Funds Fur Love

I'm NOT Mental !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to tell you my story.

I am 33 and live in a very small town in Ohio. I was born to a very young mother and spent my very young years being raised by a struggling single mother (Bless her heart). When I was one, my mother married my younger brother's dad. who had "legally" adopted me and I was given his last name. (There were no DNA paternity tests in the early 80's so all he really did was tell a Judge that he was my father and signed my birth certificate.) They divorced when I was 5 and my bother was 2 or 3. (I later had my  name changed to that of my biological father) At the age of 8, my mother married my (first) step-dad. This man had no other children and had a very strict philosophy about raising children. The old sayings, "children should be seen and not heard," and "spare the rod, spoil the child," sum it up. From day one of their marriage, he took over all discipline. From that day, I was raised in an environment I would liken to boot camp. Some examples: When we got up in the morning, we were to make our beds. Nothing else was allowed until we made our beds and they were inspected. YES, INSPECTED. If there were any 'wrinkles' found, we received a beating. We had to ask before entering any room. We had to eat everything on our plates by the time the adults were finished. (this was difficult for me as a picky eater.) If we didn't finish in time, we were beaten and sent to bed. One time, my brother noticed he was falling behind and attempted to finish his mashed potatoes quickly, he threw up on the plate, was still beaten and sent to bed. Once at the age of 13, I was beaten and stood in a corner for several hours for using mouthwash without asking. Once I was beaten with a wooden board so hard that I pissed myself. Looking to my mother to stop this insanity was met with a stony, jaded, frightened gaze. She could not stand up to him. I think she was just as frightened as we were. I could not understand how all of this "discipline" was appropriate. I could not grasp why anyone would treat children this way. I am still in disbelief as the memories flood back and my eyes fill with tears...

My adolescence was no easier. I was not allowed to have friends stay the night. Not that anyone would be interested anyway since 9:30 bedtime meant lights out and not a peep or else. I was only sparingly allowed to stay at a friends. I was only allowed 1 hour a day on the phone. At 13 I was not allowed off the small town city block where we lived, so even riding my bike around and around was not much of an escape. 

School was no escape either. Being very shy and timid, I was bullied relentlessly. It was very easy to make me cry, which satisfied my taunters to no end. Never had more than one friend at a time. When I did make a friend, we'd be close for a while, then she would grow tired of my sensitivity and join the bullies or get her jollies by embarrassing me in one way or another. Never had a boyfriend or even anyone interested. I struggled to make average and slightly below average grades due to becoming easily overwhelmed. Having "bad grades" made me even more of a target at home. I was repeatedly called 'worthless' 'an embarrassment' and 'lazy'. I had no where to turn, no one to confide in. 

Needless to say, I was beaten down and made to feel like I was unworthy of love from a very young age. Looking back, knowing what I know now, I cannot help but mourn for my child self. All that pain. It is still there like a raw nerve. But mostly, I mourn for the child that I could have been if only I had been raised by parents that knew or even vaguely understood what HSP means. I mourn for the confident, glowing and creative person I could have grown to be. 

My mother had grown weary of my frequent crying fits and bouts of depression and took me to a doctor who promptly put me on Paxil, an SSRI, at the age of 16. At first, this seemed to have a good effect. I was less moody, got better grades and seemed generally happier. This did not last long. 3 years after beginning treatment, it seemed that I was reverting back to my old self. Depression, crying, suicidal, and a new symptom. Paranoia. So, back to the doctor I went and he increased my dosage. Thus my medication fiasco began its rapid snowballing.

After this first increase, things seemed ok for a few months. I was in a toxic relationship with a boy who was the first to ever pay attention to me. As toxic as it was, I didn't want to leave. I had moved in with him and we were living in his mother's basement. As creepy as that sounds, it was sweet freedom for me. I had escaped the prison that was my childhood home. I didn't want to give up this freedom. Even after realizing, he was a cheating alcoholic before we were even 21. Chaos ensued and before I knew it, I was pregnant, dumped and living back at home. In hell.

During the pregnancy, I was advised to suspend my medication. I had no adverse withdraw symptoms, and felt quite good at that point. After giving birth to my beautiful baby girl, I got to see her for 30 seconds and I was ordered to sign some documents through a drug haze, post c-section, before they removed her from me for an entire week. She had been born with a hole in her heart and had to go to a bigger hospital equipped with the appropriate pediatric cardiologist, while I was still stuck in the local hospital. I didn't even get to hold her. I didn't get to bond. I had wanted to breastfeed but she was gone. After a week without my baby, I began to get hysterical. Even though they said she was fine and the hole in her heart should heal within a year, they would not send her back. We had to fight tooth and nail and threaten the hospital with legal action just to get my baby back. Finally, she was in my arms. And all I could do was mourn the fact that, someone else had given her her first meal. Through a bottle. I never got to breastfeed, she was used to a bottle and I had mostly dried up. Someone else had burped her, held her, picked her up when she cried. Our bond had been stolen from us. 

