why is "drumming" spiritually important to the yoruba?why is "drumming" spiritually important to the yoruba?

Ive been drumming for 47 years and several personality tests, including Briggs Meyers, that Ive taken show that I am not right or left hemisphere dominant. My husband chuckled at my lack of rhythm, but I did get better over time. But you have to surrender . THE FIRST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.i really cant explain what the feeling is when i play certain songs. Good vibrations. From your constantly beating heart to the rhythm of your breath to the rhythm of brainwaves to the rhythm of your walking, just for startersyou cant help being full of rhythm. My music program is a performing art music program, which incorporates together both; drum therapy and dance movement therapy combined. Stockbridge, MA 01262, Reimagining Religion with Love at the Center. Help. You're not in your head . We have maintained the same Native American-based drum circle in south Florida for over ten years now, as well as others. I have been playing the djembe since around 2010. The class that I finish in two weeks is Relaxation and Stress Reduction. It requires thought and muscle control that other musicians dream about. I belonged to a womans drumming circle many moons ago. Sitting them down with an iPad won't cut it, and sports aren't for everyone. An underlying force in life. Central Virginia, USA. Soreness is a good thing! YES to everything in this article. Hard to keep your mouth in front a microphone while beating the far edges of a kit. I love my work and the opportunities I am given to serve. Well done!! I sing and drum too! You strike me as someone who will not give up!!! It motivated me to get out and go drumming again. They are incredibly powerful and offer a deeply spiritual experience. I began hand drumming in a drum circle after toxic mold exposure turned my life upside down with chronic fatigue, insomnia and numerous other health deficits. The issue is finding it; without a series of convoluted tests we can grab low hanging fruit (jaw and neck). I am wondering if you could share the references for the research done on the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. I am in a situation where i need to set up my drums within a four walled room with an A/C and even a bed to sleep during the nights.Does breathing those skins of the drum affect our health ? I have taken both types of training and am now certified with Drums and Disabiities. You could try getting a prescription for a muscle relaxer, to see if that might help. Your email address will not be published. Explore upcoming programs led by Kripalu faculty and expert presenters on topics ranging from yoga to societal and personal transformation. Explore the different ways to support Kripalu. I slept so deeply after it. Divination. Feel free to reach out! I have been a drummer in many capacities for over 40 years. Lars' drumming is very good. Temple Grandin? I love it. T h anks f o r further inspiration! Im excited for you. The feeling came back about 5 years ago and I felt the need to play again wonderful! From dynamic presenter programs and workshops to virtual healing arts offerings, explore all Kripalu has to offer you in the comfort of your home. Drumming has been proven in human clinical research to do the following six things: 1. Mostly it involves CORE STRENGTH. We used drums to welcome folks and as a background to prayers as we scattered his ashes on the mountain and into the river. http://www.marlaleigh.com, Drumming workshops for Schools, Colleges, Kindergartens,Drum circles for community events,Staff motivation,Icebreakers for Corporate team building activities,Interactive drumming events. How To Improve Your Gut Microbiome In A Day, 8 Ways to Turn Your Empathy into A Super Power, 13 Habits to Protect Yourself from The Dangers of 5G Radiation. If it is okay I would love to quote you on my website as some further reading for my students and parents. I absolutely LOVE this article and the comments Im reading. I have been Drumming since I saw Ringo Starr with the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I took some pole dancing classes a while ago. I CRY AND FEEL HUGE ENDORPHINS. Snarepy!! We are doing more good for ourselves then just burning calories! HI Irene, I am so inspired by this post. Since then, I have taken classes and workshops, and bought a drum to practice at home. A Winter Cocoon of Connection: The Benefits of a Silent Retreat, Call Registrations at 413.448.3500 or email at [email protected], Call Registrations at 413.448.3500 or email [email protected]. I am going to have my own home soon..I will hire a drumming guide..at least once a month..for the entire family.. Ive also started doing some hand drums at our community center. In Kenya, in Africa, and around the world, percussion is dominated by men, and typically outright hostile to women who want to drum. Although very different, I love that too. The men drum and the women dance in our