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Traditional learning procedures have it that learning must happen in with a didactic approach that is largely information driven, or dominated by theory. Sometimes, these procedures rely on a power dynamic between the 'knowledgeable' teacher, and the 'ignorant' student, establishing hierarchies of order and control. These styles of learning often favour left brain hemisphere processing; rational, logical thinking.
With
DrumInspire, knowing is in doing. Since,
we all have the capacity for insight and can also create meaning out of what
we do, there are no teachers & learners, only facilitators & partcipants
who are on a discovery journey leading to deep
insight & personal meaning.
Workshops apply the personal
learning in a practical
way to make the lesson both suited to life
and easy to implement later on. This kind of learning
happens from personal experience and is one of most effective
methods of education & training. To deepen the learning, Druminspire
inspires partcipants before the experintial learning...an unique learning pocedure
called 'inspiring'.
'Inspiring' is an innovative learning procedure that inspires partcipants before implementing experiential learning processes. It creates an optimum state of consciousness that is open and positive, allowing learning to be excitng and pleasant whilst building self-esteem and initiative. Inspiring surpasses language and cultural barriers and thus creates an ideal situation for collective growth as well. Inspiring develops right brain hemisphere functioning and integrates it with left brain logic -through reflection... Here's how Druminspire workshops inspire experiential learning...
"Correct inner listening is a precondition for the player's inspiration"(Klower, 1997).
Inspration is an exciting moment of brilliance often arising out of a shift in perspective induced by personal insights. It is a great way to become passionate about life and actualize your potential. Learning while feeling inspired is also a passionate experience that can create meaning and advance personal growth. Currently, drumming is being used in many countries to advance personal growth through developing self-expression, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, group bonding, musical skill, leadership, listening, community development, trance induction, healing, peace, physical relaxation, symptom relief, stress relief and emotional euphoria. Drumming is an active meditation technique that is truly inspirational, leaving the drummer feeling deeply moved. For these reasons Druminspire inspires partcipants on the workshops in order to create a deeply personal learning experience.
Motivational speakers have become a common choice in helping employers boost the moral of the employees. They use their life experiences to motivate individuals or groups through the lessons they have learned . Motivation relies heavily on the motivator to do the work of encouraging others and as such raises certain concerns:
Why be motivated when you can be inspired?
Druminspire
introduces an alternative way to encourage productivity ...Inspiring- a combination
of inspiration and experiential learning methods
that helps people connect with their internal motivating force.
Druminspire workshops *
facilitate personal insight -
personal
insight lasts forever *
teach personal passion as a guiding force for productivity
*
use experiential learning processes: very effective learning methods *
make learning personal & practical *
people experience the wonders of collaboration * partcipation
becomes fun & personally meaningful
*
a motivational tool that is independent of external resources *
develops the individual and the group identity
*
engages people to challenge their fears and
* actualise
their potential
DYNAMIC
INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING 
The drum is a universal tool that can reflect to us, our personal power. It is experiential learning about the value of contributing to the whole, guiding us into deeper partcipation and collaboration. It teaches constructive communication skills, helping to develop interpersonal skills through listening and attunement. The experience of drumming is experiential learning about the power of the self and respectful ways to harmonise the self within society. It become lead us on a discovery journey to connect with our inner rhythms and our true Self.
"Rhythm... has the most intense and immediate influence on man, and it affects directly both the body and the emotions" (Assiogoli,1965).
"Through rhythmic repetition of ritual sounds, the body, brain, and nervous system are energized and transformed"(Redmond 1977, In Friedman, 2000).
RHYTHM IN OUR BODIES AND OUR WORLD
Life
starts with our foetus warming to the meditative sounds of blood moving through
our mothers' veins. Within this rhythmic resonance of bodily sounds, our foetal
bodies begin to develop. An internal world of rhythm begins to grow, in our
breath, heartbeat, brainwaves, blood circulation, firing neurons, endocrine
system, and in our DNA. There is no judgment, only the ebb and flow of sound
through time. And so we grow in a symphony of rhythm.
Our external world is also filled with an endless melody of rhythmical sound. Nature, waves, wind, rivers, birds in flight, seasons and the whales song all move with rhythmic flow. The universe has a rhythmical flow of planets revolving around each other, leading time into cyclical rhythms. The moon takes 28 days to revolve around the earth and every 365 days the earth revolves around the sun. In 24 hours light turns to darkness, then to light again.
