WINTER EDITION – December 2009

Drum Up Rhythms
WINTER EDITION December, 2009

Dear Drummers, Dancers and Friends:

Yet another turn of the Wheel, and this time, an opportunity to bring you my very best wishes for the season. Here’s to lots of happy in your holidays, and a new year filled with peace and joy.
Tis the season of Winter Solstice…the time of year when there is more dark than light in our days. In the Wheel of Life that I subscribe to, the winter season is represented by the North, features the element water…frozen or otherwise, and the color blue. It is a time for hibernating – going within – and a time for introspection and re-establishing goals and values.
One thing I like to do around this time of year is create a peaceful space for writing (candlelight, gentle
music, whatever) and write a letter to the new year. It’s quite a simple ritual, really, but a very profound way to bring some clarity and wisdom to the change of year.
Just start off “Dear 2010: I am writing to tell you the highlights of 2009, and to outline my goals and aspirations for the new year.” Sit for awhile, and contemplate what you consider to be your five greatest accomplishments for the past year, and the five things for which you are most grateful. Then write them down in sort of a “free flow” manner. That is, try not to censor your thoughts, just let them come from the heart, as if you were writing to a dear friend. Next, turn your attention to 2010 and write about your hopes and aspirations for the new year. Here again, I find that identifying five things is lots.

I also like to pick a word for the year, and give the new year a name. My word for 2009 was
“Breathe”. By December, I ended up at a meditation retreat with a full week of focusing on the breath! (I know, I know…but you just have to trust!) Anyway, my word for 2010 is going to be “Freedom”, which has personal significance for me. (Gulp! Wonder where I’ll be by December with that one!!)
The name I give each year is often quite spontaneous. It could come at the end of your letter, or for me, it’s usually midway when I shift my focus from 2009 to 2010. I haven’t written my letter yet, so this is subject to change, but right now it feels like 2010 will be “The Year of Taking the Leap” for me.
If you decide to give this a try, I would love to know how you make out. I’ve been doing it for years and find it quite powerful. Even if you don’t focus on it all the time, but only read it occasionally during the year, you may be surprised at how some things have a way of falling into place for you.

TIDAL BEAT DRUMMERS

The Tidal Beat Drummers met for five more sessions in September before fading
away with the busy-ness of fall. The highlight of our time together was playing at
the Tall Grass Festival in Seaforth. If you haven’t seen the pictures taken by Lynn
Flemming, it’s worth a look. Nice pictures of the Tidal Beat Drummers, and also
some interesting drum pictures and shots of the tall grass. The link is on the
homepage of my website (www.tidalbeat.ca).
We were also invited to play at a very informative and enjoyable diversity event at Auburn Drive School in Cole Harbour. Although we were small in number that night, it was a very cool thing to be doing.
NORTHWOOD DRUMMERS ON BREAKFAST TELEVISION
There was a bit of excitement at Northwood Centre one day in November. On very short notice, the participants in the 5-week drumming series were invited to drum on Breakfast Television. The TV crew came up to the penthouse at Northwood and taped the group, which aired the next morning. The drumming part of the TV show was broken down into four segments: an interview with the grant coordinator from Northwood; an interview with me; an interview with two of the participants, and one segment featuring the drum circle (plus they drummed in the background during the other three interviews). A lot of drummers were up early that day to watch TV!

TV fame aside, the series at Northwood was a lot of fun for participants. The co-ordinator of the program is hoping to be able to offer it again, perhaps in February. There is also an initiative on the go to bring the joy of drumming to inpatients at Northwood. Like I always say, people of all ages enjoy drumming! I’m delighted that more people, especially seniors, are discovering the bliss.

OPEN DRUM CIRCLE IN JANUARY

Nothing quite like a drum circle to kick off the new year. If your goal is to have more fun in 2010, and you think drumming might be a way to do this, I definitely think you’re right! No experience is needed.

New and experienced drummers are welcome. Instruments will be available to use, or bring your own drum if you have one.

DATE: Sunday afternoon, January 24, 2010
TIME: 2 – 4 PM
LOCATION: North Woodside Community Centre, Dartmouth
COST: $10. Please register in advance.

That’s it for this turn of the wheel. Until next time, happy drumming, and let the rhythms flow!
Heather