Summer
Summer is much different for Drum Magic than all other seasons. School age kids become camp kids, teenagers become counselors, business grown-ups become company picnic and retreat grown-ups. There are some things that do not change in the summer. The seniors in the senior centers do not change in the summer and the youth offenders don't change a bit. I do get the opportunity to drum more with these two groups in the summer because my schedule frees up so much after school's out. I also think that these particular groups benefit the most from Drum Magic.
Seniors are such a wealth of wisdom in our communities. Sometimes the seniors I am privlidged to drum with, have fallen into a quiet, deep place within themselves and it makes it more challenging to understand the gifts they have in there. When I drum with them, they appear to awaken that quiet side. The louder and quicker the pulse gets, the more they respond and, in turn, share that beauty with everyone in the room. Some will sing, some dance, some seem to go back to a time when they were performers, some just smile. It still amazes me to witness the transformation. How lucky am I?
The youth offenders are some of the most powerful drummers I get to work with. They have a playful energy that is always on the move. Some might view this as too much; in terms of volume, speed, movement and vocalizing. What it does to me inside the center of the circle is hard to describe. It only happens in youth facilities. I try to stay totally aware of the boys and what is taking place. There are always other adults in the room and that is a good thing. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the feelings and actually use the power in the room to hold me up. There have been many occasions when I actually felt light headed and faint.
My hopes is that someone will want to study these groups of people. I would love to do the drumming while someone else documents the results and publishes the results. Imagine knowing what happens to seniors and youth offenders after I leave. How does it change their behavior, their awareness, their study habits, their sleep habits. What if drumming was found to be a tool for rehabilitation, for memory stimulation, for anger management?
Is anyone out there?
Badabaday!
jana