After all of the trauma of the birth, I was advised by the doctor that I should return to my Paxil regiment. So I did. I did the best I could as a young mother. Still prone to crying fits and angry outbursts. Once I had misplaced a shopping list and proceeded to literally tear apart my apartment looking for it. Garbage cans overturned, drawers emptied, everything. That is one of my triggers, not being able to find something I just had in my hand minutes ago. So, when these outbursts became more frequent, the doctor, of course, increased my dosage. I had mistakenly gave the doctors permission to use me as a lab rat. They knew the increases were not working. The increases had become so dramatic that by the end of the 10 years, (age 26) I was taking DOUBLE the dose of what was recommended for an adult. At the end of that 10 years, I was a disaster. My behavior was OUT OF CONTROL! I was neglecting my parental duties, I was paranoid, suicidal, jealous, promiscuous, drinking and smoking weed to escape, I was having seizures and night terrors, panic attacks, rage outbursts, and hated everything and everyone including and most of all, myself. I wanted to die. It was when I had a brief moment of clarity, that I realized why this was happening. I quit Paxil. Cold turkey. (I do not recommend this, it is dangerous.) Yet, for me, it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. If I hadn't quit when I did, I would be sitting here typing this with the bony fingers of a dead woman. I went through 2 weeks of pure hell. The withdraw of the drug was absolute hell. But all the while, I KNEW, I needed this. 

It has been six years since I removed that horrible substance from my life and I can say that, its possible I never even needed it to begin with. Looking back I realize that my HS had been mistakenly (perhaps purposely) misdiagnosed as a mental disorder. The drug acted as nothing more than a band-aid for those in my life that had to "deal with me." I feel that perhaps my story is not all that unique, many HSPs born to/ raised by non HSP parents possibly receive the same "mentally ill" label. Especially in circumstances where the parent is abusive and/or ignorant of this genetic trait. 

 I am profoundly grateful to have a definitive answer as to why I am the way I am. And I am profoundly grateful that I can share with you, my story. After 33 years of being told that there was something wrong with me that needed correcting, I FINALLY have an excuse to just be me. No shame. I feel a great sense of relief just being able to tell my story, and hope that it touches someone and resonates. I am a Highly Sensitive Person. ~Reverendt Raven Behr

   Being a highly sensitive person is NOT a mental illness. It is a genetic trait. Until a few days ago, I thought (and everyone who ever knew me, ever) that I was a mental case. It turns out, 15 - 20% of the global population have this trait. I, and 19 other people out of 100, are what is being called, Highly Sensitive people, or HSP. Not only is this a genetic trait in humans, it is an innate trait found throughout the animal kingdom. 

   The woman who literally, wrote the book explaining this trait is a Psychologist Named Dr. Elaine Aron. If you'd like to read more about her, or are interested in her books, visit her website. 

Here are some excerpts from the sight:

• It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it to be in most or all animals, from fruit flies and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others'.

• You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.

• You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.

• This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called "shy." But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extraverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.

• Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told "don't be so sensitive" so that they feel abnormal.

If you believe you are, or may be a Highly Sensitive person, there is a self test you can take that was developed by Dr. Aron herself, after hundreds of studies and interviews. You can find it here.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, if you were interested enough to read this far, you may be thinking these things could be describing you. Welcome to the club! I have experienced high sensitivity all my life but only recently became educated about it. When I read Dr. Aron's information, took that test and watched A LOT of you tube videos about it, everything just clicked for me. Not only realizing why I am sensitive to criticism, get deeply hurt feelings at even the slightest jab in my direction, hide myself away in isolation, get headaches under sustained artificial lighting, weep over joyous things, I am hyper-aware of subtleties in my environment and can easily pick up on how others around me are feeling. I am easily frazzled and get annoyed when someone asks me to do too much at once. I get over-stimulated in crowds and just want to retreat to be alone. All of these things are true and yet, my realizations go even deeper than that. It turns out that an HSP as a child can be deeply scared by things like, strict or harsh punishments, trauma, bullies and abuse. These things will tend to manifest in HSP adults as, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, PTSD. So, as I continue on my journey of learning what it means to be an HSP, I continue to have multiple "Aha" moments and connect with other HSPs like me. If you would like some links to help you find other HSPs to connect with, leave a comment and we can take it from there! Thank you for reading my story and I hope that it resonates and inspires other HSPs to come out of the proverbial closet!

Peace and happiness!

