Marching to the beat of your own drum
by Robert Meagher on 10/02/16
I recently had the delightful experience of participating in a drumming circle. The drumming circle was led by local Therapeutic Music Facilitator, Nigel E. Harris (http://www.musicalwellness.com/). Having experienced similar events in the past, and not particularly enjoying them, I had my reservations about this particular experience. But before I attended, I consciously chose to let go of the past experiences, enter into this particular evening with no expectations, and enjoy myself. And enjoy myself I did!
The evening began with some ritualistic customs born from the
indigenous peoples of our land, including the reading of blessings and the
burning of sage and sweet grass. With the intoxicating and blissful smell of
incense wafting through the air, our drumming circle leader began the playing
with a simple rhythm.
With the unspoken, but ever-present, invitation to join in
with our own rhythm at any time, one by one, each member of the drumming circle
gently, some tentatively, added their own beat to the drumming circle. As each
new rhythm and beat was added to the experience, a rich and expansive texture
filled the air. There were moments of dis-harmony, and moments of dropping out
of rhythm, but the energy of the moment always brought us back into harmony
with each other.
As we allowed ourselves to be moved by the energy of each
other’s drumming, the beats and rhythms coalesced, merged, and rose to a
hypnotic and almost ecstatic experience. I became lost in the energy and let go
of earthly senses. An awareness of the numina came rushing in and I lost sense
and touch with the physical world.
I had moments of moving back and forth between this physical
world and the realm of Spirit. Images, sensations, flashbacks to earlier life
experiences flooded through my awareness. Insights became crystal clear and
teachings emerged and blessed me.
Perhaps most poignantly, I welcomed the awareness that we
can all play our own melody, but together we can live in harmony. The drumming
circle was a message, loud and clear, for peace and harmony at this time in our
existence on Mother Earth / Father Sky. We can each have our beliefs and
experiences, but it is possible to join with others in harmony and live in
peace. Indeed, our individual beats and rhythms ad a rich tapestry to human
existence and should be celebrated and embraced.
As in any relationship, we play our own instrument. But when
we join with others, together we can make beautiful music.