The whole fabric of our inner and outer world is an interwoven set of rhythmical patterns, a kaleidoscope of cycles, reflected in our sky, our earth, our oceans and each other. Rhythm strokes our physical, emotional & psychological processes with health enhancing effects on our passage through life.
"We are born with a need for rhythmic input. It affects our brain waves' function and may play an important role in normal physical, emotional and intellectual development" (Roskam, 1993).
Psychologists have studied the psychological effects of rhythm on the human psyche. One such psychologist, Dr Assiogoli, notes that added to bodily rhythms and subtle cell vibration, the psychological self too has a specific rhythmical sound vibration. Emotional states like depression, elation, joy, passion, weakness, strength, sorrow, loss, fear and personality attributes like introversion and extroversion all vibrate at certain rhythmic frequencies. According to Assiogoli, the attributes and states of the human psyche are highly susceptible to sound and rhythm.
In
his book, The Psychology of Music, Seashore
explains that rhythm can both stimulate
and relax.
Exposure to rhythm brings about a state of elation, which then transforms into
calmed stillness. Rhythmic music inspires us to dance, and in the dance we are
entranced into a state of auto-intoxication.
Seashore argues that because of our innate connection to rhythm through the
ages, it must have has assisted the evolution of our species, and therefore
must have benefited our survival and facilitated our evolution as a species.
For Seashore, our instinctual attraction to rhythm is best understood in terms of our relationship to 'play'. He defines play as a self-pleasing physical or mental act that has no decipherable end. Through rhythm we are invited to play, surrendering our preoccupation with the end of the journey and instead enjoying the moment in the experience without knowing its destination. Consequentially, rhythm is the psyche's pathway to play. It provides a pleasurable space to which there is no determined end.
The all encompassing rhythmic pulse of life and the way in which rhythm penetrates and transforms our psyches, is of profound psychological importance. Both Seashore and Assiogolli thoughts imply that rhythm can produce a therapeutic effect on the individual. The theory of entrainment illustrates the complex manner in which this therapy takes effect.
Melody and music can bring us to tears, elevate our mood, and change our emotional state. With rhythm embedded in our physical structure, its easy to understand that rhythm makes us feel good. Its therapeutic value and restorative benefits is old wisdom practiced for centuries all around the world. Most significantly underpinning these traditions is the drum, an instrument that has made life that much more exciting to live.
"As the body becomes comfortable with a pattern that is repeated for an extended time the conscious mind relaxes, and worries, fears, tensions and inhibitions are let go. Then physiological changes occur in the brain and body, and as a result participants enter a state of relaxed, effortless, energized clarity that athletes and martial arts experts experience. They encounter feelings of inner strength and the ability to take on challenges, as well as creating connectedness to others in the team and to the natural world" (Katz, People Dynamics, 1999).
"When a group of people play a rhythm for an extended period of time, their brain waves become entrained to the rhythm, and they have a shared brain wave state. The longer the drumming goes on, the more powerful the entrainment becomes. It's really the oldest holy communion" (Redmond, 1997).
Entrainment is
a revolutionary scientific discovery that helps to explain and confirm that
rhythmic repetition of sound influences human experience. Christian
Huygens, a Dutch scientist, discovered entrainment, a scientific phenomenon
of synchronized movement, in 1665. Huygens
found that when two pendulum clocks, positioned side by side are suspended in
motion, they begin to swing in perfect unison
within 24 hours. The frequency of a moving system is determined by the
frequency of movement of another moving system, illustrating the principle of
entrainment. Entrainment explains that the frequency of an individual's rhythm
or 'moving system' depends on the frequency of another dominant rhythm or 'moving
system'. Humans,
like pendulums, can also become entrained to move according to a dominant rhythm.
Drumming illustrates the concept of entrainment. Drummers identify the dominant bass rhythm to copy it, synchronize with it, or improvise off it. A strong bass beat will encourage other drummers to merge with this sound, creating unity and harmony. This aspect of merging with a dominant rhythm happens naturally, demonstrating the propensity for humans to synchronise with a dominant rhythm outside themselves.
Recent research shows that experiential states have their own vibrational frequency.Through
the process of entrainment it seems possible to
alter moods and shift
consciousness by changing the vibrational
frequency of the respective state. Since drumming is a clear production of rhythm
and vibrational frequency, the drum can be used to transform
physical , psychological and emotional states. 
