“Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn’t, it is of no use.” ~ Carlos Castenada

MARI SELBY: Native Americans and most of the indigenous peoples of the earth have known for thousands of years that drumming is a powerful spiritual tool which can induce meditative states. Often referred to as shamanic drumming the rhythm played is the heart beat of the earth, echoed within us. This drumming uses a single, repetitive rhythm played at a tempo of three to four beats per second. Although sounding quite simple and redundant, the unique connection between the drum and the person drumming gives this drumming great power, richness, and depth. We feel the rhythm in our hearts while the repetition affects our brains and thereby relaxing our bodies.

Many people now believe that shamanic drumming gives access to a doorway that can be opened and closed, at will. Shamans travel through multi-dimensions, to access information, bring healing, and even travel through time. Therapists use shamanic drumming to assist their clients in integrating and healing disassociated parts of their being. Most powerful as a prayerful device, drumming is a way to touch our sacred circles of loved ones, family and friends. A shamanic journey, using the drum is "visualized prayer." And it is a powerful ancient technology only now being rediscovered by many in the 21st century.

However with guidance, anyone can learn how to do shamanic drumming. The Foundation for Shamanic Studies http://www.shamanism.org holds workshops in many parts of the world teaching this technique. Also, there are drumming circles all over the country. You can search your local communities for groups that are open to new and experienced drummers.  

Years ago I was part of the Native American church. Our ritual was to pray all night while taking peyote to guide us on our journey. One night sitting in a tepee, praying around an open fire and listening to the heartbeat of the drum, a storm raged outside. This night was a most humbling experience. The wilder the winds blew outside our thin canvas shelter, the Ute tribe I was sitting with became calmer, more still then yet more calm.

Prior to that night I thought I was sophisticated in the ways of shamanic drumming (having learned many years before the technology.) At first I was sceptical as I watched them change their demeanour and pray harder. My fears were active partly because I was caring for a quadriplegic woman who was leaning against a teepee pole that was jumping up and down in syncopation to the wind. I kept pushing away the image in my mind’s eye of her being thrown into the fire. I wanted to jump up and hold onto the pole. I wanted to yell, “Aren’t you scared too?” Instead I kept watching the church pray, and began the process of calming my heart, listening more closely to the heartbeat of the drum.

As I calmed myself the wind seemed to calm down. The pole ceased jumping and I began breathing deeply again. The rest of the night's prayers went on and we left the teepee at dawn. Outside we were met with the chaos of downed trees, broken branches everywhere, and a whole different world. The contrast of the serenity of inside the teepee and the destruction outside, and my fears and their intention still keeps me humble.

Since then drumming continues to be a vital part of my life. I use shamanic journeying to help my clients integrate and evolve their souls, and work with a process called Soul Retrieval. Being of service to my clients, I am continually amazed at the depth of information I am able to retrieve. On every new and full moon I participate in a shamanic drumming circle. My rhythm connects me with the heartbeat of both the earth’s heart and the circles. The drumming helps me to focus my intention for the next lunar cycle. I may want to feel more vigorous in my words and actions. Or I may just want to feel gratitude for my connection to all living creatures with a heartbeat, and most importantly the earth’s pulse. I invite you to take a moment and listen to this video and feel what happens to your heart, and your mind.

This week’s exercise:

Let’s travel back in time to your past. What spiritual or religious practices touched your heart? When you were a child were there hymns that moved you? What rituals or traditions were at the heart of your family’s home? What were the feelings that arose every time you participated in singing, lighting candles, praying, or breaking bread? Are these rituals and traditions still important to you? Think about these heart-felt moments while you listen to the drum. Let the drum help you remember the joy, wonder, and love you felt. These emotions are still there, and can be recalled at any moment.