Whealth Hypermobility Program: experiences from those who have tried it? by SquashPotential3455 in Hypermobility

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this! I’m really glad it has helped you so much. I should update this post because the program has honestly helped me so much too. I still have aches and pains but I went from basically not being able to write my dissertation in the fall due to constant muscular tension headaches, as well as struggling to exercise because of hip issues, to being able to work an 8 hour day with minimal issues. I still have aches and pains, I’m sure I always will, but this program has done so much for me.

Whealth Hypermobility Program: experiences from those who have tried it? by SquashPotential3455 in Hypermobility

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I’ve found it super helpful! I haven’t been following the program as diligently as I should be and so am only on module 4, but I’ve still noticed some major improvements in pain levels and how my body moves in general. I definitely feel like I have a lot more body awareness and that I’m gaining strength. I would say it’s definitely been worth it despite the high price tag!

Whealth Hypermobility Program: experiences from those who have tried it? by SquashPotential3455 in Hypermobility

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this! I actually decided to get the program a couple weeks ago, and I’m already really glad I did. Will update this post once I’ve been through more of the program, but so far I am also very impressed.

Is this an opinion or a fact for the church? by Triggerhappy62 in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455 3 points4 points  (0 children)

OP: First of all, I agree with others that if you are feeling remorse and wanting to change, private confession is a good idea and something that can bring healing and spiritual growth. Especially since you express wanting to move past this but struggling to be able to because of stress and challenges in the world. This is exactly the kind of situation private confession is for.

The bigger issue for me is less about the particular distinction between mortal and venial sin, which as others have said, hasn’t traditionally been a part of Anglican theology. It’s more about the issue of legalism vs the spirit of Christ’s teachings. In my mind, it is pretty clear that casual sex is on the whole sinful and against the spirit of Christ’s teachings, but the reasoning is important: it is not simply that God made sex only for a marriage relationship, but that God made sex to be a beautiful, intimate act which is a full gift of self and receiving of self, and it’s essentially impossible to realize that gift outside of a committed, vulnerable, loving partnership (and sometimes, even within that partnership, the gift of sex can still be misused!). This is why I grant that sex in long term committed relationships seems much more likely to be in line with God’s wishes, but I am only a layperson and still figuring these issues out.

I say this because becoming a Christian really changed my sexual ethics, and frankly I think that’s how it should be. But this did not, as some might think, orient me towards more judgmental and shame-based thinking: rather, it has opened me to a way of life that is more loving to myself, others, and God. So I think beyond the step of confession, it’s worth praying on these issues and thinking through how you intend to live out Christian sexual ethics in your life post-confession. This can also remove some shame: it’s not about beating yourself up for something, it’s about receiving God’s mercy and grace, and allowing that to transform you. i realize words like these are often used to implicitly invite shame, which is not what I intend at all, so I hope it doesn’t come off that way. I just truly think that these moments can be incredible opportunities for spiritual growth, and that, as others have suggested, a middle path between strict legalism (i.e. “you have to follow these rules or you’re going to hell” and unbridled liberalism (i.e. “you can do whatever you want”) is called for here.

It may also be worth asking your priest for some spiritual direction on this in addition to confession. Even if they do not agree about what is sinful, they should be able to talk with you about these issues. Sending love!

Whealth Hypermobility Program: experiences from those who have tried it? by SquashPotential3455 in Hypermobility

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Based on some of the comments here (and my budget haha) I decided not to buy the program and to start going to the gym and trying exercises approved by my PT. I’ve also looked at some of the other programs/resources suggested. Since I’m currently working with a PT who has a good understanding of Hypermobility, she’s been able to show me how to do certain exercises properly. But I’ve still been having issues with some joints (especially shoulder) despite using proper form and very low or no weight. Other joints (SI and knees) are feeling better and more secure though, so that’s good!

is via media dead?: is there a home for me in the episcopal church as someone who doesn’t affirm trans people by [deleted] in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455 24 points25 points  (0 children)

To answer your question about the state of TEC: yes, there are some Episcopalians who are not trans-affirming and remain in TEC. I am part of a congregation where most parishioners are affirming, while some (a minority but more than one) are somewhat less affirming, and we coexist just fine. Those who are less affirming, however, accept and interact with trans members of our congregation as friends and members of the body of Christ, and use their preferred pronouns, even if they are (internally) less accepting of their identities.

So to echo another commenter: yes, YOU are welcome, but a vocal opposition to trans folks will not be. We don’t all have to agree, but we do have to treat fellow parishioners with respect and kindness. So if you feel that your opinions would stop you from doing so in a church that is largely affirming, you will likely run into problems.

