Holly Riley's Blog: Accepting

That doesn’t say, accept what is and suffer for the rest of your life like a good human.

Accepting what is doesn’t take a long time. Some do it in a moment. The key is to tell the truth about what is happening, get that you are where you are, feel it, experience it, and be quiet with it for a bit. If you truly experience where you are, accept it like you ordered it for dinner, the next thing you will become aware of is which direction to step in order to create the experience you prefer. You will see a way to move toward changing your life to one you like living.

Or! You can begin resisting where you find yourself. This is the most common response to things not appearing as imagined or expected. In other words, when you find yourself in an abusive relationship, a job you abhor, a body you dislike, a traffic jam, or even eating a meal in a restaurant that didn’t turn out like you ordered … you begin resisting. Resisting would look something like pouting; feeling like a victim of your circumstances, getting angry, revengeful, blaming, etc. Resisting has many faces; depression, alcoholism, over-eating, or over-anything. We are all experts in this field.

Resistance doesn’t open a single door… it closes them. Funny thing about resistance is that it is like glue. It sticks you right smack dab in the thing you are resisting.

This moment, the one right here, is yours. It is your life; the opening to your heart comes from being in it here and now. Accepting where you are without a single drop of blame is such a relief! Huge!! This is an amazing and empowering spiritual practice, which strengthens your intuition and self-confidence like no other. Real wisdom is made of being present with what is without blaming anyone, including self. Imagine a life spent resisting what is, people, places, self, environment, government, etc. What a funny thing to do. It’s weird!! It’s like resisting air. What a waste of your moment.

If there is something you are resisting, stop, take a moment and accept it as it is… just like you ordered it for dinner. Then be still, quiet, present, breath it in and let it be! Imagine and feel what you would like to create. Explore and enjoy the idea. An action necessary to move toward your dream will show up! One step will reveal itself. When you move there, another, and another. If it’s a mountain you need to climb, start climbing. If it’s a river, start swimming. It’s like ordering peas for dinner, getting them, and realizing you don’t want them. You can get mad, not eat, pout, and suffer. Or, you can order what you prefer. You don’t have to blame anyone for anything. It’s so empowering to get where you are in life is where you are in life, own it and move on.

Truly practicing acceptance, and then listening for the solution, is a type of prayer that connects you with your highest self. Your highest self is always there, waiting patiently for you to realize how precious you are. To access this divine wisdom, you must own where you find yourself in this very moment….and realize from some level of awareness, you ordered this experience.

Who cares if you made a mistake and ordered the wrong meal, or forgot to find out all the ingredients? We all do that. Accept what is and move on to what is next. Your moment is waiting. 

So what’s for dinner???

Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Allowing is such precious magic…letting the flow continue. Not stopping it, hoarding it, pushing it away, or wanting to control it in anyway. In order to dance with the flow we must allow…we must be open and ready to receive… it’s part of the circle.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to give something; a gift, a hug, money, or attention to someone else?

How good are you at being on the receiving end? How do you feel when someone is flowing love and care, or a big fat hug to you? Can you open up and let it all in like a nice big drink of water? Have you ever practiced letting the attention someone else is directing toward you into your heart?

I was in the car with my mom the other day (she is 72) and I said mom, “Are you good at letting love in?” She said, “I don’t know.” I told her I was noticing how “good” I am at giving and how I loved it but, that recently I realized giving is a clever way for me to avoid letting people in. Like using it as a way to protect myself from being vulnerable.” I then spontaneously asked her to do something with me. I asked her to turn to me, and to let in what I am about to tell her. I said mom, “let this in all the way to your bones, and feel it in the deepest part of your heart.” She was so bright eyed and willing, she said, “okay!” (This all happened in my car at a stop light in 5:00 traffic) I turned to her and connected with her then said, “I love you more than anything in the world and am so grateful to you for all you have done in my life. You touch me and my family every day. You are a treasure to me mom.” Her eyes welled up...so did mine...it rocked us because she was so open, and I was so open, and...Boom Shakalaka it went deep into us!

I said, “Mom!!! You are so good at receiving, thank you so much for getting that.” I was so touched by her vulnerability. I felt so much joy in her letting it in. I realized in this moment how transforming it is, not only for the giver, but the receiver to be present and let in. To allow the gift in that is coming from another is a huge gift all by itself. It was such an energetic rush I couldn’t believe how we both felt!

Then I said…my turn, my turn!! Do me now! I turned to her and she turned to me and with her eyes still moist, she told me how dear I am and how I am always there for her...that she loves me with all her heart. Then I noticed that I was a bit uncomfortable, that I wanted to check and see if it was time to move forward in traffic. I noticed I wanted to see if there wasn’t something I should be doing right now instead of receiving this precious beautiful gift from my mother. (I was watching myself, and noticed I wanted to look for a distraction, or something important to do to avoid being vulnerable and having to receive. I laughed inside thinking this was all my idea to help my mom open up).

