MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt

In this episode, I interview Sheena Wirick, a pain intuitive who has this unique ability to feel and heal physical and emotional pain in others. Sheena shares her journey of discovering her gift and how she uses prayer and intention to connect with clients regardless of distance. We dive into the relationship between emotions and physical pain, the significance of holding space for others, and the impact of generational trauma. Sheena emphasizes the power of belief in healing and the ripple effect of kindness in our lives.

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Follow Sheena

Website: https://www.sheenawirick.com/
Instagram - @sheenawirick

https://www.instagram.com/sheenawirick/

Facebook - @Sheena Wirick

https://www.facebook.com/sheena.wirick

Takeaways:

Sheena Wirick is a pain intuitive who feels both physical and emotional pain.

Healing can occur regardless of distance due to our interconnectedness.

Prayer and intention play a crucial role in the healing process.

Emotions are often tied to physical pain, and addressing them can lead to relief.

Generational trauma can affect our emotional and physical well-being.

Holding space for others is essential in the healing process.

Confidence in one's gifts is important for effective service to others.

The ripple effect of kindness can create positive change in the world.

Every good gift comes from God, and healing is part of that.

We are here to co-create with God and serve others.

Sound bites:

"Every good gift comes from God."

"I love this work."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pain Intuition

08:00 The Power of Prayer and Faith

19:57 The Connection Between Emotions and Physical Pain

27:41 Overcoming Obstacles: Embracing the Gift

33:09 Generational Patterns: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

40:06 Miracles and Intentions: The Power of Faith

In this episode, I share my personal journey towards self-love and body acceptance. I talk about the importance of intuitive eating and mindful movement, reflecting on my past experiences with dieting and how I've shifted towards a more holistic approach to health. I discuss the significance of aligning body, mind, and spirit for overall wellness. I encourage you to embrace your body, focus on what it can do for you, and prioritize self-care without shame or judgment.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Takeaways:

I am striving to love myself, my body in particular, no matter where I'm at.

I decided I didn't want to do diets anymore and was desperate for change.

We are completely lovable exactly as we are, regardless of size.

Focusing on what my body can do rather than its size has been liberating.

Intuitive eating has helped me tune into my body's needs and feelings.

Make it as easy as possible and as fun as possible to stay active.

Bodies want to take care of us and support our dreams.

Journaling and self-reflection are key to understanding my body goals.

It's important to honor what sounds fun and enjoyable in movement.

I believe in you and your ability to achieve your health goals.

Sound bites:

"What can my body do?"

"Bodies want to take care of us."

"What do I want my body to be able to do?"

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Health and Body Image

10:01 Intuitive Eating and Mindful Movement

20:10 Aligning Body, Mind, and Spirit

HEADS-UP: As depression is discussed the term "kill" is used and we share the secret of the toothfairy (oops), so if you have little ears listening, maybe come back to this one, thanks. 

In this conversation, Kim and Tucker Garrett share their journey of transitioning from a same faith marriage to a mixed faith marriage. They discuss their differing experiences within the same religious framework, pivotal moments that influenced their faith journeys, and the importance of open communication and therapy in navigating their relationship. They also touch on raising children in a mixed faith home and the significance of understanding and respecting each other's beliefs.

Let’s Hang Out:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Takeaways:

Tucker distanced himself from the church in 2019, which changed their marriage dynamics.

Kim had a more relaxed approach to faith compared to Tucker's perfectionism.

Different family backgrounds influenced their internalization of religious teachings.

Therapy played a crucial role in helping them navigate their differing beliefs.

They learned to communicate openly about their feelings regarding faith.

Judgment often stems from a lack of understanding of others' experiences.

They prioritize their children's emotional well-being in their faith discussions.

Finding common ground in values is essential for their relationship.

They emphasize the importance of allowing each other to have different beliefs.

Trusting in a higher power can bring peace amidst uncertainty.

Sound bites:

"I don't want to feel alone in this."

"I can just love him."

