Drumming is an activity that research has shown to relieve the stresses associated with life in our modern world. It has been proven to be one of the few activities that actually uses both the left and right sides of the brain simultaneously, placing them in harmony with each other, which is a rare occurrence in these modern times.

When a group of individuals get together to form a community drumming circle, they become one. We are all equal in the the circle. When you focus on the the drum you mind does not wander to other things, you are sort of made to be "here" the rhythm tends to keep you centered in the moment. You feel relaxed, and at the same time, energized. This is a very good feeling. Your mind does not really wander to other things making it be with you alone.

   DRUMMING FORCES YOU TO TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! We all need that.

All of us, whether human, animal, plant, rock, water, everything, vibrate at specific frequencies. We are all protons and electrons flying around a nucleus at different speeds. This is scientific fact. You can actually test for the harmonic frequency of granite for example, this is true of virtually everything on our planet.

When we are sick, when we are anxious or stressed out, worrying about the daily grind of our lives, our own bodies vibrations become erratic, out of sync with the world around us. Drumming seems to correct that condition.  After a bit of time with your drum you feel great, your body is humming, you can feel it. You will definitely feel a difference in your demeanor. 

I have not been to, or led, a drumming circle where there were not people who came reluctantly, had something else they 'should have done', or were, at first, not happy they came to the circle. What they needed to do still got done, but they did it with a much better attitude, and the task went much quicker and easier than had they not taken the time for themselves at the circle.

Many times I have been to, or led, a drumming circle where someone was 'dragged' kicking and screaming by a friend. They can't go because it'll be weird, they don't have time, they have no rhythm, (a myth, everyone has a rhythm. Just put your hand on your heart). Or, they don't have a drum. I've never seen a community drumming circle that did not have plenty of extra drums for use by all. These people in the beginning will half heartedly tap a drum, or pick up a rattle or shaker. By the time we are half way into drumming session together they are going all out. Even those that come in with the darkest expectations of what a circle will be.

What do they see? Community drum circles generally are not a bunch of hippies in dread locks sitting around a fire. It's people like themselves, here for the same reasons, a bit of curiosity, searching for a stress release mechanism, sometimes they are just a little frazzled and looking for something to do on a week night. 

What do they most often find?    Peace. 

 How do I know this? They tell me, most importantly... They always come back.

You will too. If you've never been to a drum circle, you need to go. You probably know someone that has. Ask to go with them next time. You won't regret it.

Eventually you may decide to buy or make your own drum. Many people will try to get out to every drum circle in their area. There is usually a few within  an easy drive. They can be found, it's not always as easy as watching the program guide on the cable or satellite system but, it's not very difficult to find one. Look around. Ask at music stores, community centers, churches. Ah ha! The internet! Go to Yahoo or Google or Web Crawler and type in drum circles or, (see column at right).  The easiest way to find a circle?  Start one.

Be sure to check out the Alchemical Fire Circle at VegasVortex.Com and please click around to some of the links on this site. They connect to some very good people. One of them may just change your life for the better.

See you 'round the Circle.

Dragon