Then, I felt my mom sitting there so eager to be with me, and I saw how I robbed her of something by not letting her or her love in. She looked at me wide-eyed and present - loving me no matter what my response was. I noticed how different my turn felt from hers, how it feels when one person isn’t open. You see, I didn’t give her the same gift she had given me! I had an epiphany; receiving someone’s love is such a gift to them it transforms them. It’s fulfilling, it’s the circle, it’s the completion, the expanding of something precious, it’s what we are all here for, and it’s incredible! Isn’t that what we all want? Do we let it in when it is right in front of our faces?

I realized this would be a good way to open up (trick) myself into actually receiving since I love giving. In order to give the most precious gift of all, I need to receive! Ha! Got myself!!

I looked at my sweet mother, and loved her more in that moment than ever before. She is the receiving queen; she allowed my love into her heart and taught me a valuable lesson; receiving is another opportunity to wake up and smell the coffee we all came here to drink.

This traffic light adventure changed my life. I am practicing being like a puppy, and letting every drop of love right into my heart. It is a very awakening to the magic of life!

I love you Mom,
Holly

Enjoy the magic of your sweet heart today. See your good intentions, your care for others, and appreciate the path you find yourself on this day. Simply by your commitment to live a peaceful, and honoring life, you make a difference in the world. Notice how you intend to love all beings that cross your path. Take a moment ...feel this kindness in you.

You matter and you are a miracle!.

There is a miraculous phenomenon that is often overlooked. It is always there, forever close, open hearted and longing for you to show up. It is eager to give you everything you need and all that you long for… patiently waiting. It takes commitment and perseverance to open your heart to the knowing of it. It requires a deliberate use of your will power to become aware of it. It may take more than one try.

Where is it? Are you ready? Take a few moments... look directly and presently into the mirror. Not just at the image you see, but deep into the eyes and the energy beholding you. There is a depth of love that has been waiting for you to come forth. The trick is being still enough to feel it, and then receive it.

The very clever are able to do this simply by putting their attention inward toward their core, or heart, and trusting. The flow begins the moment presence is realized - one need only allow it into their consciousness to have a new and very dear friend. This friend will never leave you, never betray you, and never judge you for your mistakes. Quite the contrary, this friend will remind you of your preciousness when you feel alone and will speak louder with each connection. You must ask for this companion, you must open the door to this meeting. You are solely responsible for allowing this miracle into your life.

Once this flow of love begins moving from the inside, life changes and peace moves into your world from source. The only requirement is to begin. You must commit to yourself, believe in your goodness and open your heart to the whispers of your higher self. Every drop of effort is valuable. Practice with good intention and it will move you closer to this magic. You are reliable - you can do this! Beckon this great master of your heart and you will find the dear friend and companion you have been longing for...

Holly


Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Earth is the most exciting place to be in the universe. You can have drama, pain, joy to the max, and do it all in the presence of the majestic trees, birds, and glass water to fish, wake board, or ski on.

You did it. You arrived. You are amazing. Enjoy your creations and realize you are at the helm of the ship you find yourself on. You are the wave rider... some waves go up and some go down. Get good at hanging ten no matter what situation you find yourself in. Remember you wanted some drama; you wanted some contrast so you could find out who you are. You set it all up to FEEL and discover!!!

One more thing; any situation you find yourself in, isn't you, at least not all of you. You are bigger than what ever you are experiencing. You are connected to everything and everyone in an invisible realm. You’ve got family you’ve never met.

Keep one foot in the realm that knows this, use the other foot to keep moving toward your dream on earth. Decide what you want to feel, what you want to experience in life, taste it, imagine it, roll it around in your mind and heart often. If you keep putting attention on what you long for you will find you move more toward creating it. It’s that simple.

Know you are loved no matter which direction you ship travels, no matter who’s on it with you, and regardless of where you find yourself right now.

Just be sure to remember it's your ship....

Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Cultivating your garden is not a new concept. We all love the feeling of taking something in it’s rough form and making it beautiful. It is an inspiration for us as we experience what is possible; we begin to believe in ourselves. The real prize is when we do this with our souls.

How?

Notice your rough spots and begin to work on cleaning them up. This gives you the self-esteem and joy you long for. Desiring this and moving in this direction puts a bounce in your step and a smile on your face. Notice I didn’t say accomplishing this is what makes you happy. Pursuing this and practicing this is the joy of life. This is the type of project you never totally complete and continually embrace.

Beginning to cultivate your own spirit and learning to listen to your heart is a magical experience. We are bombarded and distracted by shoulds and the economic dream - only to discover it is not the gold at the end of the rainbow we expected. The gold comes in finding our own truth, our own nature, and trusting our own knowing so completely that we are not fooled by the seduction of ownership and control. This journey requires a great deal of honesty and can have interesting moments of discomfort. Yet, even a small taste of its fruit is unforgettable… heaven on earth. It is the freedom we seek.

