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Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category

The Future Depends on Us

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

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My beautiful courageous friend Nicole McKinney received this insightful passage this morning from Sue Urda @ Powerful You.  I wanted to share it with you, by paying it forward.

“Change is inevitable and sometimes predictable.  As we see with the economy and the seasons, cycles come and go and they often repeat themselves. These changes and cycles allow us the opportunity to take a deep breath and move forward into what is truly important.  As you look around you and see what is here for you, welcome it.  It either serves as a lesson, a new beginning or a renewed sense of personal values.  Everything is exactly as it is supposed to be, and it is here FOR you. Breathe it in.

By the way, did you know that the Chinese symbol is exactly the same for chaos as the one for opportunity?  There is great wisdom in this.

We wish you the wisdom of the elders – and the Chinese.”

This message is very timely.  Our world seems to be in chaos….what do you see?  I see opportunity, change, a bright future in store for those that have the eyes to see.  The world we all share, we have collectively created.  The future depends on each of us.  Anyone tired of war, disease, pain, chaos, suffering, limitation, fear or doubt?  Anyone?  I though so….then what are you waiting for?  Jump on the ride that takes you to peace, love, joy, health, courage, abundance and happiness.  This ride is long overdue.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage



 

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Love is Courage

Friday, September 11th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

All we need is love. Love is courage, loving is living in courage. It seems we are not very adept at loving our fellow men, women and children who walk this journey with us. We have all become so caught up in fear and doubt throughout our lifetime because of a great many factors.  I love to say “I command and I demand my freedom from all fear and doubt, and I ask that it be replaced with love.”  The more we step away from fear and into a place of love, our lives will generate new energy and light.

A simple question you can ask yourself in any situation is “What would love do now?”  That is powerful and is a courageous statement to make.

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Have a wonderful day and I send you love from my heart to yours.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online



 

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Courage – Use It Wisely For Magnificent Results

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 by Debra Oakland

How is your core? I call your core LOVE. Similar to exercising your body, if your core is strong, it supports the rest of the body. When you walk in the moment loving everything, your world is supported in all ways. That core reaches out to every other area in your world. Ask “What Would Love Do Now?” and listen. Resistance will always give you an uncomfortable feeling. Breathe through it and listen. When you know what is making you uncomfortable, let it go. Use the courage you were given wisely.

Your consciousness can not act upon a mixed thought. Have you ever considered this? Do you wonder why your affirmations don’t work? Example – You decide to take a trip to your favorite destination. That is a precise, clear, pristine thought. If you left it alone all would work out perfectly. The Universe is in perpetual motion and you are the magnet of what you put out as a precise thought. The moment you start engaging in the W’s. When can I get the time off work, where will I get the money for plane tickets, hotel, etc, you have a mixed thought. Nothing will manifest or if it does, there is resistance and struggle. We manage to get in our own way constantly. Our job as creator beings is to make a decision as the architect of our own life. Think of it as building the outer experience from the inside out. Really get this as it is VIP – A mixed thought is an inconclusive thought and one your consciousness will not act upon. When you really get this,  your life will change.  It takes work and you must be vigilant and courageous.

I am sharing a video from Brother David because it talks of one of the most important aspects of life, no matter what path in life you follow – Gratitude.  A major key to living a life of joy.

Debra Oakland @ Living In Courage Online Sending You Love & Peace

This video, featuring Brother David, a highly-respected Benedictine monk, author and spiritual leader, is a BLESSING to all those with “eyes to see and ears to hear.” Look, listen and be inspired by this powerful message on grateful living. Please visit gratefulness.org.



 

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Gratitude is a Drug

Friday, June 5th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

Here is my newest quote at  Living in Courage“Gratitude is a drug, it is free and non-toxic.” Yep, free as the air you breathe.  You don’t have to pay for it, travel around the world to find it, be rich, poor, educated, any particular race, color, creed or anything you can think of to find it.  It sits right in you heart.  Imagine if people walked around all day saying how grateful they were for every little thing!  Just imagine.  Our world would shift immediately.  But no, most people run around wanting more, feeling unappreciated (notice that comes out of not appreciating!) complaining, feeling stressed for uncountable reasons, and are just plain tired.  This does not go on all day, but for the parts of the day it does, well, it just brings more of the same.  The only way out of the cycle repeating over and over, is a feeling of love and gratitude to whoever you worship. To your body, mind/brain for carrying you through each day, to Mother Earth & the Kingdoms of Nature who hold you in their arms.  Gratitude to everything and everyone, for mirroring exactly what you need to see and experience.  If you want to look in the mirror and see a different image, then make some changes.

