(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Chains of smaller, specialized AI agents aren't just more efficient they will help solve problems in ways we never imagined.Read More

Currently, three trending topics in the implementation of AI are LLMs, RAG, and Databases. These enable us to create systems that are suitable and specific to our use. This AI-powered system, combining a vector database and AI-generated responses, has applications across various industries. In customer support, AI chatbots retrieve knowledge base answers dynamically. The legal and financial sectors benefit from AI-driven document summarization and case research. Healthcare AI assistants help doctors with medical research and drug interactions. E-learning platforms provide personalized corporate training. Journalism uses AI for news summarization and fact-checking. Software development leverages AI for coding assistance and debugging. Scientific research benefits from AI-driven literature reviews. This approach enhances knowledge retrieval, automates content creation, and personalizes user interactions across multiple domains.In this tutorial, we will create an AI-powered English tutor using RAG. The system integrates a vector database (ChromaDB) to store and retrieve relevant English language learning materials and AI-powered text generation (Groq API) to create structured and engaging lessons. The workflow includes extracting text from PDFs, storing knowledge in a vector database, retrieving relevant content, and generating detailed AI-powered lessons. The goal is to build an interactive English tutor that dynamically generates topic-based lessons while leveraging previously stored knowledge for improved accuracy and contextual relevance.Step 1: Installing the necessary libraries!pip install PyPDF2!pip install groq!pip install chromadb!pip install sentence-transformers!pip install nltk!pip install fpdf!pip install torchPyPDF2 extracts text from PDF files, making it useful for handling document-based information. groq is a library that provides access to Groqs AI API, enabling advanced text generation capabilities. ChromaDB is a vector database designed to retrieve text efficiently. Sentence-transformers generate text embeddings, which helps in storing and retrieving information meaningfully. nltk (Natural Language Toolkit) is a well-known NLP library for text preprocessing, tokenization, and analysis. fpdf is a lightweight library for creating and manipulating PDF documents, allowing generated lessons to be saved in a structured format. torch is a deep learning framework commonly used for machine learning tasks, including AI-based text generation.Step 2: Downloading NLP Tokenization Dataimport nltknltk.download('punkt_tab')The punkt_tab dataset is downloaded using the above code. nltk.download(punkt_tab) fetches a dataset required for sentence tokenization. Tokenization is splitting text into sentences or words, which is crucial for breaking down large text bodies into manageable segments for processing and retrieval.Step 3: Setting Up NLTK Data Directoryworking_directory = os.getcwd()nltk_data_dir = os.path.join(working_directory, 'nltk_data')nltk.data.path.append(nltk_data_dir)nltk.download('punkt_tab', download_dir=nltk_data_dir)We will set up a dedicated directory for nltk data. The os.getcwd() function retrieves the current working directory, and a new directory nltk_data is created within it to store NLP-related resources. The nltk.data.path.append(nltk_data_dir) command ensures that this directory stores downloaded nltk datasets. The punkt_tab dataset, required for sentence tokenization, is downloaded and stored in the specified directory.Step 4: Importing Required Librariesimport osimport torchfrom sentence_transformers import SentenceTransformerimport chromadbfrom chromadb.utils import embedding_functionsimport numpy as npimport PyPDF2from fpdf import FPDFfrom functools import lru_cachefrom groq import Groqimport nltkfrom nltk.tokenize import sent_tokenizeimport uuidfrom dotenv import load_dotenvHere, we import all necessary libraries used throughout the notebook. os is used for file system operations. torch is imported to handle deep learning-related tasks. sentence-transformers provides an easy way to generate embeddings from text. chromadb and its embedding_functions module help in storing and retrieving relevant text. numpy is a mathematical library used for handling arrays and numerical computations. PyPDF2 is used for extracting text from PDFs. fpdf allows the generation of PDF documents. lru_cache is used to cache function outputs for optimization. groq is an AI service that generates human-like responses. nltk provides NLP functionalities, and sent_tokenize is specifically imported to split text into sentences. uuid generates unique IDs, and load_dotenv loads environment variables from a .env file.Step 5: Loading Environment