Drum Circles: Connecting Through Rhythm
Drumming circles are in essence gatherings that allow all participants to join in on the creation of vibration and rhythm through the use of drums and other percussion instruments. They can be loud and vibrant or smooth-grooved, but they all have the unique ability to not only provide an experience but an awakening as well.
An amazing characteristic of drumming circles is that they are clearly an experience that cannot be reached alone. Many forms of sound healing can easily be done in the comfort and quiet of your own home while you are by yourself, but drum circles require participants. In a world where it often feels like it is the others who get in our way, you will easily recognize that in this experience it is the others who help you find your way.
Drumming vibrations are consistent with the Universal pulsations of our heart and spirits. During drumming, the intention is for the participants to experience a state of complete openness and freedom that joins together with the group. Whether or not the circle is lead by a Drum Circle Facilitator, the creation of rhythm enables the participants to tune in to their inner self while connecting with the community in the rhythmic circle.
Grooving in a drum circle is truly a magical journey that escapes the confines of routine interaction between people. As the drumming heightens and the synchronicity grows, so does the connection between the inner self and spirit. This experience is a fantastic investment in entertainment that stimulates every area of human existence.
Drum Circles are a unique experience that can provide a stellar silence from all the chitter-chatter of the mind. The human brain has the ability to fixate on repetitive or monotonous sounds or light refractions. As the steady beats begin to pulsate, participants are able to achieve a type of meaningful silence that permeates traditional thought and awareness. The drums literally take over the body, mind and spirit and allow participants to tap into the innate knowing and being that stimulates the super consciousness. Science describes the transformation as the stimulation of the brain into alpha state. This alpha state is a dreamy form of mindfulness and results physiologically in a deep relaxation, void of emotional distraction. At this point the only existence is of the spirit, which is always truth, light and uplifting.
There are numerous kinds of drumming circles. Probably one of the most common is the Shamanic Drumming Circles. They are often focused on the spiritual aspects of life. In these circles the facilitators take the participants on an unfolding Shamanic journey which leads to a state of meditative awareness and openness. Some people feel as though they are in a trance or in a deep state of altered consciousness during these circles. The Shamanic Drumming leads the participants home again, back to the source energy they came from and into the super consciousness of the world and beyond. They truly create magical experiences that the participants will come away from with a renewed sense of self and appreciation for others. The Shamanic drumming circles normally allow some level of transcendence for all participants. These drum sessions are intended to waken the shaman within us all.
Many cultures also facilitate drum circles based on their philosophies and beliefs. They are normally facilitated as well using organic instruments that resonate to the specific cultural practices. Other drum circles led by facilitators or teachers have been used in corporate America to build team activity amongst employees.
Some circles are more free form, intertwining drumming with chanting, singing poetry and the spoken word. They tend to allow the circle to take on a life of its own, evolving into a direction unique and unplanned by the participants or drummers. There is often a fire representing the earth element of energy at the center and drummers encircle the flames. These types of circles are mystical experiences in the union of communities and people.
The beating drums and musical synchronicity that they create especially inspire children. When a child and a drum meet, the energy created is a beautiful mix of freedom and creativity. Many schools use drum circles to enrich the cultural experiences of the children and allow them to experience the fantastic voyage of universal rhythm.
Some drum circles are centered on the summer or winter solstices. These are usually comprised of people from all faiths and backgrounds. They are a powerful tool that inspires the participant to celebrate the biological temporal rhythms while connecting with intentions and gratitude through the created rhythms on the drum.
A wonderful part of drum circles is that no skills are needed. Even if hesitant at the onset, participants eventually give over and are able to enjoy and employ the creative freedom that rhythm and sound provide. There is not a person that cannot drum. We all beat with the universal rhythm of higher powers that pulsate through our chakras and body. As the sound vibration provides a festival for the audible senses, the body is also able to feel the drum beats inside their physical body. This makes them powerful and ensures that participants can easily focus the mind to the drumming. As a matter of fact it is far more difficult to try and think of something else while in a drum circle than it is to follow the path of the drums and be taken along the journey toward freedom.
It doesn’t really matter which type of drumming or rhythm you participate in. As long as you feel a connection and a level of freedom while you are drumming, then the drum circle is working. Scientific research has suggested that the rhythmic sounds of the drumming can literally boost the immune system and help to fight or ward off illness or disease. All drumming circles can provide the participant with a renewed sense of energy, improved clarity, focus, restored well-being and purpose. The connection of rhythm from a Drum Circle reaches out beyond language barriers, philosophical beliefs or religious practices. Drum Circles have the power to unite the vibrational heartbeat within us all to one resonant frequency. As this frequency is achieved, the links to consciousness are fully open and receptive. In the circle, we easily find our place and our commonality with all of life’s beings. If you have not tried or joined a drumming circle it should definitely be on your to-do list. Chances are, you will wonder how you made it so long without the experience.
