By: Judy Atkinson
Living Well Between the Beats
Last Friday night I attended the first Circles of Rhythm drum circle in 2019 and the following quote, which was written after my very first drum circle in 1997, came to mind and became a reality once again:
“I walked into the drum circle sad and weary, I walked out on fire!”
The drums were beating, the lights were dimmed, hearts were opening and joy was in the air. I closed my eyes and felt the skin of my drum; it was pulsating, physically moving to the heart beat of the circle, connected to every person there, to every hand, every heart. Everyone was engaging and involved whether listening, drumming, dancing or sitting quietly, everyone was giving and receiving in harmony, connected, ONE.
Then it happened! Joy rushed through me like lightening. It was electric; goosebumps raised every hair on my body and I was taken back to the feeling I had at my first drum circle so many years ago. That feeling was one of hope, fearlessness, connection and pure unadulterated JOY!
This experience was a reminder that the drum circle is a place where I can go when I am sad, lonely or world-weary. It is a place where I can go to have an actual in-the-body experience of hope for our seemingly falling down world; a place where I can let go of my own fear, worry and doubt for a while and just let the rhythm of those gathered hold me.
Circles of Rhythm drum circles are like flu shots providing an immune boost for hopeful thinking while counterbalancing the negativity in the news and media. Over time the drum circle has helped me come to know deep down that the purpose of life is to live fully, to embrace it all, the good and the not so good, getting help and support when I need it, offering it when needed by others and truly enjoying the beauty of this earth and good times as they present themselves as well.
“Years of attending drum circles has helped me to know that heaven on earth is not something to seek or to look for, it is something that comes through me when I allow it, notice it, and set myself up for it by putting myself in those places and with those people who know this too!” –Judy Atkinson, Messenger of Joy
So, let heaven come through you in 2019. Stop trying so hard to feel good. It’s easy in a drum circle, you just have to show up as often as possible and get dose after dose of good medicine. You will begin to know that goodness and harmony are not only possible but right here in front of you, pulsating through you wanting to be heard and acknowledged. Joy is awaiting you in the drum circle, come get your flu shot, of joy regularly.
See you in the circle!
Judy Atkinson, Founder: Circles of Rhythm
Author: The Drum Code, Living Well Between the Beats
judy@thedrumcode.ca,403-862-5654
