Tag Archives | preventative

People inspire me.

By on April 2, 2010 in Music & Wellness

Yesterday I facilitated a session on self-care through music for a group of medical social workers.

We loosened up, squeezed out, and brushed off anything having to do with work, the past, or the future.

We created a clean, safe space for self-care.

We were patient with ourselves and allowed plenty of time for focusing on our own personal well-being.

We cleared our minds.

We gave each other drum massages.

We drum rumbled out our cares and woes.

We laughed together.

We created a human toning bowl using our voices.

We created an hour-long moment in time that will never be replicated with the same people in the same way ever, ever again. And furthermore, we proved that every moment in our lives is just as special. Why have it any other way?

We shared what we were feeling during the catharsis.

Here are some closing words that people shared as we closed out the session, passing around the toning bowl:

peace, unity, compassion, love, support, gratitude, humor, fun, together, relaxed.

And now, I extend a big thank you to the session participants. You inspire me.

If you liked this, you’d probably like Humbled and Thankful, too.

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Drum for your wellness.

By on January 28, 2010 in Drumming, Music & Wellness

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I use this exercise with many groups. I encourage you to integrate music into your self-care routine. Every morning, I invite you to brush your teeth, wash your face, create your own relaxation drum beat to play with, and actively engage in this exercise! The peace and calmness you feel will last throughout the entire day.

Before playing, please remember that there is no judgment in drumming for health. This is all about the process, not at all about the product. There are no mistakes, there are only opportunities to be YOU, practice your freedom of expression, and share your spirit.

Prepare: If you have a small frame drum at home, hold it in your lap either face down or on its side. The face down position is directed toward the earth while the side position is directed toward the air and sky. If you don’t have a drum at home, feel free to engage in gentle body percussion instead. You can make up your own movement and rhythm in the process. Use your hands to gently pat different areas of your body, make sounds by stomping your feet, or use your voice and mouth for rhythm.

Center Yourself: Find a comfortable spot to sit or stand, and take a few deep breaths. Become aware of your feelings, thoughts, surroundings, desires, and let them go.

Be Present and Drum: When you are ready, play. Play anything. Bring your awareness to the rhythm while letting go of any self-judgment or criticism. Instead of imagining the rhythms coming from you, imagine the rhythms moving through you. Play. Your rhythms are an extension of you, your community, and our global community. Enjoy. Bring what you have to give to the drum, and take what you need. Play in the moment.

Savor: After your drumming excursion, take a few moments of silence to allow the rhythms to permeate through your body, mind, and spirit. Take this moment with you through the day, and remember that which you already know!

I provide regular workshops and classes on drumming for wellness. Contact me to drum with your group!

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