Day 75- Support One Another Right Now

[Bunny Berry]

There has defnitely been something in the air, and I let this video stew before I posted it publicly to RawFu. But here it is. You guys know that I speak my mind, and I don't want this community to be a place where I have to feel censored by what I say, what I discuss, in order to shoot happy rainbows out of my ears. THere are pepole in this community fighting cancer, abuse, lifestyle diseases, mental illness, and bad days. And if we can't talk about them as a community, then what can we talk about?

Fod logs are only so interesting for a week or so. So, let it all hang out. I might be the only speaker on the raw food circuit who is openly on anti-depressants. And so what? I encourage all feedback on the subject. Goddess Durga has made me open my eyes to a possibility that there is hope, and that I should stop limiting my thinking to "trying to find somehing else that works." That's why we're all here, to share our expriences, warts and all until we find out true path.

Thank you for being my beautiful and honest friends. And for having constructive things to share. I love you for that.

[Terry]

Isn't it said that when you're on the right path, you'll encounter ALL KINDS OF OBSTACLES?

It may not be so easy to see now, but somewhere down the line, I'm sure you'll look back and will hold your head high because YOU DID IT!

I see big things for you, Bunny.

[Michelle Stacy Rademacher]

Hi Bunny,

I haven't been able to be at Raw Fu much over the past 9 mo.s, and not because I don't want to, because I do and will again soon, life has just been very hectic and I am trying very hard to steer my ship through this storm, I won't look at it as bad it's not - it's just my journey and right now I have to have all hands on deck! Just like you say we ALL have shit happen to us - it's how you deal with it that matters, the guru's all have that same shit too, I don't care what they say, there is no way it's the law of averages! ( Sorry for swearing, but I just got so mad when I heard that all those frickin' holier than thou people, or anyone for that matter are sending negative crap to you and questioning you!) Let's all remember people "Judge NOT lest ye be judged"!

It's "those" people that are giving "raw food" a bad name or at least to me ( and like they can really even HAVE "raw food" for their own- it's been here ALWAYS and it's only been recently that processed food has been available - let's be real people! Most I know are raw foodist in some way then, percentage schmercentige),- if becoming one of "their kind" of "raw foodist" means I become a judgmental, skinny bitch, than FORGET it! I'd rather stay pleasantly plump and happy and kind - having a gay old time until the end - cuz you know what ...we're ALL GONNA DIE at some point - and people quit being so darn vain anyway - it is the grossest of all!!!!! This is my life just like it's yours and what you are doing is HELPING people - PERIOD! Something we should all do in some fashion... enough said for Pete's sake! I have never known that criticizing, judging or being mean is helping ( my bad I guess - haha), has anyone else???

I say that Bunny YOU are one of the reasons I still commit to this lifestyle, not them, if it was just them I may have said F%$@ it long ago, because dogmas, cliques and elitist's have always disgusted and bored me - people LIVE YOUR LIVES, if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at ALL. You know Bunny I would have said if you don't like it GET OUT, but you are too sweet for that. What you are going through is precisely why I haven't been able to start a blog of my own because people can be so mean and I don't want that - geez life is tough enough! So I commend you for putting yourself out there on your journey of self discovery!

I again apologize for swearing and for ranting but I feel your pain and wanted to tell you that no matter what others say WE think you are FANTASTIC and want you to keep up the good work - geez don't these people know how much work all of this stuff is and how much you put into it - really I think it all stems from problems they have within themselves and if only they could take time out from spouting FALSE rainbows out their ears (by the way I would have said A%$#- exactly why I am not on you tube - LOL!) they should go BACK to work on them selves and realize we are all a part of each other and now matter what we "look" like, how we act, what we EAT etc., if we hurt one we hurt all -including ourselves, so stop the hurting - if they are so darn "centered and perfect" why are they being negative and hurting....hmmmm? Kind of a hypocrisy isn't it, oh and BTW we are all NOT meant to be a size 2 - no matter what you all say, helloooo, we come in all shapes and sizes, and let's remember people we thought the world was FLAT not that long ago, so I am certain we will find some things aren't quite right now too! NO ONE knows it ALL - NO ONE.

Ok, ok, I 'll stop ( I am at the end of the comments so hopefully not many people will read this and get mad at me for being so assertive) but I wanted to VOICE MY SUPPORT!

