Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/869387
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2017 This Week 33 Mindfulness. It's a pretty straight- forward word. It is the basic human skill to be fully present, conscious of where we are and what we're do- ing, and not overwhelmed by what's going on around us. It might seem trivial, except for the frustrating fact that we are so often distracted from the matter at hand. Our mind wan- ders off, and soon enough we're lost in thoughts and anxieties. Can you imagine what it's like for children, who are still discover- ing the world around them and so are constantly bombarded by new things? It is very common these days for children to have problems with fo- cusing on the task at hand – some more than others. Studies show that disorder and anxiety disrupts chil- dren even more and they need to be taught how to get their attention in focus. "When we came across these work- books in France, we thought they were ideal for children with ADHD or indeed any children with con- centration issues," Chris Gruppetta, Merlin publishers director, said. The workbooks consist of simple con- centration exercises for the children, and – good news for parents – also include concise clear notes and ex- planations for adults. The workbooks which consist of a combination of stories and activities, essentially teach children how to be mentally and physically present in- the-now. The carefully planned out activities aim to help children pay more attention to the task at hand, be more able to develop ideas with- out distractions, concentrate for a longer time and improve their mem- ory. Both workbooks were originally written by French therapist and stress management expert Flor- ence Vertanessian de Boissoudy who leads bestselling workshops in France and Switzerland. "With these books children will be able to focus more on themselves and the world around them, ena- bling them to live a fuller and hap- pier life," said the author. Illustrations by Melanie Combes help reach the aim as they are sim- ple and straightforward, and en- hance and not detract from the at- tention of the children. Nitgħallem Nikkonċentra have been adapted for Maltese children by Claudine Slater, a primary teacher, who has at heart the wellbeing of young students. "The books encourage parents to work hand in hand with their chil- dren and under each exercise you will find notes for parents listing the benefits of each exercises. The sto- ries show how beneficial mindful- ness is," Slater said. In Nitgħallem Nikkonċentra 1, Luke finds an abandoned kitten in the garden and together they start exploring the world around them. In Nitgħallem Nikkonċentra 2, Amy and Mark are day dreamers. They wake up late, can't find their clothes and arrive late at school, but then they meet Master Owl who helps them put some order in their lives. These books are ideal for children, parents and teachers who want to discover the world of mindfulness, and a more holistic way of going about life. Nitgħallem Nikkonċentra 1 & 2 are available from all bookstores, or on- line from www.merlinpublishers.com WHAT'S ON MUSIC THURSDAYS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 21 Jazz Nights at Pjazza Regina Following last year's successful run of events, our Jazz Nights will be returning to Caffe Cordina, Valletta every Thursday until September 21 at 20:00. A five-piece band will once again create a lively atmosphere with jazz classics and original improvisations for three hours. SEPTEMBER 23 Rotting Christ in Malta Acclaimed Greek metal band Rotting Christ will be performing at The Garage in Zebbug, together with X-Vandals and Decline The Fall. Doors open at 20:00. Early bird tickets: €15, regular tickets: €20, available at Kickstart Rock Bar, Mad Hatter and online at www.metallinsula.com. THEATRE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 7 How to Be Maltese in An Hour – The Comedy Show A comedy show written, directed and produced by The Comedy Island that is set to teach visitors about traits of the Maltese. Being held at the Vault theatre at the Valletta Waterfront at 8pm. Tickets available at http://www.ticketline. com.mt/bookings/. OCTOBER 20, 21 The Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version of The Phantom of the Opera presented by Grapevine Music, by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. Permormed at the MFCC, Ta' Qali. Tickets available at https:// www.showshappening.com/ Grapevine-Music/Phantom-Of- the-Opera MISCELLANEOUS SEPTEMBER 16 Brotherhood: A Story of Metal in Malta Premiere screening of locally produced documentary on the Maltese metal music scene at Embassy, Valletta at 10:30. Tickets: https://shop.trackagescheme.com/ event/brotherhood-story-metal- malta/. SEPTEMBER 16 Spots & Stripes Indie pop party at Beachaven, Xemxija at 22:30. Featuring DJs Bob, G is for Gustav and Jamie DC. Entrance is at €5 at the gate. THURSDAYS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28 Maltese Nights at Valletta Waterfront Take in the scenic Grand Harbour views and re-live traditional Malta at Valletta Waterfront every Thursday evening until September 28. Activities include traditional folk dancing, falconry displays, "terramaxka" (street organ) music, artisan market stalls, as well as duelling parades between the Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Turks, amongst other activities. SEPTEMBER 29 Eden Comedy Club's 17th Stand Up Comedy Night Stand-up comedy night featuring international comedians Tamar Broadbent and Al Lubel at Eden Cinemas, St Julian's at 19:30. Hosted by Geoff Whiting. Tickets: www. edencinemas.com.mt, 2371 0400. SEPTEMBER 30 The Nil By Mouth Sessions feat. The Wedding Present / Weval / Pional / Happyness Alternative rock music night at Sky Club, St Julian's at 20:00. Featuring The Wedding Present (UK), Weval (NL), Pional (ES) and Happyness (UK). Also featuring local acts Fabricka, KNTL and The Velts. Organised by Hairy Amp in collaboration with Trackage Scheme. Tickets: https://shop. trackagescheme.com/event/nil- mouth-sessions/ TODAY Malta Film Expo The Malta Film Expo is a new event organised by the Malta Film Foundation bringing together enthusiasts and practitioners of film with exhibitions, discussions, film screenings of both the cinema of yesteryear and the realities of today's industry. It will be taking place at Spazju Kreattiv at St James Cavalier, Valletta at 10:00. The event is supported by the Cultural Partnership Agreement through Arts Council Malta and forms part of the Spazju Kreattiv programme. Mindfulness for kids Series of two books by Florence Vertanessian on mindfulness for children have been adapted to Maltese by Claudine Slater and published by Merlin CORPORATE EVENTS TEAM BUILDING, SOCIAL EVENTS SEASONAL PARTIES... Looking for a venue-wi-a-difference for your event? Gianpula Village offers a range of original and unique venues perfect for creating at memorable occasion. To make an enquiry or book a show round call (356) 9974 8923 or email sales@gianpulavillage.com www.gianpulavillage.com The Wedding Present