A Global Climate Wake Up Call went out on Monday, Sept 21 2009. Members of Avaaz and TckTckTck Campaign sent out a wake-up call to world leaders. Courageous people gathered together in 134 countries. There were over 2,600 events from Australia to Europe which reached heads of state and cabinet ministers. The amount of phone calls to government officials, crashed many phone lines. For photos and maps of the event, go to the Avaaz link above, and view “The World in Action.”
On Monday, September 21, Avaaz members and TckTckTck Campaign partners sent a deafening wake-up call on climate change to world leaders–with 2632 events in 134 countries, tens of thousands of phon…
This video will give you an idea of how large this event was, as well as the courage and creativity of the people involved. What a way to get the governments attention! Gotta love it.
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.
Have a wonderful day and I send you love from my heart to yours.
Human Trafficking is the world’s fastest growing and most deadly enterprise. Why? It is more profitable than drugs, guns and jewels. Aaron Cohen is on a global quest to free victims of human trafficking and the slave trade. His new book Slave Hunter tells his remarkable story in detail. Few people have the courage to walk this road. I have unspeakable admiration for Aaron and the work he is doing around the globe. Going from living the life of a rock star, years of drug addiction and party life to spiritual awakening was the beginning of this long journey. Aaron Cohen has walked this journey with his longtime friend and business partner Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), as well as many other amazing and courageous people.
Young Slave Baby with Aaron Cohen
There may be as many as 27 million people enslaved today with around 800,000 new victims trafficked across international borders each year. Around 17,000 of these are brought annually into the U.S. Aaron Cohen has dedicated his life and his new book Slave Hunter to the victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Aaron is one person who is out there proving that each one of us can make a difference when we follow our heart.
Please read this article written by Christine Buckley who collaborated on Slave Hunter. It gives you a taste of a life that few of us are familiar or comfortable with. Click here for the article - Aaron Cohen: Sex Slaves, Drug Trade and Rock N’ Roll
I recently met an amazing woman named Sheila Ulrich through a mutual Facebook friend. Sheila inspires people by living her authentic life, and has an important message to share. I call that Living In Courage. Sheila helps create a bridge between fear and life. If you are in fear, take her hand and let her walk you to the other side. As I have talked about often at Living in Courage Online, fear is a pesky illusion that the altered ego loves to trip you up with. Do not give it any power. By using the power of love, anything is possible. Sheila’s story “Facing Death, I Found Life” follows.
It wasn’t the familiar voice deep within, the physical exhaustion, or the collapsing career and relationships that got my attention. No, for me it was an ultimatum, live or die. But somewhere at the back of my mind, I had felt it coming; a lingering doubt, a faint premonition, whispers of a tragedy. Facing my own mortality, I woke up, I found myself again, and I found life.
Eleven years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Stage IV melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, invaded my body. In an instant, my life changed forever. My three young children stared in horror as their mother collapsed in fear. That pain in their eyes almost paralyzed me. Through inconsolable sobs, my heart ached with their pain. They needed me, their mother, to help guide and teach them and share their lives. Even in the shock of the moment of crisis, a piece of me knew the opportunity ahead. My responsibilities as wife, mother, career woman, socialite, and friend had consumed me and I was spinning out of control. The conflict within had surfaced now in disease. I knew this was my opportunity to transform my life. I made a decision, a choice, I chose to live! The urgency to teach my children about life and death sent me searching in multiple directions. I was searching for the answer to save my life and to save my children from living a life of fear.
Doctors, tests, and surgeries became my way of life. The medical community had little to offer for treatment or preventative care. My bodily pain was unbearable, but more than that my spirit was disguised beyond recognition. I felt confused, walking through an unending nightmare. With so many questions and very few answers, I was determined to find another way. Then in a glimpse of a moment the whole world stopped, no sounds, no movement, and complete stillness. The message filled my entire being, “Heal the Whole, Body, Mind and Spirit!” A sense of peace and knowingness so profound no words can describe followed. It was then that my journey into self began. I realized that my inner voice, that hadn’t been listened to for a long time, was screaming to be heard. Little did I know, my journey began at that moment, to find my spirit once again.
