I am new and with social anxiety I am terrified to reveal too much for fear of being judged, but I think I am finally in a place where people understand, I hope? So please, even if you disagree or think I am weird, be kind.
I am Catholic, but I consider myself a hybrid as my beliefs don't walk hand in hand with church teachings, but I feel more can be done for change from within than without (you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.) I go to mass when I want to and I don't feel guilty if I miss because God loves me and doesn't mind.
As far as the social anxiety and my spirituality, it has become intertwined in a real mess because as I have aged, my spirituality has deepened, as have my emotions. In fact I have spent much time confused and trying to figure out what is going on with me, and I have suspicion that I am an empath (I can feel other people's emotions/vibes). This is a huge part of why I am so uncomfortable around people and why it takes so much out of me. It is difficult because I pick up on their "vibes" and sometimes it makes me sick. Other people feel so positive, those people I find to be easier to be around. Sometimes I will be in a store and sadness will overtake me, and then I leave the building and I am fine. All of the signs point in this direction, however I myself am skeptical of the concept. I am still trying to work it all out for myself, but no matter what you call it, empath or not, it's a freaking difficult way to live and I wish I could make it stop.