Variables and API Keyload_dotenv()api_key = os.getenv('api_key')os.environ["GROQ_API_KEY"] = api_key#or manually retrieve key from https://console.groq.com/ and add it hereThrough above code, we will load, environment variables from a .env file. The load_dotenv() function reads environment variables from the .env file and makes them available within the Python environment. The api_key is retrieved using os.getenv(api_key), ensuring secure API key management without hardcoding it in the script. The key is then stored in os.environ[GROQ_API_KEY], making it accessible for later API calls.Step 6: Defining the Vector Database Classclass VectorDatabase: def __init__(self, collection_name="english_teacher_collection"): self.client = chromadb.PersistentClient(path="./chroma_db") self.encoder = SentenceTransformer('all-MiniLM-L6-v2') self.embedding_function = embedding_functions.SentenceTransformerEmbeddingFunction(model_name='all-MiniLM-L6-v2') self.collection = self.client.get_or_create_collection(name=collection_name, embedding_function=self.embedding_function) def add_text(self, text, chunk_size): sentences = sent_tokenize(text, language="english") chunks = self._create_chunks(sentences, chunk_size) ids = [str(uuid.uuid4()) for _ in chunks] self.collection.add(documents=chunks, ids=ids) def _create_chunks(self, sentences, chunk_size): chunks = [] for i in range(0, len(sentences), chunk_size): chunk = ' '.join(sentences[i:i+chunk_size]) chunks.append(chunk) return chunks def retrieve(self, query, k=3): results = self.collection.query(query_texts=[query], n_results=k) return results['documents'][0]This class defines a VectorDatabase that interacts with chromadb to store and retrieve text-based knowledge. The __init__() function initializes the database, creating a persistent chroma_db directory for long-term storage. The SentenceTransformer model (all-MiniLM-L6-v2) generates text embeddings, which convert textual information into numerical representations that can be efficiently stored and searched. The add_text() function breaks the input text into sentences and divides them into smaller chunks before storing them in the vector database. The _create_chunks() function ensures that text is properly segmented, making retrieval more effective. The retrieve() function takes a query and returns the most relevant stored documents based on similarity.Step 7: Implementing AI Lesson Generation with Groqclass GroqGenerator: def __init__(self, model_name='mixtral-8x7b-32768'): self.model_name = model_name self.client = Groq() def generate_lesson(self, topic, retrieved_content): prompt = f"Create an engaging English lesson about {topic}. Use the following information:n" prompt += "nn".join(retrieved_content) prompt += "nnLesson:" chat_completion = self.client.chat.completions.create( model=self.model_name, messages=[ {"role": "system", "content": "You are an AI English teacher designed to create an elaborative and engaging lesson."}, {"role": "user", "content": prompt} ], max_tokens=1000, temperature=0.7 ) return chat_completion.choices[0].message.contentThis class, GroqGenerator, is responsible for generating AI-powered English lessons. It interacts with the Groq AI model via an API call. The __init__() function initializes the generator using the mixtral-8x7b-32768 model, designed for conversational AI. The generate_lesson() function takes a topic and retrieved knowledge as input, formats a prompt, and sends it to the Groq API for lesson generation. The AI system returns a structured lesson with explanations and examples, which can then be stored or displayed.Step 8: Combining Vector Retrieval and AI Generationclass RAGEnglishTeacher: def __init__(self, vector_db, generator): self.vector_db = vector_db self.generator = generator @lru_cache(maxsize=32) def teach(self, topic): relevant_content = self.vector_db.retrieve(topic) lesson = self.generator.generate_lesson(topic, relevant_content) return lessonThe above class, RAGEnglishTeacher, integrates the VectorDatabase and GroqGenerator components to create a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system. The teach() function retrieves relevant content from the vector database and passes it to the GroqGenerator to produce a structured lesson. The lru_cache(maxsize=32) decorator caches up to 32 previously generated lessons to improve efficiency by avoiding repeated computations.In conclusion, we successfully built an AI-powered English tutor that combines a Vector Database (ChromaDB) and Groqs AI model to implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). The system can extract text from PDFs, store relevant knowledge in a structured manner, retrieve contextual information, and generate detailed lessons dynamically. This tutor provides engaging, context-aware, and personalized lessons by utilizing sentence embeddings for efficient retrieval and AI-generated responses for structured learning. This approach ensures learners receive accurate, informative, and well-organized English lessons without requiring manual content creation. The system can be expanded further by integrating additional learning modules, improving database efficiency, or fine-tuning AI responses to make the tutoring process more interactive and intelligent.Use the Colab Notebook here. