Rhythm and Healing
Rhythm may be the
oldest and most direct form of communication. Drums
are a part of every type of cultural musical heritage, with
a wide variety of rhythmic systems and instruments. The drum
serves us well as a vehicle for keeping us healthy by:
- Personal expression and joy
- Stress reduction and energy circulation
- Balanced coordination
- Physical strength, and endurance
- Creating a sense of connection to others
- Being in the present moment NOW
- Connecting to spirituality
| “Oh
Great Spirit Thank you for the Sacred Drum…whose round form
represents the entire universe… whose steady, strong beat is the
pulse of the heart… this sound stirs us and helps us to
understand the mystery and power of all our relations”
~
Black
Elk |
With a venerable history as a healing art, it’s
no surprise that scientists are now finding measurable
positive immune system changes following one-hour drumming
sessions. Research from Dr. Barry Bittman indicates that facilitated
group drumming enhances the activity of specific cellular immune
components that are responsible for seeking out and destroying
cancer cells and viruses. The degree to which such changes must
occur in the context of disease control or prevention is yet
unknown. Ultimately, such strategies may serve to favorably modulate
the basic critical determinants of our health.
With fun and wisdom we use the
art of drumming and percussion to ignite your creativity, release
tension and anxiety, exercise the body, and communicate with a power
beyond words.
Specific rhythm- based activities include:
- Proper playing techniques and stylistic
exercises
- “Personal Power Practice” Drumming: Rhythms
of the 7 Sacred Directions for prayer and meditation
- Interactive rhythm exercises for teambuilding
- Drumming to enhance physical stamina,
coordination, balance
- “I am the Drum”: Individual rhythmic
expression, path-work, and stress release
- “Personal Pulse” body percussion exercises
- Rhythm games and “mandalas”
- Drumming circle facilitation techniques
- Teacher training for classroom rhythm based
activities
- Instrument construction techniques
|
Drum Circles
Ceremonies
Here is a brief “Power Practice” drumming
exercise to use the drum in a healing way:
"We
must learn to listen very carefully to the sound of the
drum. The drum, like all our relations, is alive and it is
trying to tell you something. Listen with more than just
your ears. To hear the voice of the drum you must listen
with your entire being. Ask your drum and your helping
spirits to help you. State your intention in a clear and
concise manner and then open yourself to the help that
comes. You must open the heart and empty the mind. Become
like a hollow bone and allow the power of the spirits to
fill you. Give up the need for control. This requires an
attitude of surrender and trust.
Always begin a
drumming session by softly stroking the drum, and then gradually
increase the intensity of your playing. It is much better to awaken
a drum’s spirit gently and softly. Imagine someone yelling loudly to
awaken you from a deep sleep. Sustain a steady pulse of about 3 to 4
beats per second. As you play, close your eyes and focus on the
sound of the drum, keeping your mind open to insights. Do not worry
about missing a beat or falling out of rhythm. Allow yourself to be
swept along with the rhythm. If your mind wanders, bring the focus
of your attention back to the sound of the drum. Stay aware of what
you are experiencing without trying to analyze or question its
meaning. Simply observe the thoughts and ideas as they flow in and
out of awareness. Insight and guidance may come through sounds,
symbols, or images. It may simply be an intuitive, knowing
awareness. Just go with the flow and learn through your experience.
Accept whatever happens with humility and grace. "
~
From The Shamanic Drum by Michael Drake
|