Saying a simple thank you is difficult for some people.  I see many parents raising their children without the courtesy of a thank you when they receive.  Simple gestures will alter the course of your life.  I know people get tired of hearing we are all ONE, but it is true.  What we do to ourselves, we do to another.  Everything connects.  Image the gratitude of a child starving in a third world country when they receive anything to eat. This child needs food and clean water, something we take for granted and expect to be there 24/7.  What is wrong with this picture?  When did we become so immune to our fellow men, women and children?  There are many people dying for no reason. Time to wake up folks, time is running out for us.  No joke.

There will be some powerful choices to make in the next few years for all of us.  Starting now will eliminate a great deal of pain for ourselves and others.  The time is now, now, now.  Not tomorrow, or when we have more time, money or energy.  Look deep inside, for you are courageous.  You came into this world with all the answers inside you, but fell into a hypnotic sleep.  This sleep is losing it’s hold on people all over the world.  When you wake up, what do you want to see?

Debra Oakland@ Living in Courage Online


“There are only two ways to live. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.

~~~ Albert Einstein



 

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I See Your Courage, Do You?

Thursday, May 21st, 2009 by Debra Oakland

There are possibilities, probabilities and certainties in life.  There is believing, and then there is knowing.  There is perceptual mind (tree of knowledge, altered ego) the OLD mind set that loves to question your choices and dreams. That’s the hard way of doing things. Then there is the conceptual mind (tree of life) the NEW mind set, the whole mind.  This is the easy way to do things.  Be very clear that your consciousness will go out and do things for you.  Make a decision about what you are going to do.  Let your consciousness go out, drawing to you everything that is required to fulfill your desires. Become a courageous magnet for the life you want.

The altered ego is the massive liar.  It loves to set you up, telling you that all manner of things are going to happen in your life.  The altered ego has had a ring through our nose, leading merrily on it’s way.  Be courageous and take control of your life.  How?  You create.  How do you create? Think, feel, and turn to what you are desiring.  Put your desires out as the most powerful declarations of intentions, and set them into perpetual motion.  You will be wise to remember not to listen to the altered ego’s  what, when, why, where, how, but and if’s.  It loves to trip you up.  Be the messenger for yourself.   Be kind and gentle with yourself.

What kind of a day, month or year are you going to have?  If you are waiting for something good to happen, yet you take no action (mentally, physically and spiritually) then don’t be surprised when things don’t work out.  It is important to pre-pave your life.  Feel it, think it, breathe it.  Remind the altered ego that you are not trying to destroy it, but want to bring it back into a balanced state of action.

Remember, don’t hold on to anything.  Life loves to be in perpetual motion.  Many times we get in the way , which plugs up the flow of the gifts trying to reach us.   Keep everything flowing, and you will see the proof yourself.  Set up a little mantra “I let everything flow easily and effortlessly in my life.”  Gratitude is a most important part of the journey. I hope you find the tools I present to you of  value.  Add each one to your tool belt of life.  I applaud your success as you move up the ladder of your highest and greatest good.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online



 

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The Courage To Carry The Flame Of Freedom

Friday, May 8th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

Do you have the courage to carry The Flame Of Freedom? It is time for Unity. A time for the damaged hearts and minds of people who would do or cause harm – to stop.  The fires of change have been lit.  Many people now carry The Flame Of Freedom in their hearts and minds.  Change is spreading quickly around the world.  Peace will become a predominant force that pushes at the borders of fear.

The human heart holds a space for miraculous things.  The heart is a doorway to the unbroken soul that can swing wide open when given the right direction.  Our future can be built on solid principles of truth, integrity, honor, courage, love, right action and anything that is a positive for the human race.  These qualities are of no small consequence.  This world is intended to shine as the true diamond it is.  There is light and brilliance under the surface of the darkness that many see in the world.

I intend to walk a smooth journey full of joy and happiness.  What is your intention?  Will you live a courageous life or one of fear? You will have to choose, for no one else can do it for you. Fear is not and never has been the answer.  We just forgot where our power is.  We each have a unique gift.  To wake up and remember who we really are.  We really aren’t broken, but we have been through tremendous pain and suffering as a planet.

Each and every person will have to turn the key to the doorway to freedom and peace by their own hand.  Everyone will choose a different time for this.  As this happens you will see changes everywhere and the momentum is building.  People are tired of being lied to and not feeling safe in a world that was meant to be a place of beautiful perfection. Changes are coming and they are coming very quickly. Let your inner peace, light and love translate to the outer world.  We really can live in a symphony of perfection.  Maybe not tomorrow, but soon.  A new dawn is here for all those who have The Courage To Carry The Flame Of Freedom.

