G is for Gathering with Drums #AtoZChallenge

Last night I attended a drum circle with my husband and two of our friends. We try to hit one at least once a month somewhere in the city. It’s a great way to let off some steam, feel some good vibes, and get more grounded.

Everyone I’ve been to has been very laid back. Some have an appointed leader. Some are a free-for-all, like the one we went to last night. There were also a good number of people dancing, mostly some flavor of belly dancing. It was, after all, at a place that teaches belly dancing.

We’ve been to enough drum circles now that I recognize at a least a few people at each new location. Since I have a good deal of social anxiety, I don’t talk to that many people, but I can nod a recognition hello.

If you’ve never tried a drum circle before and are feeling a little intimidated, know that having an excellent sense of rhythm isn’t required. You can always find someone just playing a simple cadence to the beat. I generally leave the fancy drumming to those more skilled. And some places, like hospitals or health support centers, host low-key circles focused more on healing calmness than raucous energy.

You also don’t have to play a drum. I also have a rattle I like to use. People bring in all sorts of percussion instruments from chimes to tambourines to the one guy who always brings a washboard. You could even just clap or slap your legs or stomp your feet. In addition, there’s always a communal instrument pile that offers a variety of things to choose from.

Has anyone else been to a drum circle and enjoyed it? I’d love to hear your experiences.

You can find other A to Z Challenge blogs here.