So, lets discuss Drum Circles. I do really enjoy being a part of 1. They're all different and completely depend on the person facilitating the event. I've been a part of 2 slightly differing styles. Both are fun and ultimately get to the same "calypso" rhythm, but where 1 leader just went directly to the drums, the other began with little "shaker" eggs and everyone starting with their own rhythm and eventually all coming together into 1 pulsating rhythm. Pretty interesting, but I'll admit, I prefer just getting to the drums. Both had various types of percussive instruments available for folks whose hands get tired of hitting the drums.
I've learned 3 different ways to hit the drum to make different tones or sounds on it. Where & how your hand strikes it can totally change the value of the tone. So cool! All ages, genders, sizes, coolness levels come together and play together. The drums used in the circles I've been in as well as in the picture here and djembe drums from Africa. There's various sizes of djembe drums and many places to get them. You can also buy drums made in the USA, some metal, some wood.
The first time I did a circle, my adductors (inner thighs) were soooooooooosore. I've since learned how to better hold the drum between them. I also take off my ring before playing to protect me & the ring from getting messed up. Have you ever done your strength training with your rings on and noticed that its basically squished onto your finger & difficult to remove/ Ugh!
Anyways, back to the drum circles, 1 of the leaders had us singing & playing at the same time in a foreign tongue no less. That was a pisser for me. But I did finally, after about 3-4 weeks, get the hang of it. I can separate my body parts but this was tough but I did get better.
I previously mentioned that there has been research on the benefits of of drumming which includes stress/anxiety reduction but here are some other benefits of drumming circles;
- blood samples showed an increase in cellular activity that kills bad cells or an enhanced immune system Alternative Therapies, 2001 (7)1, Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, & Ninehouser
-increased self-esteem and a decrease in anxiety & stress in 30 over 80 yrs. old depressed participants at Stanford University Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994
- an increased awareness or connection to loved ones in Alzheimer's patients
-other benefits include a sense of euphoria, community, emotional release (like anger!)and to learn to both lead and follow.
All in all it's a wonderful, fun thing to do and with all of the additional health benefits to boot I'd say a very valuable thing to do. Check your area and see if there's a drumming circle somewhere in your community and join from time to time. You see things in a whole new light.
Yesterday I made some marinated beef for sandwiches. I'd been having such a craving for them so I went to the market, bought some rolls, some thinly cut beef and Voila! I made a marinade out of soy sauce, ginger, garlic and brown sugar. I placed it all in a zip-lock freezer bag, added the meat & left it all in the fridge overnight. I pulled out my huge cast iron skillet, got it nice & hot after spraying with a canola oil spray, tossed the whole enchilada in the skillet, tossed it a bit and done. I hollowed out the roll making a little trench in each side to hold the meat, made a salad, sat down & ate. Yummy.
You can get the butcher at your market to thin slice any meat you want to your desired thick (or thin) ness so don't be afraid to ask.
We used to get these sandwiches in Monterey, Calif. at the wharf at a little place called "The Captain's Gig" but they haven't had them in ages. Too bad.
Well, I'll discuss Taiko drumming next time. Bang on everybody and de-stress!
I've learned 3 different ways to hit the drum to make different tones or sounds on it. Where & how your hand strikes it can totally change the value of the tone. So cool! All ages, genders, sizes, coolness levels come together and play together. The drums used in the circles I've been in as well as in the picture here and djembe drums from Africa. There's various sizes of djembe drums and many places to get them. You can also buy drums made in the USA, some metal, some wood.
The first time I did a circle, my adductors (inner thighs) were soooooooooosore. I've since learned how to better hold the drum between them. I also take off my ring before playing to protect me & the ring from getting messed up. Have you ever done your strength training with your rings on and noticed that its basically squished onto your finger & difficult to remove/ Ugh!
Anyways, back to the drum circles, 1 of the leaders had us singing & playing at the same time in a foreign tongue no less. That was a pisser for me. But I did finally, after about 3-4 weeks, get the hang of it. I can separate my body parts but this was tough but I did get better.
I previously mentioned that there has been research on the benefits of of drumming which includes stress/anxiety reduction but here are some other benefits of drumming circles;
- blood samples showed an increase in cellular activity that kills bad cells or an enhanced immune system Alternative Therapies, 2001 (7)1, Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, & Ninehouser
-increased self-esteem and a decrease in anxiety & stress in 30 over 80 yrs. old depressed participants at Stanford University Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994
- an increased awareness or connection to loved ones in Alzheimer's patients
-other benefits include a sense of euphoria, community, emotional release (like anger!)and to learn to both lead and follow.
All in all it's a wonderful, fun thing to do and with all of the additional health benefits to boot I'd say a very valuable thing to do. Check your area and see if there's a drumming circle somewhere in your community and join from time to time. You see things in a whole new light.
Yesterday I made some marinated beef for sandwiches. I'd been having such a craving for them so I went to the market, bought some rolls, some thinly cut beef and Voila! I made a marinade out of soy sauce, ginger, garlic and brown sugar. I placed it all in a zip-lock freezer bag, added the meat & left it all in the fridge overnight. I pulled out my huge cast iron skillet, got it nice & hot after spraying with a canola oil spray, tossed the whole enchilada in the skillet, tossed it a bit and done. I hollowed out the roll making a little trench in each side to hold the meat, made a salad, sat down & ate. Yummy.
You can get the butcher at your market to thin slice any meat you want to your desired thick (or thin) ness so don't be afraid to ask.
We used to get these sandwiches in Monterey, Calif. at the wharf at a little place called "The Captain's Gig" but they haven't had them in ages. Too bad.
Well, I'll discuss Taiko drumming next time. Bang on everybody and de-stress!
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