by tina
For thousands of years, Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have used soft, gentle drumming to center, ground and pray. This form of meditation induces relaxation and aids in healing by using the beat of the drum to elicit changes in brain activity. Brain waves move from beta (waves that address activity and concentration), to alpha waves (waves that allow the individual to enter into a state of deep relaxation). Drumming is a tool which helps us to transcend ordinary consciousness and connect with our Spirit. A new study just released from the University of Oslo proves that this type of meditation ("non directive") lights up the centers of the brain called the "resting network."
Our bodies are tuned to specific rhythms — our heartbeat, the breath, the synapses in our brain, the pulse of our blood. Everything in nature also has a rhythm, from the circadian rhythms of night and day to the seasons and waves in the ocean. When our bodies are "out of rhythm," illness is the result. Stress, disease, and even the chaotic nature of modern life can create imbalance. The drum restores us to our natural rhythm, however briefly, so that we can heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is the ultimate form of wellness.
I co-host a monthly drum circle called Carroll Rhythms.
We meet the third Saturday of every month at
Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalist Church in Finksburg, MD
from 7 – 9 p.m. You can find our meet-ups here.
Drum meditations are held at local yoga studios, churches,
and other welcoming venues, usually on a weekly basis for a
set period of time. My friend Cathy Flinn also participates in
drum meditations at Planet Soul in Pikesville. You can find
their meet-ups here.
I also schedule HealthRhythms® sessions by request.
Events are being scheduled all the time.
Some are weekly, and some are special one-time events.
See the complete Events Calendar here.
How does it work?
Why does it work?
Where Can I Experience This?
What do people say about this experience?
© 2014 by Bryan Costin
© 2014 by Bryan Costin
© 2014 by Bryan Costin
© 2014 by Bryan Costin
I am someone who could never reach a meditative state for very long — my mind wandered,
I kept thinking too much, and wondered "Am I doing this right?!" With the beat of the drum,
I was able to reach that meditative state instantly, and stay there for extended periods of time.
Participants tell me drumming meditation works as beautifully for them as it does for me:
“Like others, I often struggle to rein in my mind. The drumming meditation both offers a helpful anchor when I get distracted and seems to lessen the number and duration of those distractions. The rhythm and vibrations of the drumming offer a natural focal point and help take me out of mind and into my body. I am able to sit easily for the hour-long meditation, and leave feeling refreshed in my spirit and relaxed in my body.”
~ Stephanie
“Recently I experienced shamanic drumming for the first time. Cathy and Tina are talented women who demonstrate generosity of spirit in their practice. Shamanic drumming is highly unique and grounding and for that I am grateful!”
~ Jodi
“The best meditative state I've achieved so far was through shamanic drumming.
This meditation medium left me feeling so relaxed and at peace that I couldn't wait to do it again! I've always been drawn to the sound of drums. Because I have a hearing loss, guided meditations are difficult to hear, but the sound of the drums come through clearly, at times softer, but I can hear it, and the vibrations from the drum can be felt. I would highly recommend this method of meditation to anyone, especially if you have trouble quieting your mind. The beat of the drum does that for you. An hour of meditation flies by and you open your eyes and feel so relaxed. It's amazing!”
~ Patti L.
What is Drum Meditation?
© 2014 by Bryan Costin