HEALING DRUMS

excerpt from CHEROKEE DIARY (see Aug 31, 2010)

I started drumming classes once a week in February, 2007, under the direction of Beverly Griffin who had been trained in therapeutic drumming.  The following principles were taught:

Advantages of recreational group drumming for one hour-

-Increased natural immunity by boosting activity of killer t cells.
-helps regulate neurotransmitters-stress hormones.
-using small muscles in arms and burns calories.
-decreases frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
-studies done with nursing students and health care staff prove it reduces        staff  burnout, enhances mood, decreases tension and anxiety, depression and hostility.
-most feel an increased sense of connection to the drumming circle.
-it forms community.

One of the songs we chanted while drumming was very meaningful:

I am woman.
I am spirit.
I am infinite in my soul.
I have no beginning.
I have no end.
All this I know.

We started out with simple beats and practiced.   Some who were more experienced really entertained us with extemporaneous beating. I felt a rhythm surging through the wooden floor as we really got into it.  It gave me a sense of inner connection to some feeling of vitality and energy. 

Plus it was just plain fun!
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