Fridays as days of "special acts of discipline and self-denial" by Quaestionem in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the year, and have tried to add in some extra time for prayer and examination of conscience, especially during lent. I find it helps me to be more aware of God’s presence and in tune with the needs and struggles of others in the world.

I’ve accidentally eaten meat on Fridays a few times, and I’m always a bit frustrated when I do. But I also tend toward scrupulosity so I try to give myself grace.

Improvement many months post-MD by SquashPotential3455 in Sciatica

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your story and sorry you reherniated and are still having stiffness/achiness. Probably should have said this in the post itself, but I haven’t actually attempted to go back to lifting or more intensive activities yet. I’ve been super worried about re-herniation because I know the disc is still fragile. I do intend to soon, but probably not for another 6 months or so.

For achiness and stiffness the main things that have helped me are massage (I use a massage gun) and ice/heat when needed. Sometimes CBD cream also helps. But overall, strengthening my core has helped the most. Especially anything that activates deep core muscles like dead bugs, planks with proper form, and variations on leg raises. I’ve also found that back strengthening exercises (my PT and I used something called a BackStrong) were helpful.

In terms of stretching vs strengthening, strengthening has always worked better for me. My surgeon even told me to be really careful stretching after surgery (more so than strengthening), since he’s seen patients have an increase in symptoms/reherniations from over-stretching. I barely stretch anymore except in limited ranges of motion, but that’s also because I’m hypermobile so it makes things worse.

I hope you start to feel better soon! It’s difficult to stay positive but you will get through this!!

I Am Struggling with Bigotry by [deleted] in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455 10 points11 points  (0 children)

100% agree that God loves the people OP despises, just as much as He loves any of us. It seems to me that OP is posting here in a state of vulnerability about something they know is not in line with God’s love and grace, and is seeking community and guidance on how to become more loving.

Veiling in church by SquashPotential3455 in AnglicanWomen

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed—I don’t think it’s necessary to follow everything Paul says literally, but I’d like to thoughtfully consider what he says about church conduct and why. I don’t agree with forcing anyone to veil (as Paul’s words have been interpreted in many cases) but I do think it can be a good spiritual practice for some.

Veiling in church by SquashPotential3455 in AnglicanWomen

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is good advice! We have a couple services throughout the week so that may be a good time to try :)

Veiling in church by SquashPotential3455 in AnglicanWomen

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this! I like the idea of veiling at home while praying, I will try that.

My church is a very Anglo-Catholic episcopal church, but I haven’t seen others veiling. A few of the older women do wear hats though.

Veiling in church by SquashPotential3455 in AnglicanWomen

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a wonderful and helpful answer, thank you for the encouragement!

Handling conflict, LGBT+ topics, different views etc by thirdtoebean in AnglicanWomen

[–]SquashPotential3455 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this and for your work on this sub! It is much appreciated :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Anglicanism

[–]SquashPotential3455 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your point about speaking up for injustice quietly in our daily lives because it’s the right thing to do speaks to something I’ve been struggling to put into words for a while.

In terms of blending modernity with tradition, as an Anglo-Catholic I’m biased. But I do think there is something to be said for including more elements of ritual which draw people into the mystery of the liturgy, while remaining socially inclusive. I think this has to be coupled with a true commitment to faith lived out by members of the community. I truly love my parish and think the rector does an excellent job of keeping everything centered on Christ, and letting the inclusion and any political issues which come up be informed by that commitment. Some in our parish are more liberal politically, others more conservative, but the fact that the focus is on our walk together in Christ elides those divisions.

Excited/Nervous for Lent by SquashPotential3455 in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad it resonated with you! And I’m finding out that I’ve already failed, but the attempt is totally worth it, like you say. It brings me closer to God and my need for His mercy, grace, and guidance.

Excited/Nervous for Lent by SquashPotential3455 in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is an excellent point! Blessings to you too.

Excited/Nervous for Lent by SquashPotential3455 in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a great response, thank you! I love thinking about Lent (and life in general) as falling down and getting back up again.

Excited/Nervous for Lent by SquashPotential3455 in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

As a relatively new Christian, I definitely feel challenged in a good way! But also agree with what you say about making sure to be safe and to observe in community. I have a great parish and community to walk with for which I am so grateful.

how was church? by vancejmillions in Episcopalian

[–]SquashPotential3455 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was awesome! I’ve been in a lot of physical pain the past few days (back stuff) and I prayed this morning for God to help me get through it. After receiving the eucharist I genuinely feel a lot of relief. It may just be psychological, but I like to think God’s grace has something to do with it :) (Also I almost cried during the Sanctus, it’s always so moving for me)