We all share in the natural rhythmic experience of our heartbeats and breath.  We live in a world beating in rhythm, from the music we listen to, the sound of the car’s wiper blades on a rainy day, the staccato of a jackhammer, or the trill of a small bird.  Rhythm is everywhere. 

When we begin to drum, we begin to get back in touch with our essential selves and reconnect to our personal life rhythms.  The longer we drum together, the more we begin to entrain to each other and co-create a rhythmic container for unity, community, connection, collaboration and celebration with others that leaves behind our differences and instead, reminds us how much we are alike.  With the support of a conscious rhythm-based event facilitator, group drumming events allow us to come together in a safe, fun and enjoyable way, sharing the unfolding spontaneous musical journey, and/or, the achievement of other non-musical goals.  You don’t need to own any percussion instruments because they are often provided for use during the event. 

Whether you drum alone or in a group, drumming can be a fun and beneficial activity.  It can be a tool to non-verbally vent stress and pent-up emotions, express your creative spirit, and help you assess and re-establish a healthy life rhythm. This activity has been so popular because it is accessible to everyone and requires no previous skills.  During a drum circle, we begin by establishing a basic pulse.  After you have selected an instrument to play, you can join in the drum call by matching the pulse being played, echoing it, or have fun making up your own part. From that point on, just remain conscious of the pulse of the moment and create a rhythm that flows easily within it.  There is no right or wrong. This is different from cultural drumming where traditions are observed and specific parts are dictated by the song.

Since each person is unique, our own individual rhythms will vary. When we drum with intention and awareness, we can find the rhythms that make us feel good, relax us and/or energize us. This awareness can transfer to the pace of our daily life activities and support creating a healthier personal life rhythm.     

Giselle Felicia Vivian, BM CHT Professional Drum Circle Facilitator, Music Therapist and HealthRHYTHMS Facilitator offers group and individual rhythm-based programs to meet a variety of interests.  One Heartbeat Rhythm Circles is a program of ONE HEARTBEAT.  Learn more at www.circles4drumming.com and  about her other services at www.oneheartbeatgfv.com,