Goddess power. As a by product, I also experienced a feeling of wellbeing after longish sessions. Love love love love love this! Drumming is a great way to release stress. Im a trained HealthRHYTHMS (Remo.com) Drum Circle facilitator. Play cool instruments. Hi Christiane, Youre the most inspirational resource for both active and aspiring drummers-for-health that Ive found surfing on the IT since 1996. Thank you for helping spread the word. The dance gets my large muscles loose and my brain relaxed. A power that moves you emotionally through our 5 senses. Keep spreading the word, da-da-dada dut-dut-dada-da. Love your work and thanks again! So happy to see your post about this, and obvious endorsement of hand drumming. Arthur Hull has training as well. I can testify through 52 years of personal experience playing the drums (40 pro now, on TV, radio, CDs, demo tapes, many students,) that all of the benefits of drumming that you talk about in the above article are absolutely TRUE !! There are Hospitals who have therapeutic programs which involve drumming and the use of percussion instruments as part of their therapy. After an hour or so, my neck feels like its burning, and goes tight and into a spasm. http://www.drumconnection.com. Share. Not having the room for a full drum kit, I started experimenting with a small drum pad keyboard sounds and sampled hits from my drum machine. I can be tired and cranky and after a drumming class feel renewed. I want to do that! I mean, who doesnt want to feel like a rock star? As a guitarist of many years I was looking into realistic sounding drums to record with. (not a drummer) The first time I played a djembe at a local Drum Circle, I felt a rush of elation sending a message to my brain This is working, pay attention! THANK YOU!! She just said to me oh I just do this in study hall all the time .. NOT SURE. Thank you for sharing this article. Especially when were having fun together. Reading this gave me the chills. My wife and I have been thinking of getting our son into a new hobby while he is in high school so he doesnt get into any worse habits. http://www.thevillagedrumLLC.com, Thank you dear Dr. N. This is such a life affirming piece. So no matter your age its never too late to try something new even if its not the norm. I am a data architect, which is very logical, but I am also very creative and have hobbies making music and art. Finally, drumming can induce a natural high by increasing Alpha brain waves. A few years later when she was 15, and theres stepmother was in the process of dying from cancer Claire starts his drumming on the tabletop a very fast and well executed handover hand. . My first thought was How fun! I live in St. Louis and would like more info on your retreat. Any help and advice would be appreciated, I am in rural France. Any drum, in my humble opinion, will do. I began West African drumming last October, and the feeling of wellness and serenity is remarkable. Instead of running around the house while you're trying to make dinner, they . He was kinda messed up BUT when she finally asked him about lessons for me (knowing he needed any extra money) that is when the magic started. Why is Syncopation Important? In fact, hand drumming has changed my life so much, my last request in my will is to have a drum circle send off! Im sure that with a bit of research you could find something rhythmically satisfying without having to resort to a full kit. And teaching a toddler even the simple basic rhythm patterns is going to tremendously improve their motor skills and teach them to control their body much faster than their peers. Sexual selection in spiders shows how sexual selection explains the evolution of phenotypic traits in spiders. Women We are trying to encourage women to drum more. Much Thanks I love it so much. I turned 80 in September and try to stay active with exercises like spinning and yoga, so Im very interested in finding out what the Drumming Circle entails and hoping it doesnt include quick movements that will irritate my chronic painful sciatic nerve. Its important to get the right size drum and there are videos on the X8 Drums site to help you with that. CNN . What about the neighbors who have to listen to this drumming banging going on across the street. Woodpeckers declare their territories and seek mates by what is called "drumming". Best of wishes with it. And I keep getting stronger and more flexible. I never knew that drumming can induce a natural high by giving your brain a lot of alpha waves. Dear Tania, Ginger. I have a djembe but like lower tones. Culture. Thanks for the very informative article. Watch some of the video below. The difficulty here is this info is driven by a few pathways; pain & neuro reflexes being the primary ones. Here is a quick vid of what some of the kids thought https://web.facebook.com/MCPS.Bathurst/videos/618667091615391/, wow i just love this ..i created a format called DRUMBA and it came about to help my mother who has parkenisons and it has made a world