~Rev. Raven Behr

Universal Expression ~ The Flower of Life

 

   One of the most fascinating visuals I have ever laid eyes on, is the Flower of Life. This geometrical design is a visual representation of creation itself. If you look deep enough at creation taking place in the natural world, you will see this pattern emerge. This pattern is found everywhere including the creation of planets, stars, galaxies and the entire universe! Whether the pattern is there mathematically, or visually, you will always find it. Such is the case with mitosis! That's right, the Flower of life was involved in the creation of you and me! Even if, like me, you are NOT so much a Biology scholar, it is pretty amazing to see mitosis occurring under a microscope.

   This beautiful and sacred pattern has been understood by humans since antiquity. It has been recorded by ancient humans in stone carvings, cave paintings and there was even a secret school dedicated to the study of sacred geometry in ancient Greece. The Flower of Life pattern is a fascinating concept that is valid in science, mathematics, and even art!  If you were to draw a Flower of Life pattern, from there you will discover all five of the Platonic Solids hidden within and if you combine the Flower of Life pattern with all five Platonic Solids, you get something called Metatron's Cube. 

   By studying and drawing the Flower of Life, I have opened myself up to an immense amount of information. I just cannot get enough! Not only does this pattern offer information about creation, but it has led me on a path of many other sacred geometric discoveries. Things like: Vesica Piscis, the Fibonacci Spiral, The seed, fruit and tree of life, the Platonic Solids, Metatron's cube, Fractal patterns and many more.  Since discovering the Flower of Life pattern, I have expanded my understanding of geometry significantly and I feel that it has encouraged me artistically. 

   In my own painting of the Flower of Life, I chose to depict it without the usual, encapsulating zona pellucida and instead chose to set the pattern free. I show this pattern in perpetual expansion in all directions, allowing it to create it's wonderment, forever.

~Universal Expression~ Available on etsy.com

   If I have awakened your sense of wonder and you would like to study the Flower of Life and sacred geometry further, I'd like to help you begin your journey with this video. Patchman has an incredible ability to explain things in a visually stimulating way. Spirit Science and it's creator have been hugely inspiring in my own studies and I harbor a deep love for both! 

Spirit Science 6 ~ Flower of Life

Thank you, and many blessings on your journey!

-Rev. Raven Behr

The Challenge of Getting Inspired

   So, lately, I have been spending a lot of time attempting to get my name and art out 'there.' I have been doing different ad campaigns online, some have been doing well, others have failed terribly. That is just the way it goes, I guess, I have to try it all and see what fits and works for me and I also have to become aware of things that do not. So, the last few months have been largely dedicated to finding my advertising 'mojo,' if you will. Also, while I was in the throes of figuring all of this out, I happened upon and opportunity that I couldn't turn down. The opportunity to be a co-host on a friend's podcast. Not only is it a lot of fun and a LOT of laughs, it gives me a chance to put myself out 'there' more, which is something that for most of my life, I have been TERRIFIED of doing. I prefer to stay in my safe, comfy, shell. However, even after a few very recent past attempts to come out have been very unpleasant experiences, I realize that it is time to 'strap on a pair,' as it were, and allow my soul the expansion it needs. It comes as no surprise to me, that the person who runs the podcast is a friend who has pulled me out of my shell before and helped me grow in confidence that I never thought I had, even if he doesn't realize it. ;) So, I am taking this new opportunity as a chance to have fun and interact with some pretty talented people and learn from the experience as well. Even if I end up with my foot in my mouth or a backlash complete with pitchfork wielding, angry villagers, I will allow this experience to unfold, inspire and enlighten me. I am excited to move forward and see what great things can come out of it.

   So, with new ventures underway and a renewed sense of direction, I am challenging myself to get inspired and embark on a new path with my artwork. I want to expand my style and self expression. I want to experiment with emotion and spirituality in upcoming works. My hope is that, with spring right around the corner, I can be 'born again' with the Earth and find a way to express my new perception in a way that both inspires others, and awakens their own sense of wonder. So, here's to growing and new experiences! Cheers!

-Rev. Raven Behr

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Art and Soul Community on Google+

Follow the link and begin sharing!

~Namaste~
Rev. Behr

The Hidden Story of Jesus ◦ Complete Documentary

   This is a wonderful video that demonstrates that Jesus, The Christ, may have had many faces. As Christians, many are taught that any religion, other than their own, are inherently evil and false worship. Yet, there are many uncanny similarities between the story-myths of Jesus and Krishna, and others who predate him. Maybe if we halt our tendencies to close our ears and condemn ideas that don't jive with our own "beliefs,' we would be able to see the divinity in everything, and even each other. If you have the ears to hear and the eyes to see!

~Namaste~

-Rev. Behr

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WHAT IS God, to me?

