Sea view

Went to an out special memories retreat day on Joy today given by one of our semi retired missionary partners who now lives in Plymouth and attends St Andrews. It was interesting to hear how transformative joy can be and how it can be cultivated. As it was a church event the Christian basis of joy was explored first and then we had the scientific explanation of brain pathways and the right sided focus in the amygdala and the fact that pain and joy pathways are closely entwined! We were seated in triplets and we had to talk about what made us joyful! I was sitting with a friend who had been in a house group I once attended before it was split up! Also in the group was her daughter who has twins aged8 who are neurodivergent and non verbal! We both have the problem that we cry at happy events and sad events and it was emotional! We were given a joy book to write downs joyful memory to share. Mine was a time when Sian and I went to listen to A tango band and danced the night away!