of difference.Allthe drum formats are really taking off Drumns Alive ..Drum Fit .Pound. It made me so happy to read this. In the circle, you will see everything from shakers to the bigger instruments like I mentioned. I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2004. The lyrics reflect on the gritty parts of self awareness, and that kind of view on the world grounds the songs in a way that feels like catching up with an old friend whose quirks you don't mind . The drums can be both musical instruments and works of art, sculptural forms that are often decorated in a resplendent manner suited to their . I remember a PBS special many years ago where they hooked up a drummer in a marching band to a polar heart rate monitor and tracked his heart rate when he heard the drumline start warming up across the field. There, you will find drum circles such as is described to participate in that are run by trained facilitators to attain best results. Doing this for 15 years has also helped me get over shyness. Thanks so much Doctor, With the release of feel-good chemicals, increased energy, and physical and energetic balance, drumming leads to simply feeling really good and full of happiness. Drumming also functions in interspecific communication when prey animals drum to communicate to predators that they are too alert for a successful ambush. The drumming I read about here looks like we would be sitting rather than moving in different positions around the ball we use for the drum in cardio. Any hand held type of drum, such as frame drums, the djembe, tubano work fine. Could you possibly work with a trainer to see what can be done to change this for you? There are many new people entering the drumming community as it evolves into many new areas in society. All it needed was a fire burning in the circle. Keeping Fit. If you had a bad day before starting to drum you cant even think about it. HI Rick thank you SO much for this reply. THE HISTORY OF DRUMS from HEAVEN, DRUMS from HEAVEN became a reality on October 29th, 2005. And so your method really speaks to me. Calling it a BS DOESNT HELP!) I will be sure to tell my wife that we should get our son into drumming! But, the benefits you receive when you take this type of class are so much greater than those of your average aerobics class. We integrate some African rhythms with a lot of improvisation and creative expression through the drums and dancing. I love the sound and the joint participation and having our chief teaching us and how we can laugh whey we get it wrong but keep going. If youd like to become a trained drum circle facilitator, you can obtain training through HealthRhythms (www.healthrhythms.org. 6. We can see the path, but we cant travel it without you. Forward and/or rotated head posture is pain from the brainstem and above, or neuropathic pain. I instantly agreed and told her I was sure god wanted him to teach me the drums. I never knew that drumming can make one smarter alongside being able to heal physically and emotionally. One of the few things we know about our universe is that everything in it is vibrating, is in motion, and has a rhythm. I was beginning to lose hope. It's a part of the turkey hunting experience that can drive normally sane . Since they were trusted and respected in the community we were all invited to a community feast and drumming celebration. I visit peoples horses and drum fro them in the UK. This idea applied musically means boys are likely to be taught drums, girls are likely to be taught something "softer" like violin. Im in an all-wimmin drum troupe that gathers weekly to practicethey quickly became my soul sisters. I attend 3 hours of classes weeklyjust can hardly get enough of this wonderful, ancient practice. My life was very short of like minded people until then. Makes you happy. FANTASTIC POST!!! I,ve been a drummer for 20 years. Come visit the Kripalu campus, nestled in the breathtaking Berkshire mountains, for a nourishing retreat full of yoga, nutritious meals, mindful outdoor experiences, and more. At times it feels like time slows down and Im much more in touch not just with the music but life itself. Their blood pressure, blood lactate and . RhythmSoul Drumming, Wow! I play the djembe and ashiko primarily but I also play frame drums. You might want to read up on it, to see if the symptoms sound like yours. First Sound Workshops (facebook). Drumming does return life to oneself and makes it even better I think. I did. One year later, i have just read your article on drumming and music, i am interested what you have done in the past 12 months. Cheers, -Ali B. I have directed many Samba groups for the last 20 years and all the benefits youve outlined have been there for me and my fellow musicians, from youngsters in primary schools to over 80s. In order to play jazz well, a drummer needs to develop hyper-sensitive listening skills to what is going on around them at all The instructor was very good and I soon found I was drumming along in the circle with a