As a therapist and coach who helps people with many aspects of the mind and body, providing holistic language learning is a way to improve language learning that is unique to my service.
So today, I would like to introduce a way of challenging the struggles of language learning, such as by focusing on self-limiting beliefs through holistic language learning.
Introduction
Welcome on the journey of holistic language learning, where the convergence of mind, body, and soul meets the art of acquiring new languages.
But let me give you some background.
Many years ago, I completed a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. Fast-forward to today, and I am a hypnotherapist, counsellor, coach, supervisor, author, and trainer who successfully helps people with a range of issues related to stress and anxiety take control of their lives and feel much better.
One area that I love to help people with is learning a second language because I believe in holistic education and learning.
Benefits of learning a second language
The benefits of learning a second language are clear because, in our increasingly interconnected world, communicating in multiple languages is invaluable for career advancement, personal growth, and deeper cultural understanding. However, the process of learning a new language can often be daunting and filled with hurdles, both psychological and practical.
I reflected on what I had learnt over the years and wondered if we approached language learning not just as a process of classroom teaching and mental challenge but as a holistic experience that nurtures your entire being.
I discovered that holistic strategies in language learning offer a transformative approach, integrating the physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of learning. By focusing on holistic learning strategies, this method of teaching and learning does more than teach grammar and vocabulary; it enriches your whole self, healing and growing as you learn.
What is holistic education and holistic learning?
Holistic education is a philosophy. It’s thought to originate from an indigenous culture and focuses on the whole person. Holistic education is a comprehensive way to help people learn by considering the learners’ emotional, social, cultural, physical, spiritual and educational needs.
It is commonly used to teach children but is also useful for adults. It includes experiential learning, self-learning, reflection, and working with others.
People often think that learning is about memorising things. Although we need to remember things such as vocabulary and grammar in language learning, holistic learning is much more important.
A key aspect is transformation, so teachers act as guides.
The Essence of Holistic Learning
Holistic learning is grounded in the understanding that individuals absorb knowledge best when all aspects of their person—body, mind, and spirit—are engaged in the process. This approach acknowledges the complex interplay between cognitive functions and emotional well-being when applied to language learning.
Integrating Mind and Body
Physical wellness impacts cognitive function. In other words, what you do affects how you think. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity can boost memory and thinking skills, which are essential for mastering a new language. Other integrative practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi, can improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Emotional and Psychological Strategies
However, at the heart of holistic language learning is acknowledging the learner’s emotional state as a critical factor in acquiring new knowledge and skills.
Complementary therapies like hypnotherapy can enhance memory recall, increase confidence, and reduce the anxiety accompanying language learning. As these are the core tools of my business, I can help language learners continue with their studies.
Cognitive Techniques
Holistic language education can also harness the power of a relationship through counselling to help people learn. Counselling sessions can provide people with the tools to handle frustrations and setbacks, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Like hypnotherapy, Mindfulness meditation can help people wanting to learn a language to focus their attention and improve their ability to absorb new information.
Metacognitive strategies teach learners to think about their learning process, making them more aware of their linguistic progress and more adept at identifying their needs and areas for improvement.
Although I can help people learn a language through conversation and some of the skills I learnt as a TEFL teacher, my service helps people deal with the emotional struggles related to holistic learning.
Possible emotional struggles related to language learning
These are the emotions I have seen that reduce the learning capacity.
- lack of motivation
- low confidence and self-esteem
- frustration
- poor concentration and memory recall
- low mood
- anxiety
- procrastination
- negative thoughts and feelings
- encompassing self-limiting behaviours such as drinking too much alcohol
- relationship difficulties
- poor memory recall
I realised that holistic language learning embraces a spectrum of therapeutic modalities, from the calming practices of hypnotherapy to the reflective processes of counselling, to enhance your educational experience.
Self-help strategies for holistic learning
Self-help starts with people knowing why they want to learn a second language and understanding what they find difficult. Is it the pronunciation? Is it the difficulty in remembering new words?
Language learners can help themselves learn holistically. For example, they can address their stress through physical exercise, walking in nature, meditation or self-hypnosis.
They can help their memory recall through apps that include spaced repetition learning.
They can join groups of language learners or get a buddy.
Finally, they can immerse themselves in the language by living in the country or regularly mixing with native speakers.
Finding a second language teacher and using language apps are also a good idea.
Finally…
I’m Linda from Awaken the Change.
I focus on helping you with emotional needs, including building confidence, reducing stress and anxiety, understanding and boosting motivation, finding language resources, reducing self-limiting beliefs, and more. I focus on individual needs to give you direction on your language learning journey.
So, if you need a bespoke service geared to help you with holistic language learning, contact me, book a free initial consultation, and find out how I can help. I offer a one-on-one service or small groups online.