The drum can be used as a projective surface onto which emotions and thoughts can be projected. Like a mirror or a reflecting therapist, drums provide a surface onto which emotions can be viewed, released and processed, hereby cleansing the body of toxic thoughts and feelings. Another way in which Since rhythm and sound appeal to the preverbal right brain hemisphere, unconscious material is also activated more easily. This immediate connection with unconscious processes helps to release stored up energy. It also makes the self discovery journey an active display of emotion that is non-verbal and expressive.
DRUM
ALCHEMY : The drum as alchemist
"Alchemical drumming" is the process of transmuting what is unhealthy in the body and releasing it through the drum"(Friedman, 2000).
Alchemy was the name given to a medieval chemistry practice that sought to transmute base metals into gold. The true power of the drum can be seen in its ability to introduce sound patterns that effect the brainwaves of the players. Its alchemical power is evident when alternative sound patterns are used to effect a desired change. Like alchemy, the drum's sound vibrations can be used to transform basic emotions (by projecting, mirroring and then releasing them), into higher 'golden' states of consciousness. This transformation process has been referred to as the "alchemy of drumming" (Friedman, 2000; 50).
Let us consider the example of 'Joan Soap' who is feeling fatigued and lacking energy. Like a blank canvas onto which the artist paints, the drum can act as a tool onto which Joan can project her tired mood. Joan expresses her level of energy, by playing a steady, slow beat. If Joan starts to play a fast beat on the drum her mood lifts, energy levels increase as the sounds reorganize her internal vibrations. This example show how the drum acts as a catalyst for change. Like an alchemical vessel, it becomes a transformer effecting change in the individual, transforming the mood in the individual him /herself and eventually even the surrounding atmosphere.
Transforming
negative emotional states into pleasurable ones is truly revolutionary
to health care practices. Introducing drumming into standard healthcare
practices is a cost effective method to enhancing life and health. Druminspire
is dedicated to implementing drumming as a therapeutic tool to most both educational
and health care practices.
The fact that drumming can transmute disease into health shows that drumming has a therapeutic effect. The drum itself can even act as the ideal therapist. It can mirror the player client, reveal what s/he projects, and feed back helpful sounds that calm and sooth. Much like a therapist, the drum offers an opportunity for healing to transpire by providing a safe space where alternative behaviours, emotions and thoughts can develop. Humans have unconsciously known about the healing power of sound since time immemorial, indicated by our long standing relationship with natural and musical sounds. Give a person a drum and you give the oldest alchemy tool that can lead to a service of the Self .
"...the drum has been used since time immemorial as a regular part of healing traditions..." (Klower, 1997)
"The djembe is also known as the healing drum because of its history as a tool in African healing traditions" (Rhythmedge.com/hist.html).
"Drumming changes peoples consciousness"(Redmond, 1997).
The left hemisphere of the brain governs verbal communication, logic, rational thought processes and analytical thinking. Contemporary western society emphasizes the left-brain functioning. This can be seen in the consistent use of the written word, often considered superior to creative outlets. Theory and information have taken on the highest credibility in the western paradigm.
The right hemisphere of the brain governs creativity, intuition, visual and auditory stimulus. Also operating as the emotional centre, the right hemisphere processes all emotional input. Somewhat repressed, the right brain activity has been marginalized as an inferior system of experience.The effects of this bias leave the artist on the fringe of society, and the scientist highly respected.
Normally, the different hemispheres operate independently.When one hemisphere is dominant - with brainwaves cycle in 30-minute to 3-hour intervals - information from the opposing sphere is unavailable. Although rare, right and left hemispheres may omit the same brain waves, however they almost always remain out of sync with each other.
THE AWAKENED MIND
Hemispheric
synchronization occurs when
both left & right brain hemispheres are active simultaneously.
Equally co-ordinated hand movments on a drum
can produce this effect, as
do moments of creative brilliance,
deep meditation or exposure to rhythmic
sounds. Hemispheric synchrony is a meditative state of balance in the
brain. leading to heightened awareness and mental
clarity. Consciousness of this nature has been named the state of the
awakened mind.