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our70k+ ML SubReddit.(Promoted) Sana HassanSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions.Sana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Mistral AI Releases the Mistral-Small-24B-Instruct-2501: A Latency-Optimized 24B-Parameter Model Released Under the Apache 2.0 LicenseSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Agentic AI: The Foundations Based on Perception Layer, Knowledge Representation and Memory SystemsSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Open Thoughts: An Open Source Initiative Advancing AI Reasoning with High-Quality Datasets and Models Like OpenThoughts-114k and OpenThinker-7BSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/YuE: An Open-Source Music Generation AI Model Family Capable of Creating Full-Length Songs with Coherent Vocals, Instrumental Harmony, and Multi-Genre Creativity [Recommended] Join Our Telegram Channel

Welcome toIndie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If youre a developer and would like your app featured, getin contact.Wheels aims to be your all-in-one digital skate journal, allowing you (presuming youre a skater) to track all things skating. It helps track your rides, your skateboards, and offers a clean interface to manage it all.HighlightsWith Wheels, you can start tracking a ride with just one tap, making it incredibly simple. Once youre in a ride, Wheels will passively track your speed and distance, giving you an overview of your travels without needing to look at your phone mid-ride. The app has a sweet dashboard for monitoring your stats, and contains graphs to compare to previous rides. It also offers a live activity, allowing you to easily keep up with your skate session from your lock screen and Dynamic Island. Theres home screen and lock screen widgets as well.On top of ride management, theres also board management, allowing you to track mileage, maintenance needs, and more across your boards.Wheels also offers weather data in its analytics, putting everything youd need to know for your comparisons right in your fingertips. It levels up your skating journey.InspirationThe developer behind Wheels, Trevor Piltch, is a university student. He built this app between classes to solve real problems for skaters, and says this project is a passion project that bridges tech and skateboarding culture.Wheels is available for free on the App Store, offering the full experience with no ads. The app does offer a Tip Jar if youd like to support!Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

This is getting weird, even for AI.Cultimate WarriorAs if the San Francisco Bay Area couldn't get any weirder, there's now suspicion that a bizarre AI-enthusiastic group in the region may have inspired a pair of deadly assaults that took place thousands of miles apart.AsOpen Vallejo reports, two young computer scientists and apparent lovers, identified as 22-year-old Maximillian Snyder and 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut admirers of the Bay Area-based fringe ideological group known as "Zizians," who want to speed up AI's takeover of humanity were arrested this month for slayings that took place on opposite coasts.Earlier in January, Youngblut was arrested by federal prosecutors on January 24 for the killing of a 44-year-old Border Patrol agent named David Maland in Vermont during a deadly shootout. Snyder, meanwhile, was arrested on January 17 in the NorCal town of Redding on charges related to the stabbing death of Curtis Lind, an 82-year-old landlord.AI Acceler-Hatin-IsmThese two seemingly disparate homicides are entwined not only because the people arrested for them had applied for a marriage license in Washington State ahead of time, but also, asOpen Vallejoreports, because both youthful scientists seem to have ascribed to Zizianism, a radical and allegedly violent offshoot of Eliezer Yudkowsky's Rationalist movement.The name of the group, as that news outlet notes, comes from a LessWrong.com user who went by "Ziz" on the site. As tech writer David Z. Morris explains, Ziz and his compatriots believe that AI will ultimately bring about the destruction of humankind and per their thinking, that's a desirable outcome.Ziz's real name is Jack LaSota, and he used to live at an RV camp that was owned by Lind, the murdered landlord. To make this story even more bizarre, that landlord was slated to testify against a few of LaSota's former roommates after they allegedly stabbed him with a sword on the property back in 2022 but he was killed before he could.Morris and others have referred to the Zizians as a "murder cult" and "murder gang" due to the death toll surrounding the group. Horrifyingly, these more recent killings are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to allegations of violence linked to this AI-obsessed bunch and hopefully, that trend will end with them.Share This Article

Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.The Super Bowl is just a week away, and so it's fitting that today'sConnections: Sports Editionis focused on the Big Game, and the sport of American football. Here's how to watch the Super Bowl, and here's all the info about Kendrick Lamar's halftime show. Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free and then we'll have to see if it sticks around.Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried ItHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest, yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Road to the Big GameGreen group hint: Punt is oneBlue group hint: Big Game starsPurple group hint:Stop that play!Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: NFL playoff roundsGreen group: Types of kicksBlue group: WRs to win Super Bowl MVPPurple group:____ blockRead more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Feb. 2, 2025, #132. The yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is NFL playoff rounds. The four answers are conference championship, divisional, Super Bowl and wild card.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is types of kicks. The four answers are drop, onside, pooch and squib.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is WRs to win Super Bowl MVP. The four answers are Branch, Edelman, Kupp and Ward.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is ____ block. The four answers are chop, pancake, pass and run.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Connections puzzles.Todays NYTStrandspuzzle is tagged to a certain awards show happening today. You know which one, or at least I think you do. If you need hints and answers, read on.Also, I go into depth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHint for today's Strands puzzleToday's Strands theme is:Album of the yearIf that doesn't help you, here's a clue: Musical starsClue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:ROSE, NOSE, WINS, HILLS, STORY, TORY, TOSS, MODE, SINE, DANG, NINE, NINES, SELL, GELS, GRAM, GRAMS, RYES, STYLE, LIESAnswers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:HILL, KING, CROSS, JONES, SWIFT, STYLES, WONDERToday's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isGRAMMYWINNERS.To find it, start with the G that's the first letter to the far left on the top row, and wind down. The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Feb. 2 2025, #336. NYT/Screenshot by CNET

submitted by /u/MetaKnowing [link] [comments]

Apple CEO Tim Cook walks through a crowd during an Apple special event in Cupertino, California ... [+] (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWith Apple expected to launch the iPhone SE in the next few months, why could this iPhone be one of the best smartphones to buy in 2025?iPhone SE And Apple IntelligenceFirst of all is Apples implementation of artificial intelligence. Generative AI will play a significant role in shaping iOS and Android during 2025 and beyond. Apple is working hard to catch up and arguably will take most of this year and into 2026 to reach parity with the competition. Many of the tools, such as ChatGPT, can be found built into both systems.While Apple is late to generative AI, it continues to innovate with other techniques that contribute to the iPhone experience. Youll find Apples Neural Engine built into the Axx chipsets, which allow for on-device language processing, image recognition, and data processing through machine learning.When there is so much talk of moving personal data into the cloud or processing (as well as the intense energy demands of generative AI), many will look at Apples efforts to keep data on the device and find it a more personable decision.iPhone SE SpecificationsThen, you have the power needed to run Apple Intelligence. Your phone needs a lot, which means the flagship-level specifications for the current generation of smartphones are needed. Apple has been working to separate the iPhone and iPhone Pro by equipping the former with an older processor. Yet the AI revolution saw Apple introduce the A18 chipset for the iPhone 16 Pro and the vanilla iPhone 16. In addition, the smaller amount of memory on the vanilla iPhones has been upped as well, all to accommodate the demands of Apple Intelligence.MORE FOR YOUIt would be a courageous move to launch the iPhone SE without the option to run the Apple Intelligence suitealthough there is an argument that holding back some features and