Blessings to you Beth (Bunny) Berry, keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight!
Much Love, Michelle and Family

[Angela]

I support you. It is very refreshing to see what a REAL leader looks like. I have been around the block a few times my dear with "raw foodists," catering to them, listening, and wanting to pull my hair out at times. When raw foods becomes the "end-all-be-all" that is when we are stepping over a dangerous line. There is a pattern that emerges within the raw and living food lifestyle...that pattern is:

Get pumped up and read all about it
Begin to make the change in your life by eating ONLY raw and living foods (oh and that must be vegan)
Begin to look at everyone around you like "they just don't get it"
Develop a self righteous attitude about what you do and how you live
Begin to separate yourself from those who don't follow raw foods, and aspire to be just like those who do
Now the peculiar begins...
Raw foods isn't enough, and now that you are raw, faithfully doing all you feel is important, you feel "sick" from eating this raw food or that raw food. (Aren't we supposed to feel better?) So on the saga continues of paring down the diet, searching for more potlucks, going to more gatherings...
Now you're an "Expert" and you think you need to be teaching others how to live this lifestyle.
You get on the raw high-horse after coming down from your ivory tower, and for whatever reason, you feel more empty than ever. You thought raw foods would change your life, your body, your spirit, but in the end all that was accomplished was the betrayal of our most fundamental need...self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. There has been no time to show love to those around us, we are too busy being "raw."
So what went wrong? Raw food is just a tool to healthy living...so what's next? Where does all this vibrant health lead us? For some reason, it leads many to forget who they are inside, and to ignore or neglect our own humanity. We forget our dreams, pushing them aside because we are lost in a sea of "ought-to, should, you better, you must" and no longer see that our humanity is screaming out from deep within, hoping for the chance to be seen again for who we are. It is a raw prison that we put ourselves into willingly.

You, my dear Bunny, are the anti-venom to that kind of existence. Just remember that those kinds of comments sent to you do not tell you anything about who you are...it tells you ALL about the other person's toxic load.
There is no one more fitting to lead this community than you. The reason??? You bring an element that has been missing from the movement...humanity, self-worth, love and acceptance. You help to bring others back to the reality that they truly are accepted right where they are. Isn't that all of us need, want and crave? Even beyond the food? Some seek acceptance through food, but there is so much more, and you have helped to create a door for others to walk through in their lives that will assist them on their journey though life.
Its a priceless gift and a treasure Miss Bunny...you are the anti-venom and deeply loved by all in this community. Even by those who would bite you. They need you too.

[esther frances]

i have encountered people on other sites who believe everything will be cured if you just eat a banana...and they have encouraged people who are on medications to just stop taking them with no thought to the consequences! there is too much fanacticism and irresponsibility around.

i have always found raw fu to be a safe, open hearted, open minded, and encouraging community. and that is because of you, bunny. you lead by example. you are naked in front of the camera, and i know you are living a private life publicly. your successes and failures help me through my own.

become friends with that delete button! you don't need the rants of toxic people clogging your inbox (and we don't need them here, either). what you do need is compassion, and lots of hugs, both of which i send to you.

btw, spike the cat says if these people keep bothering you, he will hunt them down and bite them. he says he doesn't mind the violence, he's an obligate carnivore and isn't afraid of a little blood-letting! oh, boy.

[amysue]

That's why I'm here, the love and support that we share, the ups and downs. I'm so glad you spoke your peace. The raw food movement reminds me of my adventures in attachment parenting. The books and the leaders spoke only of the loving bond it would create, so I was a bit lost when I turned into a sleep-deprived maniac.

Your videos last year were a revelation to me, real life in the raw. I loved them so much and you and Raw Fu continue to be a be a gift to me.

[Earth Mother]

This is so well said and echoes my sentiments exactly that it bears repeating:

LNdolls said:

Okay, I nominate this video for BEST VIDEO on Raw Fu.

I come here for the truth, to share mine and hear other people's. Truth, not dogma!... not theories, not platitudes... actual concrete tried it and how it is working out truth. What works! I am so totally interested in what works!

I salute your honesty, Beth. I commend your transparency. I admire your tenacity.

Leaders are created by the people who follow them... who hang out with them. It is not an honor they give themselves. You put yourself on YouTube and people liked what they heard and listened more and more... that simple. We made you a leader.

Bunny, if ANYONE is blowing smoke up your ass and questioning your Truth, it's only because you're holding a giant mirror up to them and what they're seeing/hearing reflected back, is making them verrrrry uncomfortable.

And, I'm so sorry that you have to endure the attacks.

Hey, I had to sign a Raw Fu Pledge to refrain from nasty comments and keep the site a drama-free zone (or something similar) when I signed up for an account here. Folks need to be held accountable to that.

Only Love, Bunny. Only Love.

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone. ~ Coco Chanel

[Wendi Dee]

Whoa!! I go away for a weekend and I come back to hear that Bunny is being attacked?!!

*Jumps into her RawFu pose, ready to strike back with love at those who are attacking.*

Whoa, are you sure you didn't ask us to walk on water? I've been practicing since I thought you asked us to do that. :-P

You are so absolutely lovely, Bunny. This was a wonderful video.

I love you!

Wendi
XOXOXO

[Antony Heaven]

Hi Bunny

Gosh! What ghastly people! If possible, I would really recommend you practice hittting the delete button a little more often. Easier to say than do I know but it's good for the soul. Please know that for all the people who send you negative feedback (delete those messages asap) there are many many more who truly appreciate your messages and find them inspiring ... I am NOWHERE near where I would like to be at the moment but I applaud you.

