Hi everyone, our weekly Sound Journey returns this Wednesday at 7.30pm, some nice new sounds and a new beginning.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon Thanks John

THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING DRUMS

The first sound we all hear is our mother’s heartbeat. We all vibrate and have rhythm: the earth, the tides, the four seasons, the moon. Also, our bodies have rhythm: heartbeat, brain waves, breath. However, many times, we think we don’t have rhythm because we compare it to the rhythm of the other or the musician, or we don’t realize it, but it’s there. rhythm is inherent in the human being. Awakening our rhythm or sound is to recover something natural, therefore something healthy.

Our brothers from the peoples originating from Canada to Patagonia say that when we play the drum, whether we are conscious or not, our whole being is wrapped and awake, manifesting feelings of creative expression, healing and connection. Our spirit wants to play, experience healing, communion. The sound of the drum is like the sound of the heart. The beat of the drum is within us and, bringing it out of the drum is amplifying our emotion and connection to the earth. The drum is associated with the earth element.

Drumming in a group brings togetherness. From the beginnings of our existence, rhythm and dance were elements that unite people, peoples and communities; they are the main elements of ceremonies and meetings, which for centuries created important interactions, inspiring a community spirit and the production of creativity. Many ancestral communities with the sound of the drum not only opened doors to other realities, but made it a simple and accessible healing strategy, from which all can benefit.

In recent years, the first researches are being carried out to prove that drumming helps strengthen the body’s natural immune system. It is mentioned, including, that touching is a useful booster for the body, similar to laughter, effective in relieving stress to having a positive influence on cancer patients.

The ancients saw nature and everything she understands as a manifestation of the divine. The desire to imitate nature was seen as a way to connect the gods. This was the origin of the dance. Even in different parts of each geographical culture, a type of dance based on imitation of animals and elements of nature has been experienced.

Shamans everywhere in the world, added to dance the pulse of the planet through percussion instruments. The percussion demonstrated its strength reflected with water, air, fire and earth. With dance, the shamanic drum tried to obtain emotions such as courage, compassion that they should accompany the shaman to predict the future through visions or for healing.

The rhythmic beat of the drum is the inductor of the shamanic state of consciousness and, as a transit vehicle towards parallel realities, represents the most extensive practice

The drum is the “flying horse” for the shaman, his medium of communication and journey with the spiritual world and other planes of existence. Centuries ago, this type of drum was found all over the planet. Druids and healers from Europe, shamans and priests from Asia and Mongolia, Medicine Men of South and North America used this instrument in ceremonies to connect with that which is greater than oneself.

Tribal music is always a great help in alleviating stress and anxiety issues and as an introduction to altered states of consciousness. Within this musical genre, percussion musical instruments, acquire a leading role. The various types of drums and percussion instruments have, for millennia, been the most characteristic sign of identity of various cultures and tribes. The sound frequencies produced by these instruments have the ability to transport us to states of trance and high spiritual level.

It is scientifically proven that listening to the monotonous rhythm of drums facilitates the production of brain waves of the alpha and theta ranges. Many natives refer to the sound of the drum as the beat of the earth. In this regard, it is to be noted that the frequency of the earth’s electromagnetic resonance, which has been measured in 7.5 cycles per second, is equivalent to theta brain waves. Sounds like the sound of a drum allows shamans to line up their brainwaves with the beat of the earth.

It is a powerful instrument of emotional self-healing and on deeper levels, we enter into a state of meditation. Shamans sat under a tree and touched their sorrows, their sorrows, longings, their insecurities and found the answer and peace. It echoes in the belly, the hand moves to the rhythm that imposes the spirit of the drum and one feels freed. You become one with the “flying horse” forming a single being, he is a part of the shaman, an instrument of power to raise consciousness and transport to other planes of reality.

To own a state of mind that helps undertake the shamanic journey, it is necessary to hear a rhythmic sound from 205 to 220 beats per minute. This rhythm induces the brain to produce slow brain waves, between 7 to 4 cycles per second, or less. Shamans describe the sound of a drum as the voice of spirits. Mythologically, the shaman makes the drum box with a piece of the Tree of Life, the Axis Mundi, provided by his guides. These drums are round in the North, and oval shaped in Southern Siberia, made of reindeer or horse skin, with a wooden or braided juniper backing. The rhythm that determines the drum when being beaten by the shaman is accompanied by the clapping of the present.

The shaman never abandons the percussion, a fundamental element in all his ceremonies, not only to call upon the spirits but to obtain vital energy or to go into trance.

“In their rituals, Sami shamans (called noajdde or noaiti) use singing, accompanied by the percussion of the drum. Thanks to the monotonous cadence it generates, they go into trance to abandon their bodies and access the spirit world. To access it, they used the drawings of the drum as a map on the other side, which become a lucky guide. Sami, the Shamans of the North

The shamanic drum, very common instrument, lightweight and easy to operate, played with a stick or with fingers. Shamanic drums are usually wide and deep to make for a serious, prolonged sound. They are in diverse shapes and materials throughout the world. Some are made from tree bark, with an animal skin patch. Others are just carved pumpkins. In some areas they have one patch, in others they have two. Some are rustic, and others are beautifully decorated with symbols that remember the journeys the shaman makes with them. In each place, natural and cultural elements make the drum have one or the other characteristics.

Have you played a drum? or been in a circle ? get in touch today :)

In the myths of ancient traditions, music comes from a supernatural dimension, often gifted to mankind by supernatural beings. In many mystical schools, music and especially sound are seen as gateways to a higher dimension of consciousness.

Because of this and because of the magical role that music has had in my own life, I like to think of it as an accessible and powerful tool for the development of subtle, spiritual qualities essential to being..

Wednesdays are the day to switch off, tune out to some lovely healing sounds…

New 6 week Frame Drum Circle starting soon, let me know if you’re interested, group size will be kept small. (send me a message direct) Some drums provided. (it’s a nice idea to have your own drum so you can play in the circle and also at home)

Hi Everyone, delighted to say the new venue near Dunmore East is now ready for us to take it over with rhythms and healing sounds !! Woohoo 🙂 Almost 3 weeks away, this promises to be a magic day and I know the Sun is going to shine for us too .

Places are limited so you can pay in full/deposit here

(please share with anyone you think would like to join in) Thanks John

Nice to see some sun ☀ places are filling up for next week (Mini Retreats 5/6/7 April) so let me know if you’d like a spot on any of the days (Sunday almost gone) 🙏

Relaxing sounds, groovy rhythms, Sea air & fun!

Give yourself some time to relax, restore and revive with this series of ‘mini-retreats’.

Book a place today as they fill up quick and limited to 10 per session.

Discounts also available.

Time to switch off and unwind, be good to yourself and look after your health & well-being..

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of to-dos and deadlines.

But here’s the thing:

if we don’t make time for self-care, who will?

Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

It’s about hitting the pause button in the middle of life’s chaos to recharge your batteries.

Whether it’s a yoga session that stretches the stress away, a nourishing meal that fuels your soul, or a walk outside to clear your mind – these acts of self-care are what sustain us.

Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.

It’s about finding those little moments in your day to prioritize your well-being.

So make a promise to yourself to carve out some ‘me’ time this week.

It might feel strange at first, especially if you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own.

But trust me, your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.

Because, at the end of the day, work will always be there, patiently waiting.

But your well-being?

That’s something you need to chase after, nurture, and protect.