Photo by David G Arenson ND

America has the highest per capita in prison in the world.

One in every 31 adults in the USA (7.3 million) is behind bars, or on probation or parole (2009). 743 adults per 100,000 population are currently locked up in a small cell the size of a cupboard. A shocking statistic.

What does that say about the nation? What does that say about the individuals?

Locking people up in metal blocks and throwing away the keys—how is this a solution?

There’s an ancient Hawaiian Hoʻoponopono practice of healing oneself via mental cleansing.

When addressing any pain, sorrow, lack of balance or area needing healing, one simply says the words, “I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

This practice involves taking responsibility not only for oneself, but for the whole world.

Photo by David G Arenson ND

How easily do we blame, hate, and label others—those we know and the complete strangers we are so quick to denigrate? What would happen if we saw what is outside of us, as relating to us, as connected to who we are?

Further, what would happen if we decided to change it?

All violence stems from fear. Fear is not to be fought or opposed. It is to be forgiven, so peace is the way to peace; love is the way to love.

Did we abandon those who were struggling, or could we have done more to help those in need? If one person is abandoned, aren’t we all abandoned at least in some way?

There is an essence that connects all of us together. Instead of casting aside those who who fail or get lost, let’s, as a society, take personal responsibility for each other.

Yet, this idea goes far deeper. When we can take responsibility for the whole world, we shift the possibility and take seriously the idea that we make the world.

I believe this is the missing link and way to free ourselves from karma. It requires a different way of “seeing” our lives—as intrinsic to creation (as well as being creation itself!). Thus, it becomes self-evident that all life is sacred.

The days of following gurus have ended—it is the teaching that is important, the wisdom that lasts beyond the life of the teacher.

Find every kernel of truth and then most important, follow it, teach it, live it.

And don’t keep the wisdom to yourself. A candle does not lose its fire by lighting other candles. Man maketh the world. This does not negate taking responsibility for yourself. As Buddha taught, “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Taking responsibility for yourself is taking responsibility for the whole world. Taking responsibility for the world is taking responsibility for yourself.

The true profession of man is to realize that his responsibility is the world.

This is the way to freedom from karma.

This is the way to creating a future we all can be proud of.

Practice

Using a picture of the globe, imagine the world and all the people in it while saying these words:

“I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

Photo by David G Arenson ND

If there is any area of your life requiring healing, or any person you know requiring healing, add this to your list. It’s easier if you have an image—otherwise just write the person’s name down with their birthdate.

For instance (your list may look a bit like this):

Myself (my life)

Those who I’ve hurt or wronged (intentionally and unintentionally)

My sister Ellen (06 March, 1975)

John Doe (14 April, 1980)

My career abundance.

Getting paid on time.

My job.

Emotionally connect to these statements so they are heartfelt. Keep saying these words as you read the list, visualize and feel the healing as if it’s already done.

“I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

To all those incarcerated in prisons, “I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

Photo by David G Arenson ND

 

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Editor: Brianna Bemel

 

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