Alternative healing methods were introduced to me and a whole new world of hope and possibilities opened up. I tried everything available; homeopathy, naturopathy, spiritual healing, kinesiology, yoga, etc. Through each modality experienced, another piece of me was unveiled. All my painful emotions and experiences, not expressed and discarded, were carried with me as an expression of who I was. Each step along this journey led me to uncover more and more of my life experiences I was defining as me. Who am I anyway? One by one, I began to release all the good and ugly experiences of my life I had carried so long. I began seeing the light once again of who I really was beyond this physical body.
I was transforming me, my life, while my family and friends clung to the old. Many messengers along the way guided and encouraged me to continue. With faith and barely the strength to get through most days, I put one foot in front of the other and continued the journey. As another year went by with no evidence of cancer, I was certain I was traveling the right road. Uncovering layer by layer of this old self was excruciating. It was a journey through the deepest pain and the darkest hell. When would this misery end? When would I be whole again? So many times, tired, angry, and alone, I wanted to quit. With little courage to battle alone, something inside nudged me forward. That still, small voice that had been forgotten was still screaming to be heard. The world had distracted me long enough and I began opening to the infinite knowingness within. The pain became joy, the loneliness peace. I saw clearly how I had created the pain and disease in my physical body to wake up and remember who I really was and my infinite potential. This growing awareness was an outward expansion of me. I saw how I had created the roadblocks and limitations in my life that imprisoned me and how these roadblocks held me back from experiencing the joy, peace and happiness I had been searching for. I began watching myself create the suffering in relationships and experiences, and then knew that it was only in my mind, not me. My mind was creating my suffering. To let go is freedom. I clung so tightly to past experiences and emotional pain because I thought it was me, but the me inside was really free.
The journey that I began to save my body from death became an integration of body, mind and spirit and a gift of awakening. Every moment, I continue my healing journey; a journey back to self, a journey that never ends. Every moment I create my life and continue to remember who I am and why I chose to come. My life has changed forever and I will never be the same again. I experienced death; death of my old self and a rebirth into the infinite creation of life. The experience of truly living each step of this journey was a gift so I could walk others across this bridge of life. I share this gift with you, so you too can find LIFE! Many walk through time feeling a void or lack of purpose and meaning in their life. Don’t wait for a tragedy to hit to wake up and live your dreams. Even in the darkest moment, there is a glimmer of light; a light shining bright enough to lead you to your next step. What is holding you back from expressing who you really are and living your life in joy?
Truly Alive with Sheila Ulrich Radio Show is all about HEALING.
Healing is restoring and becoming whole to live life fully. Together we can heal no matter where we are in our life cycle or what our life circumstances. Listen to our experts as we lead you on a journey of healing ALL of you. Sharing amazing stories of healing and living life fully will inspire you to be Truly Alive. Most importantly connect with friends who remind you, you are never really alone. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sheila-Ulrich
I want to talk to you about my courageous friend Jack Hennings. He has a miracle story, which speaks of Living In Courage to me. In 1993 Jack found out he had Leukemia – Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia throughout his whole body. At one point his bone marrow was 98% impacted, with only 2% viable and functioning. Jack also had a 6 lb. mass of lymph nodes in his abdomen. Emergency chemo helped shrink the mass. In one more week, his kidneys would have exploded. He had to sign a waver that the emergency chemo that night could kill him. This was a significant night in Jack’s life, he did not know if he would live or die. He lived.
The mass was decreased in size and Jack took chemotherapy on and off for 10 years after that. During that 10 year period there were two other times Jack almost died. After 10 years he had exhausted all chemo resources. Radiation was not an option because the cancer was in his bone marrow and lymph nodes. A Stem Cell transplant was the only option to save Jack. The Stem Cell transplant was done in 2003. Jack’s brother Sam Hennings was a perfect match as a donor. One in 35 Million!