Profound insight, intuition, mental clarity, deep comprehension & emotional clarity, occur when the brain is in balance. Barriers between unconscious and conscious material are permeable, allowing difficult emotions to be processed more easily. Mystical insights and a sense of peace are awakened mind gifts that bathe the psyche in the liquid of transformation. Often refered to as a trance state, hemispheric synchrony is a very healthy brainwave frequency that can be used to transform consciousness and further spiritual growth. It is an opportunity for spiritual transcendence.
Scientists using electroencephalographs can measure brain wave frequency per second. Three states of consciousness have been detected; alpha, beta and theta states. When directing our attention outwardly, our brain wave vibrations range from 14 -40 cycles per second. This is called the Beta state of consciousness. When we reflect inwardly at ourselves and look within ourselves, brain wave vibrations range from 7-14 cycles per second. This is the Alpha state of consciousness, a state in which we are centred, relaxed and calm.
When
we enter a Theta state of consciousness, we are
at the crossroads between consciousness and unconscious forces; the known and
the unknown. In this hypnogogic dream like surreal state, we travel in the threshold
trance of sleep. In Theta we have impulsive mystical insights, creative solutions
to boring problems, and we experience physical and emotional healing. We can
process more information than normal. Intense mental discipline is needed to
stay awake in theta, for the temptation is to fall asleep. Without intense meditation
it is hard to remain aware and awake in theta, most often we slip quickly down
to Delta state, the
slowest brain wave frequency. With waves occurring between 1-4 cycles per second,
delta is the state of unconsciousness and deep sleep.
Musical comprehension is a joint function of left and right brain functioning. Research shows that rhythmic music is an effective way to synchronize brainwaves. Rhythmic sound can drive brainwaves into alpha or theta states of consciousness wherein the . two hemispheres synchronize, generating an awakened state of consciousness called hemispheric synchrony. Here the brain can enjoy integrated hemispheric processing, resulting in rapid insight, strong intuition, sharp focus, increased comprehension and emotional mastery. Rhythmic sounds can awaken the mind and allow transcendental consciousness to occur.
"Sometimes individuals will use the drum to help them attain higher states of consciousness"(Friedman, 2000).
"It is said that ancient shamans could travel to the moon via the resonant beating of the drums and from there they could look down on the world" (Lynn, The way of the drum: audiocassette).
Ancient ceremonial rituals used drumming to induce altered states of consciousness, or trance states.The trance became the vehicle used by shamans & healers to connect with divine energies in the spiritual dimension. The drum initiated a vibrational frequency that helped them transcend normal consciousness to achieve a trance state. Rhythm helped anchor their travel into trance states by creating a sound link between the material world and the world of spirit. The rhythm of the drum became the conduate for heightened awareness, clarity and ecstasy, helping the healer channel divine wisdom to the rest of the tribe.
Trance states are so named for their transcendental qualities. They are able to : surpass oppositional and judgmental thinking; clear the mind & cleanse emotional toxicity out of consciousness; allow an intersection between conscious & unconscious forces; induce a hypnogogic dream like surreal state filled with mystical insight,peaceful feeling and creative brillliance, offer physical and emotional healing qualities & spirtual rejuvenation. Unsurprisingly, trance states are associated to most ancient healing practices. Scientists believe that hemispheric synchrony may be the neurobiological basis of transcendental states of consciousness .
"True communication means: I am listening"(Klower, 1997).
"The drum can be the ultimate non-verbal communication tool "(Friedman, 2000).
"Communicating without words as the simplest way to communicate" (Friedman, 2000).
"One of the gifts that the drum provides is the opportunity to communicate freely" (Friedman, 2000).
Drumming
is its own form of non-verbal communication through sound. It allows easy articulations,
of thoughts and feelings without having to explain them logically in words.
Drumming also helps us express subtleties that words dont often allow. By playing
our own drum, we speak with our own personal voice and can learn to co-ordinate
what we say with what other are saying by listening and attuning to the rhythms
around us. Actually, drumming is post-language and thus frees us from the prejudicial
& exclusionary biases of verbal communication. This immediate unbiased accesibility,
teaches us to express ourselves freely & communicate with others respectfully.
Drumming can operate as a strategic forum for all races, cultures, ages &
personalities to find their personal voice. It can help us explore the voice
of a united world community.
"When people communicate verbally, they are limited to one person speaking and others listening, and there is great room for miscommunication and misinterpretation"(Friedman, 2000)
Harmonious drumming illustrates and requires all the features of respectful and constructive conversation. Listening is a central feature to any good conversation. Together with attunment, reflection, hearing and clear expression, these communication tools benefit interpersonal relationships benefit. DrumInspire workshops teach these skills in experiential and practical drumming exercises. The 'right time to express', 'conversation dynamics', 'defensive styles of communication' and negotiation are three advanced communication enhancing concepts also offered in Druminspire workshops.
