One thing that has really been supporting my creative expression as a writer and an artist has been my learning to the bongos and the djembe. (I've talked about this before here and here.)
The djembe is a relatively recent addition — a new-found love discovered at a drum circle I attended in February. I've begun lessons on the djembe, too, and have been borrowing one to practice.
But yesterday, a djembe of my very own arrived from Wula Drum. She's a beauty, with a wonderfully full and strong sound.
There are so many reasons I love drumming: The grounding I experience when playing. The joy of creating sound. Moving past my limiting beliefs of "I'm not a musician" or "I can't make music." What it is teaching me about walking through fear and mistakes.
I keep telling people that I get my whole life out of my drum lessons with my primary teacher Jeff. Where I'm blocked. Where I stop myself in fear, rather going forward with a joyful sense of exploration. Where I can experience the beautiful gift of flow. How to be in conversations in a different way.
I ran across this bit below in a guide to being in a drum circle.
It reminds me that we are all musicians. The music is everywhere. We only have to connect in with the rhythm.
Your every moment is steeped in rhythmic processes. Your breathing, your pulse and heartbeat, your steps, the way you brush your teeth, all have a natural rhythm. Pay attention. Be aware of natural rhythms as they occur; this is the first step. Awareness of rhythms can be practiced anywhere, any time. A drum is not required. The bird singing outside your window can teach you quite a bit, if you're willing to give him your attention for a few moments. Rhythm isn't a temporary activity; it's a way of life. Turn on the radio in your car and do a bit of channel surfing. Find types of music you don't normally listen to, and pay careful attention to the rhythms. Pick out the various parts, and see if you can repeat them to yourself. Whether you speak the rhythms vocally or find yourself tapping them out on the dashboard of the car or the pasta pot in the kitchen, rest assured: your journey has already begun. Rhythm is a state of mind.
Tell me, where is the music in your life today?
P.S. If you haven't experienced drumming, I encourage to check out a drum circle. Most circles welcome beginners and have extra instruments to loan. Below video clip of the Griffith Park Drum circle (with lots of conga goodness) is a good summation of the gifts of drumming. Direct link to video is here.