great sense of rhythm and feeling of accomplishment. Thank you so very much. I believe this has to do with entrainment as you drum together in rhythm, your own hearts and bodies begin to entrain to the same beat. I hope this gives you a little insight into drum therapy. I like your idea by the way, of delivering facilitated drum circles to at risk groups. The drum has been part of my Irish culture for millennia, the sound of the drum connects us to our mothers heartbeat, her first communication with us in utero and perhaps the one we need to get back to in order to heal mother/child history. Its like a meditation with your whole being in synch and totally in the moment. Even historically, drums were used in war to give/relay commands, intimidate enemies and rile up troops & morale. My original facilitator also taught us Afro-Cuban rhythms which I love. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a percussion mallet, to produce sound.There is usually a resonant head on the underside of the . Art, Culture, and Music Therapy Teacher. We forget about our busy lives while we drum. Drumming can have positive effects on your health and may help with many conditions from stress, fatigue, and anxiety, to hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, addiction, and even cancer. Its very valuable and I will use it as a link. Director, RhythmSoul Drumming I use African drums (Djembes) and a Native American drum with a mallet. Might only be in the US, though,). You would certainly be welcome, this is a group of wondrous women. Im a drum circle facilitator and drum circles dont normally include movement. In fact this is my only form of income. Drumming is a great workout for your brain and actually can make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. The word rhythm comes from the Greek for flow. When chimps come to a waterfall they will often go nuts, pound on the resonant buttress roots of trees and swing about excitedly on branches. The experiences were profound and re-shaped my life. Explore holistic health, spirituality, self-empowerment and the power of alternative and natural therapies in healing the body, mind, and spirit. Kripalus evidence-based resilience program, RISE, is anchored in the science of mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology. 5. Through the efforts of about 100 people, drummers and or dancers alike, we came together for an extraoidinary night of percussion. Im a drummer (not a professional though) and always felt that I need to use my skill for a cause that adds value. the choices are as varied as people. While we are ceremonialists, the benefits you cite from social drumming are present in this type of circle as well. I was planning a mother-daughter trip for the weekend and your article gave me an idea. Google: primordial+rhythm+meditation for my website. And it has the possibility to benefit people with a wide range of symptoms. I have lupus and my immune system is compromised. The more the word gets out, the more people will get on board with this fun and beneficial activity. Kassa. Drum making workshops last one to four days, depending on how much of the work has already been done for you. Its all available to you. I love it so much. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Really lifts your spirit. All funds raised, minus costs are turned over to that charitable need. The more connections that can be made within the brain, the more integrated our experiences become. But i came across Dr Northrup site and read your article. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v5eBf2KwF8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v5eBf2KwF8, Feel free to reference this blog. A virus 3 years prior left me deaf in my right ear. I have also been attending drum circles for a few years and have only just recently handcrafted my own drum and drumstick. Marla Keith Moon describes himself as the "greatest Keith Moon-Type Drummer in the world.". It is joyful, stress relieving and so much fun. The drum is THE universal instrument, for reasons that are both known and unknown. Thank You.*. Several years ago I started Reiki drumming which proved to be a huge benefit for those who came in for reiki. Ive used it for special needs students. Other issues from below may also contribute, like neuro reflex info from the feet, hips, gut, etc.. but those are a separate conversation. I hope you can continue to enjoy and revel in the amount of physical power that you have . So much so, that I started a program called Rhythm Kids for young children in hopes that they could have the experience that took me too long to discover. I forgot about it for years and one day I said I want to do this. Others feel the rhythms penetrate through their bodies. After only 15 minutes of drumming your mind will start to quieten and your body will start to feel release. And if that means . I am a part of a cardio drumming group in Wyandotte MI and I LOVE IT! And such a beautiful example of something healing and uplifting