The psychic undercurrents which determine man's feeling and image of the world are manifested through colours and forms, tones and words which crystallize into symbolic spiritual figures expressing man's relation both to the archetypal world and to the world in which (s)he lives" (Neumann, 1974).
Visual communication
is the
language
of symbols, imagery and colour. Through these expressions we connect
and resonate with the collective psyche of all humankind. We tap into
archetypes
and universal ideas that have existed in the collective unconscious of the human
race. 
Whilst the left brain hemisphere governs logic and rational thought, the right brain hemisphere governs non-verbal and stimulation to the senses, especially auditory information. Often, visual communication travels beyond literal, logical and verbal comprehension and . It transcends words and speaks to our unconscious through our intuitions, feeling and creative impulses. Since visual stimulation is also the creative, intuitive and emotional centre of the brain, visual stimulus that provokes this kind of mental stimulation seems can trigger emotional and intutive development also. Visual communication is another advanced level of communication that can be experienced in the DrumInspire workshop Imagenius.
A Symbol is any object that represents another object, and often communicates subtleties difficult to capture in the written word. Symbols are found in art, ritual, dreams and sacred tools like talismans, either of an individual or universal nature.They can be used as learing tools thast reflect hidden feelings, universal wisdom and spiritual guidance.Symbols seduce the senses and therefore appeal to the right brain hemisphere. Symbolic communication is about using symbols or symbolic proceses to convey the deeper meanings of our existence. When this meaning is uncovered , insight and profound understanding that is creatively charged can often be life changing.
DrumInspire workshops uses symbolism and symbolic processes to make lerning and growing interesting.They also help to illustrate deeper meaning, sharing wisdom that is universal to the human condition.
COMMUNICATION IN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Learning to express our deepest desires and reveal our innermost thoughts and
feelings to others is a challnege. Meeting this challenge requires clear communicatin
skills which can transform our relationships into rewarding experiences. Being
heard and understood by our friends and partners helps us feel
accepted and
increases our self worth.
When done with integrity and good intention, communication helps us create a
private world of reference between individuals that fosters
personal and spritual growth.
It can even resolve
conflict
through
negotiation and understanding.
Communication helps us meet our needs by expressing our desires clearly .
COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Communication is the conerstone of any business; deeply embedded in our everday work activities:
Communication
is often underated. However, factors like stress, deadlines, power struggles,
personal conflicts and general misunderstanding can distort communication. Often
slowed productivty, resistant conflict and genral displeasure can result from
miscommunication, impeding both the professional aspirations of the company
and the health of its workers. Here are some examples of how Druminspire teaches
and improves comunication through drumming...
DrumInspire acknowledges the value of communication and offers innovative communication styles to enhance excellent business practice and individual growth. Druminspire communication workshops demonstrate the tennants of constructive communication through the experiential learning in drumming and other creative tools. This learning nurtures self expression and interpersonal relationships also. Visual and symbolic communication styles take main focus in the Imagenius Druminspire workshop. Although not exclusive, most other Druminspire workshops use constructive communication and symbols as learning tools.
Communication:
PSYCHOLOGICAL,
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOSOCIAL BENEFITS OF DRUMMING
For these reasons drumming is highly suited to addressing and facilitating personal growth and inspired experiential learning processes.
"In our society, full and total expression on any level is an extraordinary gift, for many of us censor our thoughts and hold back our feelings" (Friedman, 2000).
"Your drum can help you discover creative expression"(Friedman, 2000).
"...the listener is able, with the voice or an instrument, to choose his or her own expression of those aspects that reflect personal feelings"(Klower, 1997).
The drum helps us develop personal expression. As a non-verbal form of communication, drumming helps us learn to articulate what we are feeling and thinking clearly. In this way it builds our confidence to help us communicate with others proudly and effectively. Discovering your uniqueness, expressing it proudly and harmonising it with others, is a key DrumInspire workshop feature. These journeys help participants serve their highest vision by learning to express their uniqueness on the drum. In this way drumming becomes a fun way for us to tell our own story through rhythm.
"Your drum can help you discover creative expression"(Friedman, 2000).
