Bringing Families Together Through Drum Circle Gatherings
Our intention with this drum circle gathering is to raise our energies, our consciousness and our connectedness as a global community!
I’ve invited my friend Aaron Meli, who is a master at the art of drumming and leading drum gatherings, to guide this initial drum circle which will take place at 9pm in Singapore, the eve of the next Full Moon.
Aaron will lead us virtually from the Sacred Valley of Peru! Those who want to join in other parts of the world there will be a second session at 8pm Lima, Peru time.
You may be wondering what are the benefits of drumming or what is the purpose of gathering to drum with others. Well when we look at human evolution we can track the history of drumming to the beginning of human kind. The positive effects of drumming is embedded in our DNA and we can awaken this most primal part of our brains by simply creating a consistent drum pattern and going with it.
Here is something else to consider. The first sound we ever heard was our mother’s heart beat. Research has shown that the transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain can synchronize the left and right hemispheres. Drumming brings both our logical thinking, which exists in the left brain, and our creative thinking, which exists in the right brain, together to give us access to our entire brain. The drumming sound generates new neuronal connections throughout our brain and these connections lead to more integrated experiences and a deeper sense of self awareness.
The benefits of drumming are numerous, but here are the main ones that will have the most positive impact on us now during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Makes you happier. Drumming releases endorphins and changes our brain waves to a heightened state that is linked to increased happiness.
Boosts your immune system. Studies show that drumming circles boosts the immune system. Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist discovered that group drumming actually increases natural T-cells, which helps the body combat viruses and cancerous cells.
Forms a sense of connectedness. Have you ever clapped your hands along to music at a concert because others were doing the same? It is not hard for thousands of people to become synchronized to the beat almost instantly. This shared experience occurs during drum gatherings. During isolation, a feeling of connection is what most people are craving the most and even though this gathering is virtual, the essence of connection can still be experienced.
Releases negative feelings. Negative emotions serve as energy blockages in our body. The physical act of drumming can remove these blockages and has been used therapeutically to help addicts regulate their emotions.
Brings you to the present moment. With your creative energy stimulated as you drum, one could potentially enter a flow state where the awareness is so focused on the present moment, there is no worry of the past or future.
Join us on the next Full moon May 7, 2020 as Aaron will lead us from the Sacred Valley of Peru!
To learn more about Aaron visit his website.
MINDFULNESS IN THE CBD
It all begins with an idea.
Many people think of meditation as a way of emptying the mind of all the clutter from the week; the list of to do's that isn't getting smaller, the incessant phone calls and sms that won't stop, the gnawing feeling that the work pile is getting higher and of course the vague awareness that we are living out of sync with our values, if we can even remember what they were.
So the thought of emptying one's mind can be quite alluring and it is, but what I bring to my practice is the philosophy and belief in an approach called mindfulness. Yes mindfulness can be used in context with meditation and is in fact type or approach to meditation. But more than that, it is an approach to daily living, loving and even managing conflict.
In my practice we are often discussing a mindful approach to anger management, work stress/anxiety, addictions, relationship conflict, navigating traffic during the commute and navigating trades during the day. Being mindful in the approach to these normal occurrences allows us to respond calmly and thoughtfully, rather than reacting with judgement and assumptions. This can be learned and honed just like any skill.
It starts with learning who we are so that we can learn Self Regulation and managing the states that direct our responses.
It starts with a process of breathing and I mean that literally, followed by a sense of grounding one's self in the reality of what is happening at that moment. It helps one to eradicate the judgements that would direct an "autopilot" response to a learned behavior/reaction.
If someone cuts you off on the CTE, on the way to work as they speed by and you feel that twinge of angst rising up through the nerves in your spine and shooting directly to your fingertips where you are now gripping the wheel with fury…you should respond by recognizing the conflict then take a long deep breath. Then remind yourself that he was not cutting you off. He doesn't even know you. He was cutting off your red Toyota and it looked like all the other cars he passed already. In fact who knows, maybe his wife has just gone into labor and he is racing to join her where she is waiting for him at the hospital or he is late for a meeting where he will land a deal that will change the fate for his entire family. Sure he shouldn't be speeding. But doesn't it change your state to realize these other possibilities? Suddenly you become aware of the calming effect in your state and how your grip on the steering wheel has relaxed and your breathing has resumed. You might even smile at the thought of your earlier response realizing how useless it was and that you are still safely on your way.
Self regulation of these states most often does not come naturally and it can be helpful to seek therapy for insight and perspective when dealing with life's challenges. In order to meet the needs of clients who are centrally based, I will be offering therapy and coaching in the CBD and Raffles area and will be introducing mindfulness based approaches in addition to other therapeutic modalities.
Until we meet, remember to breathe, ground and respond.