Pono Practice: Making Right in Your Personal Environment. It’s time to Feng Shui your home by clearing out the clutter and repairing anything that is broken. Up-cycle clothes that no longer fit. Release treasures that need to go to someone else. Tidy and clean and make your home RIGHT. Take time every week to bring your home environment back to peace.
Week 3 - Pono Practice: Make Things Right with Mother Earth. Look for ways to make things right for Mother Earth. Clean up your neighborhood by picking up trash. Tidy up your own yard and help a neighbor clean their yard. Ask for forgiveness for any harm you have done to Mother Earth. Join or support an environmental cause.
Week 4 - Pono Practice: No Judgments. Be mindful of when you are casting judgments on people and on situations. Remember it is your personal perception that causes the judgment. Ask forgiveness for any judgments you have made and open your heart and mind to new perspectives and outcomes.