"Judgment is a sign of ignorance."

Chapters:

00:00 Transitioning from Same Faith to Mixed Faith Marriage

07:28 Navigating Different Spiritual Experiences

14:03 The Role of Therapy in Communication

21:01 Finding Truth and the Journey of Self-Discovery

24:36 Embracing Uncertainty: The Power of Not Knowing

28:40 Navigating Marriage Through Differing Beliefs

36:00 The Role of Communication in Relationships

39:23 Finding Peace Amidst Spiritual Turmoil

43:06 Judgment and Understanding: A Path to Empathy

Keywords:

mixed faith marriage, faith journey, therapy, communication, parenting, spirituality, beliefs, relationships, understanding, truth

Brynne discusses the concept of rules, manuals, and expectations in relationships. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and communication in understanding how personal expectations can create distance between individuals. Brynne encourages listeners to let go of societal norms and embrace love and support in their relationships, ultimately fostering a more peaceful and joyful environment.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Takeaways:

We can choose our thoughts and reactions.

The rules we create for others often reflect our own insecurities.

There is no single correct way to be a human.

Communication is key to resolving misunderstandings.

Expectations can lead to disappointment if not communicated.

Societal norms can create unnecessary pressure.

Self-awareness helps in understanding our reactions.

Letting go of rigid rules can improve relationships.

Love and support are essential in family dynamics.

Embracing individuality fosters a healthier environment.

Sound bites:

"You’ve made a manual for him."

"We cannot read minds."

"Love and support are so important."

Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Rules and Manuals in Relationships

02:44 The Impact of Personal Expectations

05:40 Communication and Understanding in Family Dynamics

09:15 Letting Go of Societal Expectations

14:05 Embracing Love and Support in Relationships

In this follow-up episode with my brother Ryan, he shares the response he got after publicly sharing his faith transition story. Over 30-40 people reached out, many sharing their own journeys. We talk about what's actually helpful when someone you love is going through a faith transition. Ryan's advice: lead with love, ask "what do you need?" instead of trying to fix them, and avoid "why" questions that feel aggressive. Don't ask "haven't you had spiritual experiences?" because it feels like you're trying to pull them back to faith rather than honoring where they are now. The most helpful thing is simply letting people say the words out loud without judgment. We discuss how to navigate these conversations with honesty, asking clarifying questions to understand rather than convince, and trusting that love is bigger than our differences. Everything's going to work out okay when we choose love.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Takeaways:

Sharing personal faith stories can feel vulnerable.

It's important to lead with kindness and love in conversations.

Asking open-ended questions can facilitate understanding.

Honesty is crucial in navigating difficult discussions.

Creating safe spaces for dialogue encourages openness.

Expressing vulnerability can strengthen connections with others.

It's essential to respect others' experiences during faith transitions.

Choosing love can help navigate challenging relationships.

Understanding that everyone is on their own journey is vital.

Conversations about beliefs can be enriching and rewarding.

Sound bites:

"What do you need?"

"I don't think I believe in God."

"Choose love."

Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories

03:47 Navigating Faith Transitions

10:05 The Importance of Kindness and Understanding

13:56 Communicating Difficult Emotions

20:12 Engaging in Meaningful Conversations

25:24 Leading with Love and Honesty

In this Walk and Talk episode, I share a real-time experience of processing anger before I got home to my kids. My six-year-old woke up his younger brother after I explicitly told him not to, and I was livid. Instead of being home to yell at them, I was out on a walk pushing the stroller. I called my husband, validated how angry I was out loud, kept walking, and within five minutes the anger moved through my body. By the time I got home, I didn't need to yell. I could calmly address it without biting anyone's head off or having to apologize later. I talk about how emotions are just information about our thoughts, and sometimes we just need to give them attention for a few minutes and let them move through. Movement helps process that energy. When we do react in ways we don't want to, the most important thing is to apologize and not shame our humanness, because that only makes it worse.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

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Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Takeaways:

Processing emotions is a vital skill in parenting.