When a person begins to experience this higher-self connection they access the peace they have spent a life searching for through material success and even medication. Alcohol, drugs, pharmaceuticals, or any excessive behaviors are a temporary fix that seem to bring joy but actually are a tricky roadblock on this journey. More and more medicating is desired - which often ends up in addiction and a closing off of our connection to the true preciousness of life and higher-self.

How do we awaken from this cycle of sleep?

Begin now, use your will, become still and quiet and get acquainted with feeling your core. You can hear it if you listen, you can feel it if you focus on it. Create a relationship with yourself just as you would with someone you totally adore, someone you are meeting that you have longed to meet. Listen, respect, honor, care, and be kind to this new friend. Take time to do nothing except be with and connect with “YOU”. Get to know the voice of your heart. There are many treasures here waiting for you.

You will awaken to the difference between your ego mind and your soul voice – the ego is the one that tries to control, worry, escape, and be important. Your highest self has no fear and lives in trust, when it speaks and you listen, you feel loved. You will become clear on the sweetness of your soul voice, it will become your best friend. It doesn’t happen over night, be patient. The important thing is to start this new practice. Ask for your higher self to speak to you, to guide you. The more you listen, the louder it talks. The less you listen, the more it becomes quiet.

It is helpful to be in nature. Notice and feel the spirit of the trees, the creeks, the rocks, and clouds. They don’t worry; they don’t wish they were better than their friends, or desire more of something. They are what they are, being where they are, living totally in the present moment, not critical, not needing to be special or important - simply “being!” Beginning to feel this will support you in remembering how precious you are and how magical life is. You only need to practice listening to the soul voice. Now is a great time to begin...



Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

If we keep projecting a world that needs to be fixed guess what we always see? We see what is broken, wrong, or in need of repair. We have no attention, or awareness, going to what is beautiful, lovely, and amazing!

OK, think about it...that means no energy moving toward our dreams and our joy; none, zero, zip! Our life becomes consumed with "fixing' as we get caught up in the idea that correcting others is the path to happiness!

This "fixing" behavior actually adds more negative to the world by always focusing on who and what is wrong. We become a magnet to what is broken! By the way, our ego loves this habit...it gets to feel superior and be right about who is off the mark!

Imagine a world where we appreciate one another as we are. We stop blaming and take time to discover the goodness in one another. Putting more of our awareness on what is wonderful opens doors in everyone's hearts. People become empowered just by being in the presence of this.

A few moments of attention on the goodness in our partners, our leaders, and in ourselves will multiply the goodness in our world. We can wake in the morning and notice joy, in the flowers, trees, clouds, and the song of the bird.

It is in the mirror, waiting for us to acknowledge it. Being present with what is raises the vibration around us and actually offers the opportunity for life to transform. Resisting holds a pattern in place.

Ahhhhhh so easy to love and be loved when we allow.

Be still and embrace your power to create magic.

Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

A man's teacher/guru is taking him through one of his lessons...he walks him into a room...everyone starts yelling and screaming at him (not nice things). As they walk through, the student feels like he did something terribly wrong...the teacher says, "don't take this personally. This isn't about you. This is what they do. They boo people."

He goes into the next room...everyone starts clapping and yelling "yeah" really excited to see him ...saying way to go, you did it...just thrilled to see him. They almost seemed to worship him. The teacher says, "don't take this personally, This is what they do here. They worship and approve of people."

He goes into the next room...everyone starts being very emotional, sad, upset, angry, all kinds of very deep feelings pointed toward him. So much crying around him the student feels terrible for all of them. The student became very sad and depressed. The teacher says, "don't take this personally, This has Nothing to do with you. This is what they do, how they live. They get emotional."

He goes into many rooms with righteous people, religious people, blaming people, and people who feel they are better than him...only to find out, none of it is about him. The people do this no matter who walks into the room. It is what they do in life. Don't take it personally.

Moral of the story.... don't take it personally, Anything! What ever people do is what they do. It has very little to do with you. They would be doing it to who ever was standing where you are standing.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh such a relief!

The cool thing is when you start to recognize the game, you can walk into what ever room you feel like being in... have fun with it, play with it...even join them if it suits your fancy. We could have a room called "They Are Wrong" if we wanted to, but it would still be a room. What matters is knowing this.

You decide what you consider real and what you don't. And...that is a whole other story for another day.



Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

What matters most is our ability to feel peace inside. As a peaceful calm culminates, it over flows and oozes out to touch our worlds. This creates a tractor beam of peace, serves as a magnet, to our desires. They come toward us!

