There are many reasons why you should start drumming.
"A life without music can only be seen in black and white. It takes music to add the colour."- Artie Shaw
Years ago, while living in Dubai, I started #AfricanHanddrumming. At that time, I had a very simple reason. I was new to the UAE, wanted to get to know people and I missed making music, as I left my Cello behind in Germany. I thought that playing a hand drum can't be such a big deal to learn. But drumming is much more than playing an instrument, reading notes or mastering a musical piece. It is unification, connection to yourself and the earth, whilst taking the time to be in the moment.
I learned my first rhythms, participated in Drum Circles, played with Africans from Ghana and the Congo, later on decided to get my qualification as a drum facilitator.....and started collecting drums.
Drumming is so fascinating to me. Compared to my Cello, my Djembe has very limited tones to play, nevertheless the sound and the music touches me so much more, than playing my Cello (Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my Cello). Playing the Drums gives me this deep satisfaction when I master to be 100% on the rhythm or getting into the state where you just feel and be.
On top, drumming does have a lot of benefits and positive effects on your health . It is proven that it can help reducing many conditions, such as addictions, anxiety, arthritis, hypertension, fatigues or stress.
It can also be beneficial for people with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Alzheimer's disease, Autism, cancer, chronic pain, mental health issues, multiple sclerosis, Paralysis, Parkinson, speech problems or stroke patients.
Many evolutionary biologists believe that music was even fundamental in our ability to function as humans and hold together large communities of people. One explanation for that is the production of oxytocin which is responsible for bonding and sharing emotions.
For me personally it reduces stress and anger, relaxes me, refreshes my mind and simply makes me happy and aligned. I forget the time around me when drumming. I can get into a meditative state and if I learn a new rhythm, it totally kicks out my monkey mind (and sometimes it gives me blisters if I need to get it all out and don't even realise that I always hit my thumb on the rim....and by the way, take off your rings when drumming)
Drumming does connect us with Mother Earth
The deep, grounding base beat of a drum remembers us of the heartbeat, the first rhythm we heard in life in the womb of our mother. The sound of the deep tone gives us a feeling of security and safety, whereas the higher tones connect us to the universe.
Shamans use drumming to reach a trance-like state in order to connect with a higher dimension.
Some facts behind drumming
When drumming, we connect and synchronise the logical left hemisphere and the intuitive, more creative right hemisphere to interact. One of the outcome is that we reduce the left hemisphere to always be dominant. Michale Drake, a internationally respected writer and recording artist explained it in a very understanding way for me: “the sound of drumming creates strong, repetitive neuronal firing in the auditory pathway that could block out other sensory stimuli.” This repetition of sound can help to block out the left brain’s tendencies to continually process and evaluate environmental stimuli; in other words, it helps put you in astate of ‘in-the-moment being’ that allows you to momentarily dismiss your worries, concerns, stresses, and other busy thoughts.
Through the sound of the drums, new neuronal connections in all parts of the brain are generated. Isn't that just wonderful?
And another little miracle happens when drumming. It can increase Alpha and even Theta Brain waves. The brain produces Alpha Brain waves when you stop focussing or concentrating, in simple words, when you are relaxed. Theta Waves are produced when you are extremely relaxed. Boosting your alpha or theta waves might increase your creativity levels, reduces stress and make you feel calmer.
S0 - start drumming!!
Most of the cities have drum schools or organise Drum Circles (in times after Corona). If you cannot find a sufficient place to drum near you, I can highly recommend Rhythm Bliss. #RhythmBliss is an online mindful drum school. It is one of its kind with such a wonderful community and easy instructions for beginners and advanced drummers alike. Rhythm Bliss is led by Alexandra Jai and her husband Michael Millman. Alexandra is not only an outstanding drum teacher and facilitator who learned from the big drummers of this world, she is also a Dancer, Yoga and Pilates teacher and includes Yoga into her drumming. With her husband Michael by her side, who is also a musician and composer, they form the perfect couple who have the ability to deeply connect with their community. The focus is on mindfulness.
You don't have a drum at home to start? No problem, that shouldn't be an excuse to hold you back. Use your lap, the table a big water bottle or a bucket. I once participated in a street festival where we all only drummed on buckets - it was brilliant:)
Let's sum it up
I told you, there are many reasons why you should try hand drumming:
Most important it is fun and makes you happy
It gives a feeling of Unification - to connect with yourself and others
You will feel a deep relaxation through the reduction of stress hormones
It supports the ease of chronic pain through production of endorphins ad endogenous opiates (which act like morphine-like painkillers)
It releases negative feelings - yes hit those drums and get it out:)
You can enjoy moments in the present, no past and no future to bother you
Be one with the rhythm of life - be aligned
It boosts your immune system
It integrates mind, body and spirit.
Explore your inner self and allow for personal transformation
Bring instant mindful clarity - by helping to shut up your monkey mind
Be surrounded by likeminded people
I hope we will drum together one day,
Be Humble, Be Hungry, Be Happy
Yours
Pe
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