coming from loss. African music is a total art form closely integrated with dance, gesture and dramatization. More than just poses on a mat, we believe yoga is an accessible practice that inspires connection, compassion, and joy. I had drumming at a memory/life celebration ceremony in honor of my youngest son who had walked past us the year before. We have found those with behavioral issues, including teenagers in recovery, benefit greatly from drumming While in session most children, teens and adults with behavioral issues are far calmer without incident We would love to share our experiences with you. I guess you could say that the drums saved my life. for my son. Im not a MD but I cant possibly imagine how a natural or synthetic drum head could hurt you. On Can't Buy Me Love, Ringo's drumming is the primal force that drives the song's hormonal energy, all whipcrack snare and floor-tom bombast, wrapped up in Ringo's signature sound: . And now, after a 15 year hiatus after a fruitless 6 year stint at community college, I have returned to finish for my BS in Alternative Medicine! We (http://www.inrhythm.com.au) have just returned from 2 weeks of drumming sessions within remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia, working with the school kids. I have added another dimension in using drum circles and their related culture dances to bring together people not only to drum & dance but to raise money for good causes. No, breathing the animal skins of drums cannot affect your health. I love and admire that you have started pole dancing. I recently joined a drumming circle that meets right after my NIa dance class (also new to me) and love it. I have been participating in these Native American Drumming Circles since 2007. It was decided we would now do our first drum circle as a huge benefit and raise money to send to school age kids and their families in need. Research grants if your area. I know the vibrations of many drums can and do facilitate miracles, and even drumming alone in my backyard brings a level of peace and connectedness that few other things can. Thank you Dr. Northrup for sharing your informed perspective! Thank you for the reminder to schedule another event. That was a confirmation to me that I was also doing a good job. I am a drumming circle facilitator, promoting the holistic benefits of drumming within my community & felt compelled to comment. My feelings grew very strong towards helping some of the survivors. Given a little encouragement they brighten up, lighten up and have an experience of being worthy and appreciated. I didnt know it at the time, but interestingly, this most heart-wrenching period of my life held the seed for my futuredrumming. Within the past couple of years Ive done a little contract work. -creativity The ENT doctor arranged for a hearing aid and I wasnt ready to give up. I now use both grips, because each has its own advantages. Indigenous cultures intertwine drumming, singing and dancing into their societies' political and social fabric. My doctor says its cervical spondilosis, and or, Fibra mialga, but I want to prove him wrong, and back behind a kit. How / Where can I receive some training in how to actually lead Drum Therapy sessions? Sounds like sharing your gift is helping to rebuild lives. Recently at a Special Needs Conference Ive had a chance to meet and talk with Temple Grandin, I gave her my methodology behind my music program, she told me, you could do good in a kids life. Everything you said about drumming is true. I have experienced profound transformation in myself and many musicians / drummers throughout my career in the music industry and mental health field ! When I turned 29, I didnt want that to be my story at 30, so I took private drum lessons for a year. I USUALLY SCREAM TOO IN ENJOYMENT!!!!!!! If you can hunt and peck while typing on a computer keyboard, then you may be able to drum and sound just as good as everor really close. System also. This article is amazing and well written, has definitely educated me a difference sense and giving more Love for drumming. Not only does Paramore speak to the apathy of the times without sweeping grief under the rug, but This Is Why finds a new . West African drumming is my passion. Keep it up. This is no extra cost to you, the purchaser. The third reason for hammering is for communication. I never knew there was scientific reasoning behind it! Keep it up and others will learn of drummings wonderful healing properties too. Funnily enough the first day I did drumming I got sinus infection followed by a chest infection and then the next week a stomach cramp that put me in hospital so I dont believe it improves immune system but it might be flushing things out. Drumming is such an ancient and healing practice. I have been drumming and making music with Music For People musicforpeople.org for the last three years and it has changed my life. Some of us connect through drum and dance. On 'This Is Why,' Paramore emerges from our collective fever dream. His