In Love – Debra Oakland @Living In Courage Online



 

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The Backroom Short Film Festival is Courageous Inspiration

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

A friend of mine Paul Gruber is the mastermind behind The Backroom Film Festival. Why am I sharing this at Living in Courage?  I find Paul courageous for creating an opportunity for people to not only view inspiring short films, but to get involved by making their own short film and becoming a part of The Backroom tv community.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online

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Who Are We?

The Backroom is a group of individuals who are committed to improve our communities through a series of short film festivals designed to present films in the categories of inspiration/motivation, comedy and animation. Our vision is to create a global “Backroom” in which we are “Affecting people in a positive way.”

“We believe that in the future there will be a greater desire for short films, and we’ll need the talent to make them.” Paul Gruber

What We Do

The Back room searches for opportunities to promote people in our communities who are excited about life and willing to share their knowledge and skills with others.  The Backroom understands the importance of how “giving starts the process of receiving.”

In addition to the festivals, we are also developing and promoting various programs – bringing together people who have something to share with those who have something to learn.  Online networks, informal get-togethers and formal events are being created to encourage people from various backgrounds to join the www.thebackroom.tv community.

What greater way to promote new talent than through a gathering of short film makers and short film enthusiasts?  The Backroom Short Film Festival is an event that is designed to showcase people who have an inspiring story, unique talent, or special skill from which we can all benefit.

How Can I Become Involved?

Are you an aspiring filmmaker?  Do you have a special skill or talent?  Do you have a unique story to share and do you enjoy short films?  Be part of a community in which we live, learn and grow and  be inspired through the process where, “giving starts the receiving.” Be a part of an experience that is positive and unforgettable.

For more information, go to www.thebackroom.tv or contact Paul at 941.234.3553.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:   Paul Gruber

Phone: 941-234-3553

Email:   HYPERLINK “mailto:paul@peopleareready.tv” paul@peopleareready.tv        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST Petersburg, Fla.,  – The Back Room Short Film Festival of Sarasota is seeking film submissions for a short film festival at the NOVA 535 on September, 9th from 6 – 9 pm.  This one-day festival will feature films from 2 – 7 minutes in length in three categories: inspiration/motivation, comedy and animation.

“This is a film festival designed as a family friendly occasion with the movies rated PG or less,” said Paul Gruber, founder of  HYPERLINK “www.PeopleAreReady.com ” www.PeopleAreReady.com and  HYPERLINK “http://www.TheBackRoom.tv” www.TheBackRoom.tv   “We are encouraging people of all ages to participate and are reaching out to schools and other groups to encourage children, teens and young adults to submit a film.”

About  HYPERLINK “http://www.TheBackRoom.tv” www.TheBackRoom.tv

The Back Room Community, founded by Paul Gruber, is a group of individuals whose vision is to improve the community we live in through inspiriting, teaching, learning and applying the skills necessary to be successful in an ever-changing world. 

Our vision is to “Affect people in a positive way”.

 

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Be The Courageous Artist Of Your Life

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

We are all artists. Every one of us. We all have courage. Put the two together and what do you have.? A courageous artist who is the creator, painter, director and architect of their own life. We think of an artist as someone who creates, correct? Beautiful music, paintings, designers, renaissance masters of days gone by.

Each one of us, each human is a work of art, a work of courage. We are all here to design and create, yet we do it outside of ourselves for the most part. What about designing from the inside? In this way we each become the unmistakable master artist of what shows up in our lives. How about the art of seeing yourself as you really want to be – in all your perfection. Creating a perfect vision of your life and holding that so close to your heart KNOWING and FEELING the reality of it. There are universal laws that apply to everything. We KNOW the sun will rise in the morning and set in the evening. This is a universal law that will act as long as the intelligence behind it desires it to. Universal law is changeless, eternal and in perpetual motion.

The “Great Art of Becoming” who and what we want always includes the “Great Art of Undoing.”   How about deciding that any unacceptable appearance that comes into your life has no universal law to sustain it?  Remember, you are the intelligence behind the appearance and have the power to undo it.  Move into a place of Knowing.  Feel the difference between Knowing and Believing.  Compare the feeling or vibration of the two words.  Knowing is light, Believing carries a heavier feeling.  When you Know it is so easy to feel secure and safe.  When you Know, you are the artist painting a life of beauty and perfection.