limiting the AI on the SE may reduce the cannibalization of the iPhone 16 market. In either case, the iPhone SE specs will be higher than you would typically expect from Apple at this price point.iPhone SE PriceAnd the price point is significant. This will be the cheapest new iPhone on the market, and it will be close enough in performance to the regular iPhone line-up that many consumers will not notice the difference. It will be an iPhone both in name and in use.Is it the perfect smartphone? No. Its not even the perfect iPhone. With compromises demanded in the design process of every smartphone, every smartphone is built around the choices of what to include and what not to include.An Apple employee hands over Apple iPhone phones on the first day of sales of the new phone at the ... [+] Berlin Apple store (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhether the iPhone SE is the best smartphone for you comes down to the decisions Apple has made and how many of them fit with what you want in your smartphone. Countless millions agree with the decisions that have led to the iPhone.Apple expects that its decision around the iPhone SE will match with enough consumers to turn its upcoming mid-range smartphone into a winner.Now read about one potential weak spot in the iPhone SE specifications...

This research-backed technique invites you to rediscover your spouse through sensation, attunement ... [+] and shared vulnerabilitybeyond expectations.gettyIn the dynamics of marriage, intimacy manifests in various forms, ranging from simple gestures of affection to deep emotional connections that bind partners together. However, as time progresses, intimacy can diminish, leading to a sense of disconnection. When this occurs, its easy to search for external fixesthings to do or change. But what if the solution isnt about doing more, but about being more?Sensate Focus, a technique originally developed in sex therapy, offers a powerful approach to reviving intimacy in a marriage by tapping into something much deeper than physical toucha more authentic essence of connection.This can reduce performance anxiety in relationships. and involves partners engaging in non-sexual, mindful touch to focus on physical sensations without pressure for sexual performance.Research on Sensate Focus emphasizes its role in reframing sex as a natural, present function and highlights the importance of focusing on the sensations in the moment rather than external expectations. By encouraging couples to be mindfully present with each other, without the pressure of forcing pleasure or arousal, sensate focus allows them to move toward deeper, more fulfilling forms of intimacy.Here are three ways that Sensate Focus can strengthen the connection between you and your partner, according to research.MORE FOR YOU1. Breaking The Chains Of Unconscious Patterns Through TouchOver time, couples fall into unconscious patternsrepeating the same ways of touching, communicating or even avoiding each other. These routines, though subtle, quietly widen emotional distance.What makes them so insidious is their automatic naturewithdrawal, resignation or superficial engagement that replaces genuine connection. Left unchecked, these habits become barriers that feel impossible to overcome.Sensate focus offers a powerful antidote, inviting couples to step out of habitual cycles and into a space of mindful, intentional touch. By shifting from automatic reactions to deliberate presence, partners rediscover each other on a deeper level. With no goal beyond experiencing sensation, sensate focus breaks mindless patterns and reawakens presence in the relationship.A 2014 study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience highlights just how transformative this can be. Researchers examined 14 couples who communicated exclusively through touch, measuring physiological responses.Findings revealed that touch increased electrodermal synchronization between partners and triggered significant physiological changes within individuals. This process fosters emotional contagion and empathy, reinforcing touch as a vital tool for emotional connection.Through heightened sensory awareness, sensate focus brings unconscious patterns to the surfacerevealing the emotional and physical blocks that have silently accumulated over time. As couples notice and acknowledge these barriers, they create space for intentional, healthier ways of relating, breaking free from cycles that once kept them apart.2. Healing The Silent Distance Between HeartsFor many couples, physical intimacy remains, but the spark feels dimmed. Beneath this surface-level connection often lies a deeper emotional distanceformed by years of unspoken needs, unmet desires and misinterpreted intentions.The physical space between partners can mirror this emotional void, creating a silent but tangible disconnection. Sensate focus offers a way