"...the opportunity to express their individual creative talents in a structured way' (Katz, 1999).
Drumming
can enhance creativity and creative expression. Firstly, drumming stimulates
the right brain hemisphere which is the power house for audial input and also
the source for creativity. Activating this area with sound helps to develop
our creative energies. 
Secondly,
drumming is a creative adventure that and can allow
unstructured play and improvisation. By improvising into the rhythm of beats
we hear, we can play our own desired sounds. This means we can play with a spirit
of exploration and create any sounds we like to hear. Originality, uniqueness
and idiosyncrasies are great aspects to play with as they also reveal and develop
our own style. Creative development is maximised
with intuitive drumming, that is free style.
"Drumming, for some reason, helped me to release some of the sadness" (Thomas Willet. In Friedman, 2000).
"Drumming can also unlock the emotional blocks that you may have, that may be repressed or suppressed within"(Friedman, 2000).
Drums can be used to release troubling emotions. Anger, sadness, doubt, fear and even depressed states, can be observed and released through the drumming action. Hitting a drum allows for the immediate expression. In releasing these emotions we also let go of the negative thoughts that pre-empt them. Cleansing emotional toxins from the body and mind is a necessary step to thinking positively about life and feeling better about our position in it. Drumming can also help to identify emotions, acknowledge and release them. It can act as a projective tool for expressing the unspeakable in order to clear emotional pathways for future well-being. Ultimately drum therapy borrows a little from dream analysis, primal therapies, Gestalt and person centred therapy, where reflected feeling, movement and symbolic understanding work together for therapeutic effect. However, when intending to deal with deep emotional issues, it is always recommended to seek support from a trained psychotherapist or music therapist to assist in the process.
"Music is an especially effective way to process emotions, either passively or actively"(Klower, 1997).
"Drumming gives us words for our state of anger as well as our state of grace. When we have the word to articulate our anger, then the anger is not so overpowering. There is a way out."(Helm, 2000).
Identifying and then expressing how we feel enables us to start actively processing our emotions. Having someone hear and reflect these feelings back to us is very important in this process. It is possible to express emotions into the drum, which acts like a mirror, reflecting these emotions, and their rhythmical components, back to us. This has a lot to do with being heard by the other. In the case of drumming, expressing emotions into the drum involves having these emotions mirrored/reflected back to us. This reflected emotion allows us to contemplate how we are feeling, almost simultaneously preparing us for renewal. As we release the emotions, the emotional pathway to new ones is cleared, preparing us for renewal and rejuvenation. This is what happens in the alchemy of drumming; a process whereby the drum has the power to transforms psychological states by transmuting their energy into constructive alternatives by altering their rhythmical flow and transmuting the reserve energy they contain.
"Other tangible benefits include the use of motor-skills, hand-eye co-ordination, concentration and memory expansion" (Katz, 1999).
Drumming requires a point of concentration in order to mimic the sounds we hear, and play along with the dominant rhythm. In order to play rhythms we learn to count beats per bar, a sophisticated task, possible only with focused attention. To communicate these thoughts to our hands, and to play the beats in time, also requires attention and concentration. Drumming is a physical meditation that extends concentration while developing body awareness. Drumming exercises these areas of attention whilst strengthening psycho-motor skills and co-ordination. For these reasons it is highly suited to the treatment of A.D.H.D. and various neuropsychological conditions that show impairment in these cognitive regions (Friedman, 2000).
Remembering which beats go where while you play them is something we have to learn to do in order to keep drumming (short-term memory). Similarly, we must also remember the sequence of beats to adhere to specific rhythmical arrangements (long-term memory). Luckily drumming can become a fun way to develop and extend memory, great for children and formative learning. It seems to increase memory retention as well. Playing rhythms over time seems to exercise and establish a particular long-term memory skill that relies on audial cognitive processing. Add to this both visual and audial memory skills as well, especially when learning structured rhythms.
"The drum can help you get to your Self, your centred Self"(Babatunde Olantunji. In Friedman, 2000).
"With the inner strength of pure music essence, we can be stimulated to express and articulate itself"(Klower, 1997).
Jung called the deepest part of an individual, the 'Self', using the term to refer to the true individualized essence of self. Some spiritual traditions call this part the 'higher self', centred in love, compassion, knowing & kindness. These terms attempt to describe a pure unique essence in each of us, thought to be concealed at the level of the soul. Most soultalk is intimately bound with a relationship to the creative source of all things. Connecting with this source happens in prayer, dreams, elevated consciousness, meditation, self-analysis & drumming.