Movement can help in regulating emotional energy.

Emotions provide information about our thoughts.

It's okay to feel angry; acknowledging it is key.

We should allow others to experience their emotions.

Yelling often leads to regret; awareness helps prevent it.

Self-compassion is crucial when reacting emotionally.

Emotions are temporary and can be processed.

Grace towards ourselves improves emotional responses.

Understanding emotions leads to better communication.

Sound bites:

"I am so angry about this."

"We're human, and that's okay."

"The awareness of it is key."

Chapters:

00:00 Processing Emotions in Daily Life

02:55 The Role of Movement in Emotional Regulation

05:50 Understanding Emotions as Information

In this episode, I interview my mentor Robin Whitworth about the concept of contrast and how it's changed the way I navigate life. Robin explains how "contrast" is a neutral way of looking at anything that's not your ideal, instead of calling things "hard" or "trials." It's opposition that allows us to make choices and grow.

Robin shares her journaling process for discovering sponsored thoughts, those deeper intentions fueling our surface desires. She introduces the concept of tethers from Living Untethered, which are the conditions we place on our own love and worth. We discuss practical tools like mirror work for unconditional self-love, and how realizing we've always been held and loved by God can help us release those conditions. Contrast isn't something to dread. It's information, an opportunity to ask: Who do I want to be?

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Connect with Robyn:

Facebook @ The Elevated Mother Collective

https://www.facebook.com/groups/elevatedmothercollective

Instagram @robyn_whitworth1 https://www.instagram.com/robyn_whitworth1/

Takeaways:

Contrast helps us understand our experiences better.

Agency is crucial in navigating life's challenges.

Discernment allows us to know when to persist or pivot.

Sponsored thoughts can reveal the root of our desires.

Self-love is a journey that requires practice.

Emotional safety is connected to our ability to love ourselves.

Contrast can be a teachable moment in parenting.

Recognizing discomfort as part of growth is essential.

Journaling can help uncover deeper motivations.

Creating safety within ourselves leads to greater self-acceptance.

Sound bites:

"It's not wrong, it's just new."

"This is part of my growth process."

"It's a journey for everybody."

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Contrast

02:44 The Role of Agency in Life's Challenges

05:31 Personal Experience of Contrast

08:16 Teachable Moments and Emotional Awareness

11:32 Discernment in Decision Making

14:19 Uncovering Sponsored Thoughts

17:18 The Power of Journaling

20:00 Embracing Growth Through Contrast

21:43 Navigating Emotional Responses

24:22 Understanding Contrast in Parenting

25:15 The Concept of Right and Wrong Choices

26:23 Personal Interpretation of Sin

28:20 Guidelines for Loving Oneself

30:29 The Journey of Self-Love

34:07 Identifying and Releasing Tethers

37:40 Creating Safety Within Oneself

39:37 Embracing Contrast as Opportunity

40:13 Empowering Community and Support

In this first Walk and Talk episode, I'm on the treadmill sharing my journey with exercise and postpartum body changes. I talk about fluctuating 40 pounds between three pregnancies and how I've shifted from desperately wanting to lose weight to focusing on strength and energy instead. I want a body that lets me hike, run with my kids, do a Spartan race, and do simple things like get up off the floor without effort.

After my third son was born in August 2024, I tried jumping back into hard HIIT workouts and restricted eating. I completely depleted myself and couldn't function. So I got creative and asked: what does my body actually need? The answer was simple walks and honoring my hunger cues. No fad diets, no extreme changes. When I gave myself permission to honor what I wanted, I naturally started wanting to do more. Some days it's walking, some days Pilates, some days nothing. There's no shame, no race. I'm in this for the long game. Honor where you are, but also honor where you want to be, and ask yourself: what's one small thing I can do to get closer?

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

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Instagram: @brynne_erickson

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Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Takeaways:

Embrace authenticity in your fitness journey.

Honor where you are, especially during challenging times.

Set realistic goals that align with your current circumstances.

