Ho’oponopono Meditation

The concept

This is an ancient form of Hawaiian mantra meditation that focuses on forgiveness.

The experience

The meditation is conducted in a soundproof, cosy “meditation pod”. During the next 20 minutes our instructor intones a number of phrases and we are asked to conjure up mental images in response (for example, “bring to mind a time when you didn’t take care of yourself physically”). We are then asked to repeat several phrases out loud: “I am sorry, I forgive you, I love you, thank you.”

The wellbeing factor:

Who knows what the hell was at play there, but it was cathartic and I left chilled out AF. MC Bodhi & Ride, 416-418 Bay St, Port Melbourne 3207. 03 9681 7688. www. bodhiandride.com.au. Times vary; check timetable. $15 for single class. $45 for unlimited monthly meditation.