  What is God to me? Everything. God is the life force of everything. Many people and I, when I was younger, believed God was the God of the bible. The God of scripture. With his wrathful and jealous ways. We believed that. Why? Because we were told, by figures of 'authority' that it was the truth.  And what choice did we have but to believe or burn in damnation for eternity. YIKES right?! Then one day, as a young woman, I grew brave enough to admit to myself that, I didn't believe God was a jealous man that lived beyond the sky. I just cannot accept the premise that, God loved me, but, if I sinned, he would send me to burn in Hell forever. Thus, thrusting me onto the path of discovering the nature of "God" for myself.
   I studied and studied for many years. I read anything I could get my hands on that just might have an answer for me. I studied the pantheons of pagan gods, as crazy as their mythologies sometimes were, I couldn't get enough! To this day, Eros and Aphrodite are still my favorites. (The god of love often depicted as Cupid and his mother, the goddess of beauty and sex) From the ancients, I moved on to Wicca, another pagan/nature religion that still has a special place in my heart and I will always believe that the Earth is our mother. I will always have a fondness and nostalgic feeling for Samhain (pronounced 'sow-in' and is October 31) After I had grown to love the nature religions, I found a faith that would begin my journey to the -inside-
   Buddhism opened me up to an entire new world. My inner self. I learned what it really meant to meditate and practice yoga. I began to understand what detachment was as a way of ending suffering. (By the way, it does not mean that you stop caring or give up) Detachment, I have found, means to let go of expectation. It means to no longer define yourself by the mistakes or accomplishments you have made in this life because, you can't carry it with you into the next life. Studying Buddhism, I finally came across the idea that God is within you. Not the way he is "inside you" listening to your thoughts and constantly 'scanning' for sinful thoughts like the 'authorities' of old would have us believe, but God, as a divine energy is within us all. Therefore, in order to know 'him' we must go within ourselves. This is why we meditate. We listen to our inner selves. With Buddhism and Hinduism, I could ponder the idea of reincarnation and the cycles of Karma.
   There were many different religions that I studied. Such a wealth of spiritual wisdom, and still, I wanted more! And I found it! When the student is ready, the teacher will appear! The teacher came in the form of a series of fictional books. Yes, fictional! Some would argue, just like the bible... Anyway, These books of fiction just fell into my hands, one after another. No sooner had I read one, I would read the sequel or another amazing book would appear! It was like a waterfall of wisdom! A wisdomfall! ...? I will list these books at the end of this blog for you in the hopes that if you read just one, that it may just enlighten you the way it did me.
   So, what is God to me? Everything. God is the life force energy that permeates the entire universe. 'He' is the mysterious power that causes electrons to fly around atoms. 'He' is the energy that causes every blade of grass too grow, 'he' is the force that ignites stars and expands space and time into eternity. 'He' in fact is not a he, but is chi. (pronounced chee) The life force of the Universe! The spark of the divine that is inside you and inside me.
~ Namaste~
Rev. Raven Behrendt

'Perceive Infinity' available on etsy.com

List of spiritual fiction

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
The Journey of the Peaceful Warrior
-Dan Millman

The Celestine Prophecy
The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision
The Secret of Shambhala: In Search of the Eleventh Insight
-James Redfield

The Dharma Bums
-Jack Kerouac

Buddha, His Life and Teachings
-Osho

A State of Mind. Ramtha, the Adventure Begins
-J.Z. Knight

A New Earth
-Eckhart Tolle (I read it BEFORE Oprah did! lol)

Into the Wild
-John Krakauer

Welcome!

   Hello. I am Reverend Raven Behrendt, ordained minister and artist. I have created this blog to share with you my art and spiritual insights. I only ask that you be patient with my writings. I am not a writer. My writing style may seem a bit crude and scattered to the eye of an educated literary. I will however, do my very best to convey my ideas in a meaningful and entertaining way.
   I am an Universalist. This is a spirituality that accepts peoples of all faiths. We welcome and respect all spitiualities. I, personally have spent many years studying many spiritual ideas including but not limited to: Paganism, Gnosticism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and more. What I found by diving deep into the fundamental ideologies was that at their core, they are all the same. All of the stories and myths are meant to point to the very same higher principles. I love studying spirituality and I know that I will never be finished. No one can know all things, but I have a constant drive to continue expanding my awareness on such things. As a Universalist in perpetual study, I do not adhere to any specific beliefs. This being because, the act of simply 'believing' any one principle: 1. closes your mind to further possibility of learning more. 2. doesn't make it absolutely true. I will never stop learning and growing and I will never close or turn off my mind.
   As a novice artist, my intention is to always create things that cause people to feel. I have always loved to paint and experiment with my own creativity. I tend to allow my spiritual ideas flow through my artwork in an attempt expose my deep love for nature and the energy of God. As with my spirituality, in my art I will continue to grow and learn. I am excited to continue my work as an artist and minister always attempting to expose people to Art and Soul!
   Please feel free to visit my  shop here.  Also my website here.  "Like' me on Facebook here and Google+ here.
   Thank you for visiting, have a magical day!