Creative solutions can help overcome fitness obstacles.

Self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being.

Small, incremental changes lead to significant progress.

Avoid comparing your journey to others.

Listen to your body and respect its needs.

Focus on strength and energy rather than weight loss.

Navigating grief requires patience and self-care.

Chapters:

00:00 Embracing Authenticity and Exercise Challenges

03:13 Honoring Your Body and Setting Realistic Goals

06:07 Creative Solutions for Fitness and Well-being

08:57 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Small Steps

11:41 Navigating Grief and Stress with Care

In this episode, I share a talk I wrote in November 2023 after being called as young women's president, titled "Love Like Jesus." I talk about how I asked my counselors what message they wanted our girls to take with them into the world, and the common theme was love. This has been my guiding star for the last few years as I've grown spiritually. When things don't make sense or I'm confused or angry, focusing on the great commandments of love keeps me grounded.

I dive into the three commandments: love God, love others, and love yourself. I ask whether our love has conditions. Do we see each other as equals even when we disagree, vote differently, identify differently, or parent differently? Do we love the weird kid at school the same as the popular kid? Do we love ourselves no matter our weight or mistakes? I share how Christ loved without bounds. He ate with, sat with, walked with, listened to, healed, and served all people, especially those on the margins.

I talk about my parenting journey and how asking "what would love do?" in every moment has changed everything: calmer voice, fewer timeouts, more snuggling. I share how I realized I was trying to answer all my big questions on my own without including my heavenly parents and savior, and how creating an intimate relationship with them has given me peace even without all the answers. The love of our heavenly parents is never earned. It's always there. We just have to choose to partake of it.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

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Instagram: @brynne_erickson

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Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Takeaways:

The theme of love is central to spiritual growth.

Love God, love others, and love yourself are essential commandments.

Pure love is unconditional and inclusive.

Christ's love is a model for how we should love others.

Choosing love can lead to more peaceful parenting.

Joy is found in loving Jesus, others, and oneself.

Building a relationship with heavenly parents is crucial for guidance.

Asking for help from God is a vital part of faith.

Love is always available; we just need to choose it.

Seeing others as equals fosters a loving community.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Love Like Jesus

01:55 The Commandments of Love

04:19 Pure Love and Its Boundaries

05:45 Parenting Through Love

07:39 Finding Rest in Christ's Love

09:55 Choosing Love and Agency

In this solo episode, I share my personal story of being called as young women's president despite my doubts, questions, and new beliefs that my bishop was fully aware of. I talk about how I first felt prompted to meet with my bishop just to let him know where I was at with my faith; not planning to step away from church, but having big questions and wanting him to know he could connect me with anyone else feeling the same way.

Then one day while getting ready in the bathroom, I had this thought: "You're going to be the next young women's president." I immediately dismissed it as there's no way I could serve in that calling with my new beliefs, especially believing it's totally okay to be a lesbian. But sure enough, I got the text to meet with the bishop. I was scared and frustrated. I loved my chill activity days calling where I worked with young boys twice a month.

In the interview, I told the bishop I felt so unqualified and incapable because of what I didn't believe. He asked me one simple question: "What do you think the youth need to know?" I broke down and said they need to know they're unconditionally loved no matter what they do, say, or choose. He agreed and extended the calling anyway. He told me my name came to him at 3 AM, and he couldn't deny it. I couldn't deny I already knew from my bathroom experience.

It's been a beautiful journey. I just focus on helping these girls know they're loved unconditionally. Their simple testimonies have been helpful for me too. I believe God needed me with my doubts, and I'm grateful for this evidence of divine help in my life.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

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Instagram: @brynne_erickson

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Threads: @brynne_erickson

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Sound bites:

"I was floored. There’s no way."

"I believe in miracles."

Chapters:

00:00 A Personal Journey of Faith and Leadership

03:26 The Call to Serve: Accepting the Young Women's Presidency

06:20 Navigating Doubts and Embracing Love

09:15 Building Connections and Finding Purpose