to heal this gapnot through words or problem-solving, but through presence.Unlike traditional communication, sensate focus invites couples into a space of visceral, non-verbal connection. By shifting attention purely to the sensory experience of touchwithout any pressure to achieve a goal or fix a problempartners learn to simply exist together in the moment. Research underscores the power of this practice in bridging emotional distance, reviving a forgotten language of intimacy.For instance, a 2015 study published in PLOS One examined whether physiological and emotional states could synchronize between individuals who were merely co-present, without direct interaction.Participants sat side by side watching emotional films while their autonomic signals and emotional responses were measured. The results showed that their autonomic signals became idiosyncratically synchronized, and this synchronization correlated with the alignment of their emotional states. These findings suggest that emotional attunement can occur through mere presencea phenomenon sensate focus harnesses to rebuild connection.By grounding couples in the present, sensate focus shifts intimacy from an outcome-driven act to a deeply felt experience. It bridges unspoken gaps, transforming touch into a healing force that restores connection beyond words.3. Transforming The Self Into The Us Through Shared VulnerabilityOne of the quietest yet most profound shifts in a struggling marriage is the erosion of we into two isolated mes. Over time, partners may drift into parallel lives, losing the shared identity that makes marriage more than just coexistence. Sensate focus offers a pathway back to this shared identity, dissolving the barriers of individualism and transforming the self into the us.This practice invites partners into a form of vulnerability that goes beyond the physical. Its not about words, roles or obligations but about being fully present with one another through raw, unfiltered sensation.As each partner explores the others body with intention, they also deepen their awareness of their own emotional landscape. This shared experience fosters a sense of unitypartners no longer navigate separate paths but rediscover the world together.Research underscores the power of intimate collaboration in shaping a shared identity. A 2020 study on dyads and creativity found that working together fosters the formation of shared interpersonal boundaries, creating a safe space for exploration, challenge and growth.While the study focused on organizational settings, its insights apply to marriage: just as creative pairs form a collective we to thrive, couples engaging in sensate focus cultivate a similar sense of unityone that strengthens connection, intimacy and mutual evolution.Through this shared vulnerability, sensate focus becomes more than a practiceit becomes a bridge to a continually evolving partnership, where the us is not just restored but actively redefined.Heres a brief guide to engaging in sensate focus.Set the mood. Create a comfortable, distraction-free environment that promotes relaxation and connection. This helps shift focus away from external stressors and onto each other.Start with non-sexual touch. Begin with gentle, non-sexual touch, focusing solely on the sensations rather than any end goal. For example, one partner can use their fingertips to slowly trace their partners arm, noticing the texture and warmth of the skin. The receiver should simply pay attention to how it feels rather than anticipating whats next.Use different types of touch. Experiment with pressure and textures, engaging in various types of touch to heighten awareness and increase connection. For instance, you can try using the back of your hand, fingertips or even a soft fabric to gently brush over your partners skin. Move from their shoulders to their back, hands and legs, taking time to notice different sensations. This encourages mindfulness and helps partners discover new forms of pleasurable touch.Communicate and reflect. Share what feels good and try describing how the touch feels, such as saying That feels warm and tingly or Thats very soothing.As both partners grow comfortable, touch can naturally become more sensual, but theres still no expectation for sexual activity. A couple might start by touching fully clothed, then move to skin-to-skin contact over multiple sessions, always focusing on sensations rather than arousal.In essence, sensate focus isnt about achieving the perfect touch or fixing your marriage in a few sessions. Its about returning to a deeper level of connection where the words and actions that may have failed in the past give way to a shared experience of presence, trust and discoverywhere touch becomes a language of its own.Wondering how you could level up your sensate focus? Take the science-backed Mindful Attention Awareness Scale to see where you stand.