Holly Riley's Blog: Love

So sure I knew what mattered each day
Determined to comply with the “good girl” way

Upon a peek from an all-inclusive view
Previous certainties now clearly untrue

Unbending perspectives never questioned at all
Lighten and scatter crumble and fall

Eyes anew exploring from above
Revealing what mattered I knew nothing of

Holly

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

We keep thinking the joy is coming from somewhere outside of us, something we need to finish, something we need to have, or even someone we need to be with. Joy is here now ever present and ready to move through us. How? We need to open our hearts to the flow of it. Not scrambling to hang on to it, more like letting it in and then letting it out. Allow it to move right through…. that is what brings a smile to our hearts!!!

Being able to receive is the first task. Allow goodness into your body, your mind, and your soul. It is everywhere! Receive from the air, the trees, clouds, and song of the bird. It all speaks to us moment by moment encouraging us to feel (let in) the whispers of harmony and joy. Joy of simply being here now in this moment. Joy in being present, open, inclusive, allowing, trusting…. breath this in and what comes out of you is God-ness. In turn you breath out this energy and it touches every soul you interact with, every person you drive down the road with, and all the people you meet throughout your day.

Open your thoughts today to include the current all around you, let it move through you, give it away and feel the joy that comes from letting it all go. Trust this flow to move you in harmony with all that is and it will.


Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Don't fret don't pout,
peace in peace out.

Let goodness nestle in your heart,
today is the perfect day to start.

Let it in and watch it flow,
what comes in must also go.

Once you let all that lovin in,
your unique purpose is sure to begin!

Holly


Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

What is it like to feel something….without judgement…to just experience it? What is it like to be willing to feel, to experience something completely with no reservations? To not be afraid of what might happen. To be totally present in the moment with what is...

Imagine, feeling something without having to categorize it, define it, interpret it, correct it, or criticize it...to simply feel for the sake of feeling. To feel the sensations of being human, human be-ing.

Like a child who gets to touch the mud for the first time…he might rub it on his face…taste it…roll in it…bite it, stick it on things, in things…explore it! He isn’t calling it “bad mud”, “dirty mud”, or “stupid mud”…He is feeling it. Unless of course the child has been taught that mud is bad, stupid, or dirty by someone else, he probably wouldn’t think of it that way. Oops! Here comes his big brother screaming, ”You better get out of that stupid mud mom is going to paddle your butt!”

Definitions handed down about mud :

Maybe there is a tribe somewhere that has decided mud is a sacred thing and the definitions they hand down contain ideas about how mud is filled with spirit, that it should be treated as the giver of life, never slandered. A tribe that rubs it all over their newborn and leaves it on them as a sign of protection and purity.

So, who is right? Who has the right mud beliefs? We could argue about it. We could find many different viewpoints about mud. We could go to war over who has the better viewpoint. We could divorce people who disagree with our viewpoint. We could divide into groups and see who could create the most people to agree, (the biggest group must be right.) Then we could get a highly respected representative who could skillfully prove the rightness of our viewpoint to others. Ahhhhh Success!

For what? To be right? Has being right become more important than being kind?

Perhaps the interpretations we place on mud are passed down much like our ideas about many other things…handed to us from someone that truly thought they knew. Someone who thought they were helping us survive. “Get out of that mud you are going to get filthy!”

Where did you get your beliefs about mud? About marriage, parenting, teenaging, making money, spending money, what love is, and what kind of people to trust? Who did you get your ideas about being good to yourself from? Did you decide to be the way you are? Or, have you become a set of beliefs that were mostly handed to you? Do you try and change certain parts of yourself and then fall back into being that same old way…again? Like an old blueprint is directing your experience of being human instead of you?

What would it be like to create your own blueprint, custom fit for your heart???

How?

Decide what you want. Write it down. Imagine it, feel it, taste it, carve it out, create your new blueprint. It’s time to be who you long to be. Put attention on it… like you would if you were getting ready to build a house only you are going to build your life. What’s first? Dream it! Design it! Gather materials and a good crew to support you!

Wake up each day and imagine this you… living, relating, creating abundance, health, what ever you want… You are the only one in charge of creating your dreams and life as you wish it to be.

Who, if not you?


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

Sometimes we feel obligated to make others happy, and in the process we forgo our own joy. We are often taught that love equals sacrificing our individual desires for the good of a group, religion, or global initiative believing this is our most important gift to the world... as though sacrifice is our duty.

What if it’s the other way around? What if the only way you can be in service to another is to Be-You-To-Full…

What if you went to the deepest part of your soul, discovered what truly makes you feel whole and then you did that as your gift to the world? Wouldn’t your wholeness add to the global wholeness? Your true joy could be anything, including sacrifice, if that truly makes your heart sing.

All that's required to do your part is honesty with yourself. Finding our truth is the magic inspiration the world needs right now in order to move toward it’s own heart. No pretending!

Imagine if everyone on earth stopped living a life directed by religion, books, gurus, therapists, parents, or any need for recognition.

Imagine everyone you love having a clear awareness of their soul’s journey. This knowing comes from a connection to higher self with no outside influence. It is purely one’s own truth.

Imagine the flow of encouragement and support humanity would give one another naturally, no agendas, nothing to sell, and nothing to lose.

It is a great form of love to empower another to discover who they are meant to be. The greatest task of a friend, lover, or parent, is to let go of indoctrinated or conditioned ideas of who or what someone “should” be and remind them to feel their own truth and move forward from there.

We all have a very special spot in the universe. When we follow someone else’s path, there is an empty space left in the fabric of the world. We have been mistaken thinking it is a privilege for us to live our dream. It is actually our duty.

Follow the thread from your heart to your soul. Give humanity a precious gift, and do your dream.

BE-YOU-TO-FILL !

Dare To Dream....

Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

Copyright 2009

Today is a good day to look with love upon all you see. You have the choice every moment to see through eyes that recognize goodness, or eyes that search for negativity. What you see, or are attracted to, is up to you and only you.

Imagine your field of vision to be a movie you are producing and directing, where you focus creates the experience of the viewer (you). Notice what your eyes seek out…become the observer of you automaticity without a drop of judgment. Self-awareness allows change.

You can treat yourself as you would a dear friend, who for the first time, is looking to make a movie that adds joy to the world. As you observe, become fond of your own good intentions to awaken and take responsibility for what you are creating today. It matters, you matter and every moment of effort opens a door of possibility for all living things.

Welcome love into your movie today. See the ever-present beauty of this moment. Every drop of attention on the preciousness of life is fodder for it’s expansion. As you get a glimpse of the good in your surroundings, each person and situation... the global movie transforms and the ending becomes the beginning… and oh my, the popcorn just gets better and better!

Dare To Dream....

Holly Riley

Peace In Peace Out

http://beawareclothing.com

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

Please feel free to share, copy, and give to small children! For more inspiration go http://www.hollyriley.com