Ode To The Four Directions

BASE BASE :: BASE BASE  : Tap Tap slap slap – repeat

BASE BASE :: BASE BASE  : Tap Tap slap slap – repeat

BASE BASE :: BASE BASE  : Tap Tap slap slap – repeat until…

This is the rhythm that I played on my new drum. The BASE beats are strong down strokes in the center of the drumhead allowing your hand to bounce back up with the vibration. Breathe and exhale. It is equivalent to a heart beat.

Tap Tap are beats with fingers closed and thumb spread tapping toward but not on the edge of the drumhead. Slap slap is the same motion with all fingers spread.

Now substitute words:

Hail Hail :: Rain Rain : falls down on me – repeat

Hail Hail :: Rain Rain : falls down on me – repeat

Hail Hail :: Rain Rain : falls down on me – repeat until…

There are endless combinations of these three djembe drum beats. And if you can lose yourself in the sound and pulse – it’s a universal conversation between body and drum and collective.. And if you are really good, you can include singing/chanting while someone dances which is very captivating and physically satisfying. Drumming is primal energy that resonates within your body and earth energy. I can almost feel the heat and heart of the African plain. Because I was sounding a quatrain, I was lifted and carried by the energy of the Four Directions.

~

lost and found in the throb my primitive voice

The Gift of Community

Last night some dear friends gathered at my home and gifted me an African drum. It touched my heart on many levels. But mostly, it is an invitation to join in community with them, the traditions and conversations of local and global drum circles which are as ancient as life itself. Drumming can be used as a tool for artful creation, balance and healing. For me, the drum and its gift are also gentle reminders to connect with my tender loving self. They showed me how to hold it, feel into it and honor it. The djembe drum is beautifully hand-carved from hardwood and the drumhead is made of untreated rawhide.

From Wikipedia:

According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying “Anke djé, anke bé” which translates to “everyone gather together in peace” and defines the drum’s purpose.

Who can ask for more? As I believe that the gift is in the giving, it was truly wonder-full to see  the light on their faces as my own face lit up when I opened their gift. The circle of giving and receiving, love and friendship, drum circles and community is the treasure. As my friend Robin would say “I am forever grateful.”

~

in the dark of night a quiet conversation with my hands