Drumming inspires us to discover the deepest parts of ourselves: after the expression, emotional releasing and emotional processing is done, there is nothing but true expression of the Self. With increased drumming, consciousness can elevate to reveal a clear conection to the Self , the source and the creative energies that colour life. Drumming invites the Self to breathe life into the rhythm revealing its authenticity, strength, uniqueness and truth. Revealing our deepest truth in this way opens us to witnessing our personal power as a creative force that connects us to the source.
"And the sound of a drum is power made manifest" (Friedman, 2000).
HEMISPHERIC SYNCHRONY : balancing the brain
" Physiological changes then occur in the brain and body and, as a result, participants enter a stage of relaxed, effortless energized clarity" (Katz, 1999).
Activating both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously is a rare experience. This can leave us all a little left-brain dominant and thus a little off balance. Drumming develops the right hemisphere of the brain, and over a specified period of time it can alter consciousness to invoke a state of trance wherein the brain is in balance... in hemispheric synchrony. This balance is very good for us, similar to the peace and tranquillity of meditation, the high of a professional runner and the deepened awareness of a hypnotic trance. Balanacing the brain can lead to transcendental consciousness wherein normal limitations and blockages can be transformed and transcended. In this state, awareness heightens and a synergy between body, mind and heart invites healing, revolutionary thinking and then peace.
TRANSCENDING THE DUALISTIC PARADIGM
Initiated by Pluto, and later strengthened by Descarte, dualistic thinking has helped us understand the world through categorising information and separating objects from their opposites. This dualistic paradigm explains the world through comparison: death/life, pain/pleasure, young/old, big/small, and the two favourites; good/bad and right/wrong.
When our brain is in synchrony, our consciousness can transcend categories that normally appear to be opposed, fixed and definite. Categorically opposed ideas dissolves into complimentary wholeness, allowing a union between thought and feeling. With this kind of united thinking, we can enjoy the similarity between 'opposites' and open our minds to seeing the connections between things.
Hemispheric synchrony is about complimentary wholeness. Trance drumming can produce thoughts and feelings of wholeness that transcend oppositional, and often-destructive thinking patterns. We are liberated from narrow mindedness and fixed categorical thinking brought on by unilateral brain activity. The union between rational logic and non-rational experience introduces possibilities where there once were limitations.
Trance drumming is a sacred tool that expands consciousness through transcending dualistic limitations.
"Drumming with others provides a simple yet profound interaction... Hitting a drum allows for ...community team spirit" (Friedman, 2000).
"There is a universality in rhythm that transcends races, cultures and countries" (Friedman, 2000).
Drumming is communication without words; a non-verbal language that creates a connection and meaning all of its own. Individuals from diverse cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds who would normally struggle to interact due to their differences can bond through the rhythms. Drumming facilitates cross-cultural integration because it is independent of all the barriers that limit social interaction. Anybody can do it, anytime, almost anywhere.
People from many nationalities have a connection to a particular drum that has or is still played in their country. The strong historical importance of the drum, and its vast travel around the globe, makes it a truly universal tool that connects and integrate a worldwide community.
Drumming encourages collaboration. Since drum circles require group participation, drumming teaches co-operation and equal partcipation to facilitate a complimentary group outcome. Making individually beautiful sounds harmonize, is teamwork: a lesson also in positioning our individuality as a part of the whole. A sense of belonging is also cultivated, which enriches group interactions and promotes social wellbeing. As a communal activity, drumming can become a catalysing force in developing tolerance to procure a respectful world society.
"Playing the drum can help you build confidence and self-esteem"(Friedman, 2000).
"When we move according to our innate rhythm, our movements will be confident and efficient" (Friedman, 2000).
Drumming is above all, an exercise in personal power. Aside from technical skill, we need conviction to express ourselves clearly. Conviction grows with drumming. As we strengthen our expression, we mirror our achievements of increased skill. This is deeply affirming and encourages us to learn more, play clearer and express more of who we are.
The social dynamics of interactive drumming give us opportunity to communicate with others. Conversational drumming also helps to increase self-esteem by showing us that we have been heard by others -a necessary qualities to increasing self worth and value in relation to others. Drum circles can lead to feeling acknowledged by others. In this communion, our sense of belonging deepens and our connection to the world strengthens. Finally we feel accepted for who we are, acknowleged and affirmed.... and our actions become filled with confidence & self belief.