E.A.teacher asked if it was alright, the gym teacher and myself agreed he could come in, so the E.A. stick a tongue depressor across between your teeth, or two or three- (try each variation) and this should turn off (this is temporary for testing sake ) the jaw loop. I am desperate to play again after a year off because of the following symptoms. The drummers from Mali were other- worldly. I can pick up 25kg of dog food etc, as an example, so I thought I was strong. Im known as the rockin grandma by my instructor who is also in her early 60s and awesome. For more than 50 years, Kripalu has been a leader in yoga- and mindfulness-based education. I have had a rough year, lost my job, death of a pet, family problems, car accident and some other minor issues. The constant movement of the upper body and lower body limbs make for prime fitness activity. Science and Psychology: Drumming as Therapy for Both Mind and Body The therapeutic effects of our programs touch lives on so many levels and we are blessed to drum every day. So it goes like this: one, TWO, three, FOUR. Drum circles have come a long way over the last 20 years. Thank you, Jean, a group of us in Eau Claire recently took a class and made our own drums. Today I put in my earbuds and listened to his incredible drumming, got up and danced, and almost immediately felt better. One of the most used drum for communication is the West African . Kudos. Its a more peaceful type of playing, somewhat meditating. Tip 2: Play to a Backing Track with a Click. I majored in music at Shepherd College and Berklee College of Music. Right on track!! I believe this is a most wonderful idea. Some people may learn these things faster than others thanks to their natural sense of rhythm. My son bought a drumming kit as a teenager, and I used to sneak into his room when he wasnt at home and play his drums. I am also looking at getting a cajon, which might not suit someone with back problems but there is a model that you can sit across your lap. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine enrolled both middle-aged experienced drummers and a younger novice group in a 40-minute djembe drumming sessions. Drummers are important in a band because they act as the timekeeper, lead many of the song transitions, and help build intensity with the volume. And, after graduating, found an African drumming class when teaching privately at a high school. Drumming makes your brain more efficient. I suffer from anxiety and PTSD and it such a useful tool for alleviating stress and keeping you grounded n the present. I would relish the idea of translating my knowledge and love of rhythm and drumming to positive participation by others for their physical, emotional or other types of healing. I cant concentrate much but by playing the drum I can sit for 2 hrs almost everyday. Martin, I will say that playing drums on a keyboard will take some getting used toit was difficult to translate arm, leg, feet and wrist movements into just my fingers tapping keys, but it happened with practice. Thanks! Drumming can have positive effects on your health and may help with many conditions from stress, fatigue, and anxiety, to hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, addiction, and even cancer. All rights reserved. Amazing comment. We have the best time, everyone in class is great and Ive become a complete drumming junkie! lightly slap the back and sides of your upper neck for 10sec. And thank you Dr. Northrup for writing about this! This is a great article. Rhythm is that which is unseen but felt. I am proud to say that Rhythm Kids is now being offered worldwide through Music Together, an internationally acclaimed early-childhood music development company. "Kumi-daiko" literally means a taiko ensemble that consists of various taikos. After a month I had to get my own drum kit. I was wondering why I became so obsessed with Pound! I hope that many more medical professionals like yourself promote recreational drumming and its health benefits. To request permission to reprint, please email [email protected]. I started playing drums at an early age and played semi-pro for 10 years and sold my kit of drums aged 25 then I met my wife in 1977. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Drumming and its effects on our whole being. I think we need some Thundergods in Portland Maine playing beside the Atlantic ocean. Tania. And he was even more cautious about the repetition of his general life. The healing experience for the horse is an incredibly powerful and direct one. There have been rare instances where animal skins that have not been properly treated have generated natural anthrax, and people have died because of this. Some of us meditate and focus on their inner being. I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of benefits to drumming, especially that while drumming you have access to your entire brain. I have gone to a few drumming circles with different leaders.

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