Before listening to this message I sent you a weird junk mail message I'd received. I now realise that I hadn't realised how open this forum is now. So please just ignore the message - hit the delete button (as I did) ...

Lots of love,
Antony xxx

[Frances Worster]

YAY!
Yes, raw food is not a panacea, there are so many things that impact health (mental, emotional, physical). As someone who struggles with anxiety and an eating disorder, it is SO stressful to feel imperfect or a disappointment to myself and others. Thank you for your words about loving yourself right now

[Forest]

This is the best site ever!! Just because this place is free and other camps sell memberships....maybe some of those ppl join here to cause trouble. Hey if you can get a fabulous raw hangout free then you're not going to go pay a monthly subcribsion elsewhere or spend hundreds of $ elsewhere. I just can't wait till I can get the mag in australia. Is that happening at any stage?

P.s the other reason I'm here not elsewhere is because you don't have to be perfect and there aren't rules like if u slip up and eat somethin non raw you are not allowed to post it, that way everyone thinks everyone is perfect all the time. Ug!

[smallframe]

I keep getting distracted from work by all the responses-but I'm loving all the support flowing in. Clearly Bunny, you are loved, appreciated and have impacted many lives.

When I first became interested in raw and was doing a lot of googling two things struck me.

One: You, Bunny, and your amazing honestly and generosity.

Two: That the popular "Gurus" are kinda kooky. (Just my flea-bitten opinion) I absolutely could not take them seriously. Most (if not all) of what gets put out there is by these silly folks is purely anecdotal. Not to mention ridiculously incorrect and sometimes even dangerous. Every week a new super-food, a formally ok food now off limits, etc, . Some new bandwagon to jump on. Blah freakin Blah. I got on a couple of mailing lists of these superstars and eventually couldn't take it anymore, and have unsubscribed to all of them. I don't visit any other raw food sites.

As far as the SSRIs go, resist the "all anti-depressants are bad period" crap. They may be over-prescribed, have side effects etc., but they also save lives. Allopathic medicine has it's place. Don't let people project their crap onto you. And Hopefully you know that it's extremely dangerous to abruptly stop taking them.

Oh. And David Wolfe's not qualified to diagnose ANYTHING.

There, I said it.

And I'm not sorry.

[Sheila Murrey]

Didn't Tom Cruise get into an all out fiasco about similar comments he made about anti-depressants (i.e. the Brooke Shields rant) some time back? Anyway, you'd think people would learn. DW, me, or anyone who's not a scientist or doctor should not be diagnosing anyone. I just think that people who do a certain thing very well, like grow their own superfoods, or spread unconditional love, go about doing that and quit trying to be the "end all be all" of all of this raw food movement, or anything else for that matter, to all the rest of us.

I read all the comments here and yes Bunny, you are doing a whole LOT right for your audience and we love you. No one else should matter at this point, though I know that's easy for me to say huh?

I'm out there too, on youtube videos and have been waiting, maybe bracing myself for negative feedback. But YOU were the one who gave me the courage to get on my camera and "just do it". I wanted to share my smoothies and dessert that were helping me go raw, and so I did it. I am so very proud of you, as so many have stated here, for your honesty, your genuine love and want to help all of us. You're top rate lady, and you give us all the reality each of us need to keep on with our individual journeys.

I hope whoever critiqued you will come to the realization of how many you've inspired to "go raw", vs. condemn you for any seeming "whatever" they feel is not in alignment with this journey. I believe it's all in alignment. We are where we are for a reason, and it's OK. I am where I am and it's enough - I mean it.

I am hoping to see you on Oprah oneday my dear! You're wonderful!
love,
sheila

smallframe said:

I keep getting distracted from work by all the responses-but I'm loving all the support flowing in. Clearly Bunny, you are loved, appreciated and have impacted many lives.

When I first became interested in raw and was doing a lot of googling two things struck me.

One: You, Bunny, and your amazing honestly and generosity.

Two: That the popular "Gurus" are kinda kooky. (Just my flea-bitten opinion) I absolutely could not take them seriously. Most (if not all) of what gets put out there is by these silly folks is purely anecdotal. Every week a new super-food, a formally ok food now off limits, etc, . Some new bandwagon to jump on. Blah freakin Blah. I got on a couple of mailing lists of these superstars and eventually couldn't take it anymore, and have unsubscribed to all of them. I don't visit any other raw food sites.

As far as the SSRIs go, resist the "all anti-depressants are bad period" crap. They may be over-prescribed, have side effects etc., but they also save lives. Allopathic medicine has it's place. Don't let people project their crap onto you. And Hopefully you know that it's extremely dangerous to abruptly stop taking them.

Oh. And David Wolfe's not qualified to diagnose ANYTHING.

There, I said it.

And I'm not sorry.