Last weekend I started a course on Therapeutic drumming. I had never joined a drumming circle before but it was a powerful experience that helped me move my feet and connect with my emotions.
Drumming is one of those ancient practices that has been used for communication and healing and that many people connect with today. There is much evidence about the physical and emotional healing impact of the drum and how it helps people to connect with the soul.
The circle and the beat helped people to connect with each other and begin to be authentic with other in a very short space of time, it seemed to evoke a sense of community, openness and togetherness that I have found it hard to discover in church settings.
One of the core principles about a drum circle is that everybody can participate,, everybody is equal, there is no right or wrong way, no judgement, no dogma, no gender issues, no power stuff – just a sense of let’s celebrate our humanity and be one in spirit.
I was left wondering what a beautiful experience this was and looking forward to meeting up again.
When I saw the title I thought it was a post by Mark on the local carnival we went to at the weekend. I was struck when watching the illuminated floats go by that often church can think it has a monopoly on good community. The organisation of the groups that enter a float is a huge community thing, with different people doing the building, engine work, costume making, fundraising etc. The level of involvement by young people was also great and demonstrated a level of community I have seldom seen before.
Inspiring post. Imagine mission that has those (or at least some of those) characteristics. Something where people needn’t be selfconcious or insecure. I think that there is a lot to be learnt here. It is so easy to put people down without even noticing that we are doing it (I should know! 🙁 ).
I often think Church can get stuck and in a rut about the way to do things and also far to serious about most matters. Banging drums is almost a childlike thing to do, play brings us down and promotes laughter, fun, togetherness and commonality. Maybe the church would grow in depth if we could embrace insecurity , immaturity, vulberability and a culture of learning. The weak things over the so called strong things.