MOVE THE GROOVE

Hola,

It’s been one hell of a weekend; the Pope was laid to rest (RIP), Liverpool carried the Premier League cup (I’m still celebrating), and opposition parties in Uganda are still being blocked and/or restricted from carrying out any public gatherings (…as usual). Plus, the rains are still bringing their “A” game. All in all, we down for another week of the “grooving”. Regardless of a bad week or a jovial one, at the end of every week, we ought to thank the Almighty and wiggle our waists to the playing tunes, so let’s get into it;

Did you know that dancing was proven to be therapeutic and good for the physical fitness of one’s body? Well, if you didn’t…now you know. Some people dance when happy and ecstatic, while others do it under the influence of peers or fine tunes rumbling through the air. At the INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY CELEBRATION, all the above-mentioned factors will come to light and take immediate effect once you cross the entrance gates at the UNCC auditorium. Expect electric slides, back bending, belly dancing, and creative twists to the dancing realm all in one place. I am surely taking my stiff back for some dance lessons come 29th, see y’all there. 😉

Another form of therapeutic vibration is listening to jazz. The smooth nerve-calming sound waves of jazz instruments is what makes jazz music fit for thinking, meditating and genuine grooving. Jazz music has a way of bringing to life your calm side, which for most has probably been in the dark side for a considerable amount of time. I feel those judgmental eyes looking at me for saying that, but word for word, the WAVES OF JAZZ showdown at ENCANTO will do more than prove me right. It will switch your brain waves and you’ll start researching on Isaiah Katumwa and his entire catalogue, mark my words.

Therapy is one of the ways to sustain a good state of mental health, and also, aid in keeping track of one’s mental health graphs. So many people out there fight with mental health instability; some fight in silence, while others seek solutions in any way possible. Either through peers, family or even from a mental health expert. The MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS conference is curated to delve into mental health matters such as causes of poor mental health, effects, and solutions. The panel consists of profound mental health experts and advocates who contribute greatly to mental health awareness in their ways. To my readers, this is a recommendation to attend because we never know who in our social circles is facing mental health challenges, and to those experiencing mental health difficulties, remember, NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. Talk to someone, I am here as well if you need someone to talk to. I’m a pretty good listener. 🙂

Nevertheless, laughing is known to aid in stabilizing one’s mental health, especially in a jovial atmosphere or environment. The COMEDY BLACK FRIDAY is that kind of jovial and ecstatic atmosphere one needs from time to time. A night filled with sips and jiggles at the National Theatre courtesy of Okello Okello, one of Uganda’s skilled comic acts, is a night to reckon with. I think today evening I’ll be laughing my way to the bank to make some currency decisions in preparation for 2nd May at the National Theatre.

On the other hand, let’s talk about the mental preparation one needs to undergo before participating in any cultural and traditional practices. For instance, the traditional practice of male circumcision in Eastern Uganda during the Kadodi season (OUCH!!). This involves: cultural elders moving from one homestead to another, performing traditional male circumcision, going across districts where they have been invited to perform the cultural rite, and in turn, preserving their heritage. The KADODI KARNIVAL is here to pour in more insight into the cultural and traditional norms and practices of the Bagishu. If you’re intrigued, don’t dare miss out.

Today, I’ll close this piece by saying something small about Mental health. Much as some people smile always, they a times are battling mental health hurdles such as depression. To the peeps experiencing mental health challenges, I’ll re-echo this: NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. We were born into this world alone, but that doesn’t mean we should suffer in it alone. Always talk to someone before it’s too late, a mental health expert, a friend, a brother, a sister, a mentor, a guardian, or a parent. Anyone you feel comfortable and safe opening up to.

Until next time, I remain…

Yours truly,

–ThiWordknight–