Research has shown that we have 80,000 thoughts a day, and that 80% of these are negative.  Am I therefore just the sum of my negative thinking and if I am, how can I change?

Practising Joy is a down to earth course based on Christian values and aimed at transforming our thinking with simple skills and practises that we can use anywhere.  When applied regularly we not only change our mind set but behaviour, relationships and focus as well.  We learn to tune into our thoughts and feelings, those of our family and friends and of our God who knows us so well.  We become more attached to Him and we find we are following the example of His son, Jesus.

If you want to be part of this one day introductory course, please get in contact.

The 8 week course focuses on how we can be transformed by bringing joy into our lives, joy being the knowledge that someone, God and other people, are glad to be with us. We understand this in our heads, but do we really know the truth of this in our hearts and lives so we are transformed?

We use Romans 12:1&2 as our base, pin-pointing our thought patterns and emotions, and together we nurture our emotional capacity by creating new patterns, building up our ability to be grateful and our relational skills with God and those around us.  We combine brain science, psychology and the bible in easy to grasp steps each week and gradually find we can change, and know more joy and peace too. Anxiety etc becomes less as joy becomes greater in our lives.

Each session is approximately 1.5 hours in length, and forms a guided pattern where we learn new skills each week but also practise the skills together.  There is practical homework and follow up notes to read, plus plenty of time for interaction and sharing.

Courses run regularly so if you want to join one please let me know.

The Orthodox meaning of Lent is 'bright sadness' in preparing for Easter.  A time of reflection, prayer, gratefulness, simplicity and repentance, and these will be weaved into two sessions of joy together.   As we engage with God and each other WE KNOW He is pleased to be with us, and we are pleased to be together too.  That's joy right there! 

Some of you are Practising Joy with me right now, some are ongoing 'joy-ers' meeting monthly, some took the course a while ago, and some still want to take it (!), but for all this is an opportunity to be still and set time aside for our own bright sadness as we anticipate the death and resurrection of our Saviour; as we carve out time together to be in His presence and allow Him space to draw alongside us.

Please let me know if you can join me on Monday March 10th and Tuesday April 15th at 7.30pm (GMT) for Lent Joy together over zoom.