THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTOS BY ANDREA DIALECT
Music Therapy – “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Get On The Good Foot” by James Brown, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams (GOOGLE THAT)
When I went to get my fingerprinting done last week, about twenty to twenty-five people had entered that space. Once the doors opened after the lunch break, everyone that was standing outside filed in as quietly as mice. You’d think that we were entering a library or even a courthouse of some sort. The receptionist aggressively made her requests and suggestions known during that PBA. Everyone just did what they’d been told.
Shamefully, the conversation exchange didn’t go beyond a yes or no response for the most part. During the entire time I was there, no one spoke, smiled, or basically made eye contact with anybody besides the rude receptionist and her equally unfriendly coworkers that forcefully grabbed those fingers and hands to capture that scan. I was furious.
I was equally bothered the other day by foot traffic and the many that I’m forced to share the road with as a bus driver. The unfriendly gazes and solemn faces are mindboggling to me. Such behaviors are justified in those busy heads when pointing from point A to point B as zooming selfishly through culturally diversified landscapes in which division clearly unifies during our missions to nowhere.
The question is, where are we going for God’s sakes? Surely, soon I will be handing in my keys when embarking upon going to a money-making space that triggers a song or an occasional whistle as I get up to go. When that happy tune no longer plays, Andrea bows out gracefully. It had always been that way throughout my life.
As I pondered the thought that day, God whispered to me, “You always do that. The bow out gracefully.” He was so right, and it has been a lesson on repeat for most of my life. Then he demanded that I, “Do something.” Thus, the Smile Project has been born!
The Smile Project invites individuals from all walks of life to join in the simple yet powerful mission of spreading joy and kindness through smiles. Together, let’s create a world where even the smallest gestures to #SpreadJoy!
Call for Smiling Faces Photos! Are you ready to spread joy and positivity? We’re looking for photos of smiling faces to feature in an upcoming project highlighting the power of resilience and positivity. Whether it’s a genuine smile, a candid moment, or a group shot with friends and family, we want to see your happiest moments!
Attention all smile enthusiasts! Let’s spread smiles far and wide and show the world the beauty of resilience and positivity! Together, we can make a difference one smile at a time. To participate: 1. Snap a photo of yourself or your loved ones smiling .2. Share your photo with us by, emailing me at andreadialect@gmail.com 3. Include a brief caption sharing what the smile means to you or why it’s special. Thank you for your support and participation!
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
PROS…
What does music therapy do?
Music therapy allows persons with mental health needs to: explore personal feelings, make positive changes in mood and emotional states, have a sense of control over life through successful experiences, practice problem solving, and resolve conflicts leading to stronger family and peer relationships.
CONS…
What are the cons of music therapy?
Anxiety – While in some cases music may help ease anxiety disorders, in others it may cause or increase anxiety. The wrong music can cause distress and heightened anxiety in Alzheimer’s patients. The lyrics can have a huge impact on the mental state of the client the therapist is treating.
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