"Drumming results in a physical vitality because it is an energetic activity. It gets the heart pounding and the blood flowing and releases endorphins similar to those associated with 'runners' high'"(Katz, 1999).
Drumming is a physical activity that combines body, mind and heart into an orchestra of sound and movement, a great way to connect mind & body. We use physical energy to play the drum - some call it a 'physical therapy'- which increases stamina, flexibility and vitality. Furthermore, venting stress and frustrations into the drum releases stored emotional & psychological energy. Sustained periods of drumming can result in feelings of elation, and even ecstasy, revitalising and centering energy. African drummers believe that good posture while drumming is a full upper body work-out; a cardiovascular exercise that also strengthens and tones arm and chest muscles.
"When the noise of our thoughts disappears, when there is no longer any desire, any sense of having to do something, any will, we are left in silence "(Klower, 1997).
Silence is a rare experience, often fearsome and unfamiliar to many of us living in the noisy western world. Perhaps we fear a quiet pause because it reveals intense and confusing thoughts accompanied by displeasing emotion. The fear of silence is perhaps also a fear of nothingness, a distrust in the simple experience of living.
Drumming
stills the critical
mind, silencing the internal voices that normally
taunt us into self-doubt. When we free our mind, we can also experience an emotional.
This calmed mood and mind helps us connect with the stillness within us free
of fear, insecurity and judgment. A feeling of peace and tranquillity transpires,
allowing us to enjoy and appreciate the silence we all truly need.
Trusting silence is a spiritual lesson. Silence creates a space free of desire or conflict, and provides a blissful stillness. When we are at peace we receive the gift of knowing that what we are and where we are, is enough.
"As the body becomes comfortable with a pattern that has been repeated for an extended time, the conscious mind relaxes, and worries and fears, tensions and inhibitions, are let go" (Katz, 1999).
"The repetitive nature of drumming makes it a de-stressor. Research indicates... drumming changes brainwave patterns and dramatically reduces stress" (Katz, 1999).
Harmonious drumming can providing a deep physical & mental relaxation, thanks to mind calming and therapeutic effects. Friedman and other researchers claim that drumming can even release even severe stress related symptoms caused by Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The results of hemispheric synchrony, using co-ordinated drumming patterns, can send the brain into a state of balance that produces resounding feelings of peace and tranquility. To play the drum, we must learn to play. In the play we relinquish the seriousness to discover expression and let go of our stress and tension. Research affirms the value of both music and play as natural health enhancing choices that extend lifespan due to increased relaxation.Unmistakably, drumming is a fun adventure that releases stress and allows us to feel calmy enlivened.
SUMMARY OF THERAPEUTIC DRUMMING AND ITS BENEFITS
The
drum's therapeutic effects cover a broad spectrum. Let's recapitulate some of
the overall benefits:
Drumming enhances cognitive development, emotional catharsis, self-discovery
and personal growth. Using the drum as a projective tool, drum therapy is an
enjoyable and powerful way to deal with psychological stress. It and increases
creativity, self-worth and self-awareness. Unlike many other therapeutic modalities
advancing individual awareness, drumming facilitates deeper communication with
the one self and others. Furthermore, by naturally orchestrating individual
energy to serve the collective rhythm, drumming encourages the healing quality
needed to extend personal healing into community health and development. A healthy
world community demands awareness of healthy living and respectful action. Drumming
also facilitates insight and experiential learning about these aspects. It raises
consciousness
about group
strength& individual
responsibility, drumming
is the panacea for life lived in this millennium,
an era aching for heartfilled encounters; juice,
soul food and community. Now,
more than ever before, our world community needs to collect, communicate, connect
& harmonize,
to create heartful
personal & communal
relationships.
Some of these effects are confirmed research studies on the benefits of hand drumming, most of these findings can be traced on the World Wide Web.The heart-warming therapeutic effects of drumming can be experienced in the DrumInspire journeys, which heal, release, inspire and enhance body, mind, heart and soul.
"Your drum can help you discover creative expression"(Friedman, 2000).
The drum has "the extraordinary power to touch something deep and powerful within us"(Friedman, 2000).
" Drumming changes consciousness" (Redmond, 1997).
