In the Beginning 4 .::Buffalo Drum::.

After the FreeDrum gathering there were another gathering that I attended.  Which is held once a month, on the third Thursday.  This Gathering is called SpiritDrum.  I arrived not knowing what to expect but knew it was a softer sounding circle which I was going to enjoy and love.  There were chairs arranged in the shape of a circle but also some floor pillows neatly placed.  Seeing this was very special to me, since I enjoy sitting on the floor.  The floor pillows was a sign to me…it was a “Tender welcoming.”

This gathering is different from your regular drum circles. It is for each individual  to reconnect to one another in harmony, peace and relaxation. No matter what belief or faith one has.  Soft percussion instruments like chimes, bells, rattles, tingshas, singing bowls, flutes, frame drums, etc…are the instruments of choice as long they are soft or played softly.  Listening to each other and being in total unison is what creates the surrounded peace that is felt.  Also making sure all nagative energy is left behind.  It is beautiful to listen to the delicate sounds and how they blend into one another…and the spaces between each note is  where the connection takes place.  Plus at any given time one would change or switch instruments. What is amazing is not knowing where this rhythm/harmony is going…sometimes the sounds would be intense then it would soften again…”I like that!”

At one point while everyone was playing their instruments, I stood up and walked toward a huge buffalo frame drum that was laying against the wall.  Never have I played one nor held one but I said “Why not!”  But then I thought “I better not goof up because this is a big drum…I will get that look from Dave”(facilitator) 🙂 !  It was kind of heavy but I held it  using my leg for reinforcement. I took the mallet and started to tap the drum. Not knowing what I was going to feel or experience.  But at the first strike I felt the vibration throughout my entire body I felt a total connection, drum and I, together as one.  I started to play, I looked out toward the glass door totally forgetting where I was and what was going on…I was so enriched with this sound and feel that nothing mattered.  Because of this feeling and expereince I call this drum “Thunder Drum” due to its powerful sound, its powerful voice, its strength, telling me “Be Strong!”

I continued playing then I glanced to my side and saw Dave beating the ceremony drum creating other beats to my beat…and everyone else playing their instrument of choice. At that moment I thought I was going to freak out because that’s when I realized where I was and how this drum and I weaved together with the other beats.  It was serene that I had left this planet for a while and connected with my maker.   Then my voice started to sing in soft tunes and everyone responded, like a calling.  I felt so at peace and of my existence.  After we have finished with this session I quietly returned to my pillow and my friend padded and rubbed my back…a human touch after this experience…it felt beautiful!.

After this I needed to purchase a drum like this one “of course” :-).  Dave emailed me a link and I did purchase a buffalo drum a bit smaller so it would be easier to carry…and when I want to play the bigger one, “Thunder Drum”, I borrow Daves.  Now at every circle I bring my buffalo drum…it has become part of me, my essence, my beat, my strength.  There are times  I would play it until my arm wants to just fall off..HAHAH! Like the last FreeDrum gathering I attended in December…I was killing my drum…or maybe my arm…But that’s okay, I love my drum and the connection it takes me into a beautiful weave of strength and passion.  (to be continued…)

Quote from my Heart:

We see with our eyes. We know with our hearts. Outside…Inside. ~~Cantus Fraggle

To get more information on the SPIRITDRUM gathering check out Dave Curry’s Web-Site: http://www.drumsforoneandall.com/

**I write how I think and feel…