After the transplant there were complications. The new immune system Jack developed was his brother Sam’s, which was too strong for Jack’s ailing body. He had to be on immuno suppressants for about a year to allow his body to develop the strength to handle his brothers immune system. Jack became stronger and stronger. The cancer has been gone 6 years. Jack believes that the Stem Cell transplant was a miracle that saved his life. Jack’s doctor was Dr. Lenard Sender at UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA.
Jack and his beautiful wife Debra are happily living a dream life. Their new website coast2coastinteriors is in development and will be up in July 2009. Jack has a great vision for his life and will share it soon with the world. It is a joy to be around Jack because he is joyful gratitude in motion – alive and vital. Courageous Hero’s come in many forms. Jack is my Hero, as is his brother Sam.
Below is a video of Dr. Lenard Sender who is a leading advocate for a neglected demographic: young adults with cancer. He joined some of his patients at a recent Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week at UC Irvine.
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.
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.
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.
TED talks is a gathering of some of the greatest minds, mathematicians, and action oriented people from around the globe. Each speaker gives a 20 minute talk or presentation. I find TED talks insightful, courageous, full of wit and inspiration. Visit the TED website to watch archived videos.
In late 2006, a Malawian newspaper first wrote about a remarkable young man William Kamkwamba. Being from a remote rural village north of the capital city makes his story even more amazing. This is the story of a young student turned inventor. A true story of Living in Courage. William will be one of the speakers at TEDGlobal this year. I quote “TEDGlobal is TED’s twin annual conference. It will feature four days of provocative talks, relevant discussions, technological boldness and amazing performances that will take us beyond the obvious. The program is designed to explore and make visible “The Substance of Things Not Seen” — this year’s theme.
Watch the video below (click on Read More) to see William Kamkwamba’s story of courage in action.
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.
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”.
My friend Sean Swarner (A Courage Expert) and the Cancer Climbing Expedition are offering a Climbing Expedition/ Safari to Africa. I told Sean I would share this opportunity with you. How awesome would it be to spend some time with hero’s who are truly Living In Courage? Here is a complete itinerary of the expedition, links to Sean’s websites and a video of his courageous journey. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for adventure.
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 6:00am
End Time: Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 6:00pm
Location: Tanzania, Africa
Description: Africa… The very name calls to mind images of breath-taking landscapes, endless savannahs, magnificent animals, proud ancestral tribes and above all… safaris!!
Begin your odyssey into the heart of creation as you venture across hundreds of miles of wilderness, let your mind wander millions of years into the past…see untouched earth and wildlife as you can nowhere else… No other experience measures up to an African safari, unless it begins with an expedition up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The snowy summit, hovering above the plains of this wondrous continent, radiates majesty and awe. The quiet solitude of viewing the world from above the clouds, seeing Africa from its highest point…there’s nothing that stirs your soul like this. Experience the magic of Kilimanjaro and wonder of an African safari in one life-changing expedition!!
Join Sean and the CancerClimber Association as we experience the magic of a Kilimanjaro expedition before celebrating with a beautiful Serengeti Safari. $500 of your expedition goes to support CancerClimber and their programs as we encourage you to raise more for the charity.
Participation is very limited so please reserve your spot now! Those interested please email sean@cancerclimber.org with any questions or to request a detailed itinerary (July 25 – Aug 9 in and out of the country). $5500 (US) includes EVERYTHING but airfare…your 6-day expedition and 5-day safari!!
The first 10 who sign up receive free safari hat and trekking poles. EVERY skill-level is invited to participate!! This is NOT a technical climb, but an endurance hike to over 19,000 feet….
CANCERCLIMBER EXPEDITION
ARRIVAL INTO TANZANIA
July 26 – Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Private transport from airport to Moshi,
Tanzania to hotel.
KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION
July 27 – Recovery day from flight.
July 28 – Machame Gates to Machame Huts.
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey
passes through the village of Machame (located on the lower slopes of the mountain). Once we
reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb. Porters
will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, firewood, and other equipment.
Make sure that you have all your daypack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The
guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. We now leave the park gate and
walk through the rain forest on a winding trail. Lower down, it can be very muddy and very
slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea. We continue until we reach the Machame
Hut. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and sleep. We have now reached an altitude of
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