🐧 “I’m Sorry. Please Forgive Me. Thank You. I Love You.”

Learning Hoʻoponopono with Pensive Penguin

Sometimes, even the most peaceful journeys bring bumps along the way—hurt feelings, misunderstandings, or words we wish we could take back. On the shores of Maui, Pensive Penguin discovers a beautiful way to bring hearts back together: a Hawaiian practice called Hoʻoponopono.

This simple ritual teaches us how to gently clear the air, restore connection, and find peace—both inside ourselves and with others. It doesn’t take a big speech. Just four quiet phrases, spoken from the heart:

I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.

These words are like soft waves—they help wash away anger, sadness, or guilt, leaving room for healing and calm.

A Mindful Practice for Children and Families

Pensive Penguin sits on the warm sand, closes his eyes, and takes a slow breath. He thinks of someone he may have hurt, or someone who has hurt him. He imagines saying those four healing phrases softly, like a song on the wind.

You can try it too:

1. Sit or lie down somewhere peaceful.

2. Place your hands gently on your heart.

3. Breathe in. Breathe out.

4. Think of someone—yourself, a friend, a parent, a sibling.

5. Say the words in your heart:
   “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

You might feel a softening in your chest. A lightness. That’s the power of Hoʻoponopono—it’s like giving your heart a hug.