When we need a boost, or as teacher of this practice, we can notice a tree. I mean, really observe it for a bit. Become aware of its total acceptance of what is; it isn't resisting, it’s not jealous, angry, mean, or prideful. It is being a tree with all its heart. It doesn't wish to be a frog or a rock or anything other than what it is.

Feel the peace it exudes, regardless of what is happening with the weather. It happily flows, bends, and adjusts to whatever brushes against it without a single complaint. No resistance. What a great teacher of peace!

Just a few moments of this will offer you some relief from whatever is going on in your world, and give you the juice you need to create harmony with those around you.

Love yourself up…. Be A Tree!


Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Be nice to yourself …always and forever... no matter how many mistakes you make. We all make them. It's part of life, part of learning to appreciate and enjoy being human. Mistakes are really a cool gift to the planet when you think about it, because when we make them (and learn from them), we are more allowing for others to make them too.

Have you ever been mean to someone who messed up and then tried to hurt them without giving any chance for them to change from having their mis-take? Who doesn’t make mistakes?

The cool thing is, when we do learn from mis-takes, we can enjoy and understand the gift they are in our awakening. Heck we may even end up more compassionate and helpful to others.

Now I am not talking about making the same exact mistake over and over again and saying “it’s great- I am learning” that would be more along the lines of manipulating someone. I am talking about making a genuine mistake and realizing you did it, copping to it, and owning it.

Mistakes really are part of our becoming aware, more kind, and grateful. Not a bad thing at all - a gift of sorts. Just because you made a boo boo doesn’t mean stop what you are doing and suffer for a while. It actually means, learn from it, try something different, keep going and if possible help others avoid the same mistake. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you get where you want to be.

One thing to remember as you travel through this life is you are always safe and always loved – no matter what. If you don't believe that, start believing it. Create it as your life motto for a while. Feel it in your bones when you awake each morning until you can call it yours. Once you create that feeling inside it will attract that reality outside. And - if you don't feel safe or don’t feel loved in some moment, so what?? Don’t let it freak you out. It’s just a moment of feeling. It will pass and you can get back to your intention when you have had enough.

Feeling mad, sad, afraid, or angry or whatever isn’t a bad thing, it’s a signal that you are doing something you don’t feel right about. These feelings are helpful – like a signpost. When they show up it just means you need to stop what you are doing and take a look, be quiet for a moment and let the knowing come forward. Then get your intention back in front of you - shift your attention back to what ever your goal is. Feeling bad does not mean it’s time to make your self-wrong. When you make a mistake and you see it, it’s really a time to be kind to you and wake up a bit more regarding your focus. That's all...NO big deal. This is the practice of creating joy in your life.

One thing for sure...you will succeed - because you are so determined to be happy! All it takes is practice and you are the kind of person that will never, never give up!

No possibility of failure for you sweet one...



Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Look back over the last week of your life. What moment was most precious to you? Really, take a look and decide what touched you. I bet it was a time when you were very present – either with yourself or with someone else. Present is a great word. What does it mean to you?

Present - alert, here, breathing this experience, no mind chatter, criticism, no worrying, no agenda, no fear, and no shoulds. It is all a state of “is”. Being fully awake, connected to whomever you are with – allowing, not desiring or resisting anything, with attention moving in such a way you feel like you are one with whomever you are with, wholeness. A feeling of success often follows a feeling of presence. There is no possibility of failure when in this awakened state.

Some people have flashes of presence while others can hang out there for quite a while. This state of “being” is a powerful place to view reality from, particularly when you want to appreciate your family and friends. To become a great mother, father, wife, husband, or friend practice “being” with whomever you are with.

Implement this next time you have a chat with someone in your family. An amazing thing happens with children; they start sharing. They feel no pressure; they feel free to be themselves with no push to portray something someone outside of them deems important. They feel relaxed in the presence of YOU and they open their hearts without fear of being criticized. A most delicious relationship develops. It is in this state of being that we realize what matters most in life. What is important reveals itself every time. This is where love, joy, and alignment toward a goal jolt you out of inertia with the excitement needed to fulfill your dream! Life sizzles and people blossom when near this alive presence!

We spend a great deal of life trying to influence, families, friends, employees, and even strangers to see and act out our beliefs. This doesn’t leave much time to spend simply enjoying the preciousness in front of us. It’s always there waiting and when embraced offers the key to our next moment!

The joy of life is right here right now - we need only be still enough to feel it in ourselves and then it shows up in every connection we share with others! Isn’t that the experience you discovered when you looked back over your week in the first paragraph? Didn’t you find what mattered most was a moment when you had that feeling of awareness, realness, care, and aliveness? This comes from Presence! The most wonderful thing about this experience is that it is yours forever, and infinitively available. You need only remember to allow it.

Peace In Peace Out...

Holly

Author of Allowing , The Book
http://www.hollyriley.com


Copyright 2010

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