Mindfulness Reflections

  Language is so much more than an exchange of words.  Words carry meaning but we also derive a great deal of meaning from aspects of language that are rarely talked about - even by English language teachers and experts. Watch this week's video , which revolves around a natural, authentic conversation between Teens (that's her name!) and I, chatting about VERY British things and traditions, including how Christmas is celebrated in the UK, and learn about the SECRET language system that underlies and is at the very foundation of every communication. The video is filled with useful vocabulary and information about British culture, together with discussions regarding contextual nuance and subtlety in natural conversations.  I hope you find it useful and fun to watch! Has the time come for you to go deeper with English? The answer to your question about how to make real progress, especially if you've already taken lessons for years and want a different, more holistic approach...

  I was recently asked again whether I record any guided meditations for my YouTube channel, and I said no because I had not uploaded any guided meditations up to now, for two main reasons. The first is that I'm an English language teacher to adults whose program incorporates mindfulness practices, and so the YouTube channel is focused on English skills development, although many are indeed imbued with mindfulness-inspired content. The second is that there are long periods of stillness and silence when we practise! The purpose of mindfulness is to withdraw our attention from where we tend to send it by default, that is, to the outside world, and invite it to observe our inner world: How are we doing within ourselves in the present moment? Having said this, guided meditations are what you are requesting, and so, by popular demand, this week's video is a short guided meditation on mental health. It can get quite stressful and hectic at this time of year, so I hope this video help...

  Does using English make you feel clumsy, uncomfortable, self-conscious, mortified, frustrated, distraught or even humbled? I hear you, because this is how I feel sometimes when I use Portuguese. It's natural to feel discomfort when we're interacting in a second or third language, so in this week's video, I've put together my top 6 tips for a practical approach to English grammar. Watch it here Ultimately, it's the message, the idea in our head, that counts. Gaining clarity on this is exactly what we focus on in my English training program. We cultivate understanding and patience, not only towards English but towards each other, and we've created a safe and welcoming space for everyone to interact, ask questions, and give each other feedback. Are you ready to give it a go ( to make the effort and try )? Here's the calendar for you to pick a day and time that suits you to speak about how to realise your personal English aspirations. Now is the time. Now i...