Showing results by narrator "Katie Haigh" in All Categories

Rejection and failure are unavoidable parts of living. Being unable to cope with them in a relaxed and efficient way prevents achievements by leading you into withdrawal. True success comes from being consciously prepared for failure and being able to deal with it when it inevitably comes, so that it becomes possible to try and push towards one's goal without the hindrance of fear and low self-esteem.

Victor Hugo is one of the best-known French writers, and is part of the greatest literary figures of all time. His poetry made him famous very early, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest lyric poets when he was only 20 years old. He was also a novelist and a dramatist, and furthered the cause of Romanticism, this exalted artistic movement which toyed with Sublime and soared on the winds of emotion.

Oscar Wilde is remembered as one of the wittiest minds ever, thanks to his provocative style and humor. In the 1890s, he was one of London's most popular playwrights; his masterpieces are The Importance of Being Earnest and the dark and fantastical Picture of Dorian Gray. His writings entwine themes of beauty, decadence and duplicity, which made him a more than colorful agent provocateur in the Victorian society. This would eventually lead to a very public trial after he was accused of sodomy. His defense, punctuated with witticism, often left the court roaring with laughter, but the evidence was against him, and he was eventually sent to prison.

Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's best dramatist. His plays have been translated into every major language, and are the most performed ever. His work contains stunningly modern insight, witty jokes and soaring passion; it is an endless source of amazement and inspiration.

Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter who discovers the secret of a thieves' den, entered with the phrase "Open Sesame". The thieves learn this and try to kill Ali Baba, but Ali Baba's faithful slave-girl foils their plots. Ali Baba gives his son to her in marriage and keeps the secret of the treasure. This story is included in many versions of the "One Thousand and One Nights". It is one of the most familiar of the "Arabian Nights" tales.

The stress of exams takes its toll on students every year, and the most thorough preparation can fail if you get there tense and anxious. The fight-or-flight mode due to stress can effectively prevent memorization or in-depth reasoning at the time you most need it. This is a series of simple and efficient relaxation techniques, easy to learn and quick to apply. They are designed to provide you with a range of proven techniques to help you prepare for an exam in the most efficient way possible, so as to overcome anxiety before and during the exam for maximum results.

Anxiety takes a heavy toll; the lack of adequate support and techniques can make recovery longer than necessary. These relaxation exercises will teach you proven and efficient methods to relieve anxiety, ward off panic attacks or alleviate chronic stress. This guided practice provides you with techniques you can come back to whenever you feel the need, so that you can achieve relief on your own in any circumstance. The guided imagery techniques will lead you to become more playful, learn to stretch and achieve deep relaxation, and improve your visualization skills for better concentration and control.

Are you fed up with being tired all day long and then wondering why it's still so hard to fall asleep? These relaxation exercises are specially designed to help you overcome insomnia by teaching you how to unwind your mind and guiding you into a state of deep relaxation. Listen to them whenever you feel you will need help to fall asleep easily for a short nap, or as part as a nightly practice to overcome sleep pattern problems. You will awaken fully refreshed and free of any tension, while having improved your concentration and visualization skills.

This series of exercises is specially designed to help you overcome shyness, boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem, through simple and proven techniques. Self-esteem is an absolutely essential part of our survival. Without it, we are at risk of self-defeating behavior or unhealthily negative feelings. Through guided visualization and relaxation techniques, these exercises will help you overcome anxiety while easily improving your confidence and social skills.

Louis XI: this rebellious king was first called "The Prudent", in reference to his cunning ways, and then, "The Universal Spider" when it appeared that his ceaseless intrigues had turned into full-blown webs of plots and conspiracies. Learn how the Cunning King of France was able to eliminate his rebellious vassals, expand royal power, and strengthen the economic development of his country, all through the power of isolating treaties, precise timing, and intense diplomatic activities.

A time of extreme religious unrest, a most magnificent and dangerous court, and strong ideas about the need for a perfect heir: all this may have been enough to transform an intelligent, compassionate and generous young king into such a bloody monster that he was eventually called the "English Nero". Henry VIII is most remembered for his six marriages, two of which ended with beheadings.

The Old Testament is the foundation of the Scripture. It is the first and most ancient section of the Christian Bible; it tells of the law and history of the Israelites, encloses treasures of poetry and wisdom, along with powerful prophecy. We have selected for you 100 quotes which will provide answers to your innermost questions, accompany you in faith, give you food for thought, and offer you wisdom and references to inspire you in your daily life. Enjoy these sacred pearls of wisdom taken from all the books of the Old Testament, let them inspire you and put them to use in your personal journey.

Aladdin is a young lad dwelling in ancient China; his parents are in despair, as he is a never-do-well and won't ever do anything. A sorcerer from the Maghreb persuades him to retrieve a wonderful oil lamp from a magic cave. But then, the socerer attempts to double-cross Aladdin, who resists only to find himself trapped in the cave. Luckily, he has kept the magical object and a world of adventures opens before him.

We have selected for you 100 great quotes to develop your leadership. Leadership is a practical skill, regarding the ability of an individual or organization to "lead" or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. Having a great sense of leadership can inspire great men and women in their actions, in their thoughts, in their lives, and in the lives of many people around them. Leadership is also defined as a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.

"The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids" is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. A mother leaves her seven children at home while she ventures into the forest to find food. Before she leaves, she warns her young about the Big Bad Wolf who will try to sneak into the house and gobble them up. The wolf will pretend to be their mother and convince the kids to open the door. The young children will be able to recognize their true mother by her white feet and sweet voice. The mother leaves and the seven kids stay in the house. Before long, they hear a voice at the door that says "Let me in children, your mother has something for each and every one of you". His gruff voice betrays him and the kids do not let him in.

"Little Red Riding Hood" is a famous fairy tale about a young girl's encounter with a wolf. The story has been changed considerably in its history and subject to numerous modern adaptations and readings. The Little Red Riding Hood story is among the most popular fairy tales in the world.

"The Tragedy of Macbeth" is a play written by William Shakespeare. Set mainly in Scotland, the play illustrates the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. The play was most likely written during the reign of James I, who had been James VI of Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne in 1603. James was a patron of Shakespeare's acting company and of all the plays Shakespeare wrote during James's reign, "Macbeth" most clearly reflects the playwright's relationship with the sovereign.

Gautama Buddha is also known as Siddharta Gautama, or simply the Buddha, which means "Awakened" or "Enlightened". Born a prince, he chose a path of ascetism only to realize that it was as profound an illusion as self-indulgence. He achieved Enlightenment after 49 days of meditation; his awakening led him to discover the cause of suffering and the ways to eliminate it. These discoveries founded Buddhism, and his "Four Noble Truths" still form the heart of its teachings.

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military figures ever. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution, after which he kept on soaring higher and higher until he was crowned Emperor of the French. He then moved on to gain control of the whole of continental Europe, before the ultimate defeat of 1815. Today, his campaigns are studied in every military school, his liberal politics have had a strong legacy worldwide, and he remains one of the most celebrated and controversial political figures in Western history.

The beautiful Sheherazade, threatened with death, manages to postpone the fatal day by telling one marvellous story every night. The stories themselves are folk tales, fairy tales and poems collected over many centuries, from ancient and medieval Arabic, Persian, Mesopotamian, Indian, and Egyptian folklore and literature. This makes The Arabian Nights a priceless treasure, as it takes us to the very roots of our culture in a delightful and passionate way...