Mindfulness Reflections

  As Westerners, we're familiar with the plot - ( n.)  the cause-and-effect relationship between events in a story -  of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol", but to what degree do we understand some deep Buddhist teachings through the transformation of its main character, Ebenezer Scrooge? The novel begins with Scrooge being "a cold-hearted miser", a stingy, tight-fisted, unpleasant man who does not care for anyone and is only interested in money and wealth. On a night like last night, Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, wrapped and weighed down by heavy chains and money boxes symbolising greed and selfishness. Marley warns Scrooge that he must change and show penance, and warns him that three Spirits will visit and offer him the chance of reforming in order to escape the same fate. The Ghost of Christmas Past visits first, and we learn of Scrooge's circumstances when he was younger, and how he beca...

  Is English (or making progress with English) a source of stress for you? Join this LIVE Training to learn the 3 fundamental pillars of effective language skills development and the 3 priorities to focus on for true transformation. When: Tuesday, 21 May at 13:00 hrs (MST) US Mountain Standard Time Register here This training is for you if: you've been studying English on and off or continuously for years but feel stuck at an intermediate level you're unable to express your ideas clearly and effortlessly in English you experience speaking and/or writing in English as a challenge or an obstacle holding you back from realising your life dreams you're looking for a scientifically-proven pathway to improve your English skills independently you'd like to be part of a supportive and thriving English-speaking community you'd like continuous and personalised feedback and support from an experienced English language teacher to adults BONUS 1: Discover the winning stra...

  📅 Date: Tuesday, 21 May 2024 🕐 Time: 1 PM (US Mountain Standard Time) 🔗 Register here What is true confidence in English made of? *Hint: it isn't grammar and vocabulary alone. Our upcoming LIVE training session is your gateway to success. Learn the secrets of going deeper for articulate expression and effective language management. Here's what you'll gain: Empowerment: Take control of your English learning journey Clarity: Cultivate a deep understanding of the language Articulation: Master effective communication in English Efficiency: Manage your learning for optimal results Community: Connect with like-minded English learners Save your seat now See you on Tuesday 21 May at 1 PM (US Mountain Standard Time) #ConfidentEnglishTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #LIVETraining #RegisterToday

  In   this week's video , we're zooming in on a most powerful and helpful word:   diligence . Do you know what it means and how we use it in English? Before watching, can you think of any synonyms? Perhaps it means something different in your language. In Mexican Spanish, for example, "diligencia" is used to mean a simple errand or task. But in English, it has much wider and far deeper connotations. In its adjective form,  diligent  means doing things a particular way (watch the video to find out how), and as a noun, it can also be a practice consisting of 4 interconnected aspects. However, simply knowing what these aspects are isn't enough to become proficient in English. They need to be embodied and experienced in order to bear fruit. This is why Confident English Training offers a holistic approach to English language development, inviting you always to pause, to look more deeply, to see more clearly, and to understand. Watch the video here Let me ...

  Despite years of dedicated English study, many accomplished professionals find current methods leave them unsatisfied. Perhaps you experience frustration converting your knowledge to real-world fluency or struggle to integrate English into your daily life seamlessly ( adv. - smoothly and continuously, with no apparent gaps or spaces between one part and the next ). This week's video offers a refreshing solution that delves into: innovative strategies for independent English language acquisition, empowering you to take ownership of your learning journey techniques for leveraging YouTube as a platform for personalised language development, focusing on content that aligns with your personal and professional interests practical guidance on identifying high-quality channels consistent with your goals to become a critical thinker and a more confident communicator Watch it here In addition to grammar and vocabulary, this approach recognises the importance of deeper inner connection by e...

In this week's video , we dive into the concept of English as a lingua franca, exploring what it means and why it's crucial for individuals like yourself, who are striving to integrate English more fully into your daily lives. We'll discuss why developing English language skills goes beyond simply enhancing job prospects or performance. It also opens doors to a vast world of international collaboration for the greater good. And what exactly do we mean by "greater good"? Simply put, it's about recognising the broader impact and significance of language proficiency beyond personal advancement. It's about understanding how mastering English can contribute to global communication, cooperation, and understanding. Whether it's collaborating on international projects, participating in cross-cultural exchanges, or advocating for important causes, proficiency in English empowers individuals like yourself to make meaningful contributions on a global scale. At ad...