There is only one universal law that has no opposites and that is LOVE.  When you have a belief in two powers that is duality.  I like to think of it as The Tree of Knowledge (duality) and the Tree of Life (love) – we have a choice.  What kind of artist are you?  Will you live from fear or love?  Because you are a great artist now and Know the universal truths of perfection – when an appearance shows up, you know it is a complicated and compromised manifestation that has shown up from a belief in duality (good vs evil.)  You do not believe in that anymore – no no no, you believe in the Tree of Life which is the one law, the law of Love.  In fact, you take another step as the artist, you do not believe at all! Believing has been replaced with Knowing.  When you Know, you do not have to Believe.  Are you getting this?  Just know that love is the answer and has no opposites.  Love is a universal law that is changeless, eternal and in perpetual motion.  In truth, you are Love and nothing else.  The return to Love is the long journey you are on.  I am here to provide you with the tools to take that journey.  These tools have been given to me to share with you for a life that is well lived and a life of Living in Courage.  It takes courage to live from the Love of your heart, but I KNOW you are the most exquisite artist in all the universe.  By the way, this journey is supposed to be fun, so while you are painting, do it with joy and laughter.  The universe will hear you and respond with gifts you can only imagine. Oh, and never forget to express gratitude for that is the signature on your beautiful painting of a life well lived.

I send you Love from my artist heart to yours,

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online



 

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A Spiritual Conspiracy – The Courage to Love

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 by Debra Oakland

Love takes courage, sometimes tremendous courage. To step through the door into Love has been a long journey for many.  The time is now and the place is LOVE.  Please join those of us who have made a choice for peace, love and joy.

A SPIRITUAL CONSPIRACY

On the surface of the world right now there is
war and violence and things seem dark.
But calmly and quietly, at the same time,
something else is happening underground
An inner revolution is taking place
and certain individuals are being called to a higher light.
It is a silent revolution.
From the inside out. From the ground up.
This is a Global operation.
A Spiritual Conspiracy.
There are sleeper cells in every nation on the planet.
You wont see us on the T.V.
You wont read about us in the newspaper
You wont hear about us on the radio
We don’t seek any glory
We don’t wear any uniform
We come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles
Most of us work anonymously
We are quietly working behind the scenes
in every country and culture of the world
Cities big and small, mountains and valleys,
in farms and villages, tribes and remote islands
You could pass by one of us on the street
and not even notice
We go undercover
We remain behind the scenes
It is of no concern to us who takes the final credit
But simply that the work gets done
Occasionally we spot each other in the street
We give a quiet nod and continue on our way
During the day many of us pretend we have normal jobs
But behind the false storefront at night
is where the real work takes a place
Some call us the Conscious Army
We are slowly creating a new world
with the power of our minds and hearts
We follow, with passion and joy
Our orders come from from the Central Spiritual Intelligence
We are dropping soft, secret love bombs when no one is looking
Poems ~ Hugs ~ Music ~ Photography ~ Movies ~ Kind words ~
Smiles ~ Meditation and prayer ~ Dance ~ Social activism ~ Websites
Blogs ~ Random acts of kindness…
We each express ourselves in our own unique ways
with our own unique gifts and talents
Be the change you want to see in the world
That is the motto that fills our hearts
We know it is the only way real transformation takes place
We know that quietly and humbly we have the
power of all the oceans combined
Our work is slow and meticulous
Like the formation of mountains
It is not even visible at first glance
And yet with it entire tectonic plates
shall be moved in the centuries to come
Love is the new religion of the 21st century
You don’t have to be a highly educated person
Or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it
It comes from the intelligence of the heart
Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse of all human beings
Be the change you want to see in the world
Nobody else can do it for you
We are now recruiting
Perhaps you will join us
Or already have.
All are welcome
The door is open

~ Brian Piergrossi~

A Spiritual Conspiracy is an excerpt from The Big Glow.

Visit Brian Piergrossi’s blog for more information on his new book The Big Glow.

Debra Oakland@Living in Courage Online



 

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Use Courage Often On Your Life’s Journey

Monday, April 20th, 2009 by Debra Oakland

In cleaning out my storage unit, which took enormous courage by the way! I found these words by an unknown author.  I find the “unknown” writings are some of the most powerful.

“If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill very moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds?  Or contemplate the coming of the child as did Mary?  For each one of us, there is a desert to travel.  A star to discover.  And a being within ourselves to bring to life.”

It takes courage to be still – to listen.  The moments our wisdom whispers to us are when we become still enough to listen to the secrets of the breeze between heart and mind.  This life is a journey for each and every one of us.  Where will your journey take you?  Where will you take your journey?

I send you love and a very light path to guide you on your life’s journey.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online



 

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