DIVINE JOURNEYS

Shamanic Drum & Journey Circles

Thousands of years ago, around 6000 BC, our ancestors made the first musical instrument: the drum. The drum has been used throughout human history; every culture on Earth has used a drum in some fashion. The beat of the drum has the power to relax, energize and transport us. Science has studied the effects of repetitive rhythms on the brain, and has discovered that drumming quickly alters our brain patterns from Beta to Alpha waves. Drumming is a simple yet effective way of altering human consciousness. If you have tried meditation and find it difficult, or are ready to deepen your current meditation practice, join us for the drum and journey circle.

Our Circle

Our drum and journey circle uses the beat of the drum, in combination with other relaxation techniques, to assist the participant in gaining access to his/her Inner Wisdom. These techniques, in various forms, are used in many cultures as a shamanic practice. Our drum and journey circle does not follow any specific cultural paradigm, and is open to people of all religious and spiritual backgrounds, as well as to those who have no religious or spiritual practice. The techniques used in our circle to create an altered state represent many cultural “core” practices. There is no right or wrong way to experience your personal journey. All are welcome.

The Event

This event lasts approximately 2 hours. Please plan to arrive on time so that the circle will not be interrupted. Below is a rough outline of the 2 hour circle

· Form the circle

· Participant introductions

· Facilitator speaks

· Group drumming

· Guided meditation

· Practitioner drums for participants as they journey

· Call back and journaling time

· Participant sharing

· Open Circle

· Light snack for grounding

What to Bring

You truly only need to bring yourself and an open heart to the event– but here are some suggested items:

· A pillow and light blanket. The best way to journey is to lie flat on the floor, however chairs will be provided for those who prefer to sit.

· An eye cover. Using a bandana or other eye cover can help eliminate distraction.

· A drum, rattle, rain stick, or other percussion instrument. This is NOT mandatory– extra instruments will be provided.

· A notebook & pen or pencil. Many people like to write down their experiences. Journeying can be similar to dreaming; it is often difficult to remember the details as time passes.

· Any small item that assists you in connecting to Source. This may be a medicine bag, prayer beads, animal totem figurine, crystal, etc. Please keep it small– space may be limited.

What to Expect

Rhythmic drumming can produce deep relaxation, a mental and/or physical sense of well being, easing of physical pain, a release of deep emotions, feelings of being light and energized, and mental imagery & visualization known here as a journey. You can expect to experience some or all of these.

Some attendees of drum & journey circles do not have “journeys” during their first several attempts. A journey is an inner visualization that carries a message of importance or value to the individual. Please be patient with yourself and know that your experience is PERFECT for you. In time most people can and do experience a journey during the circle.

One of the major obstacles to any meditation practice is the constant chatter in our minds. In this circle, this voice is referred to as “ego”. It is the commentator within each of us that keeps up a continual dialogue which judges and categorizes every experience we have. Bypassing the ego is the goal of all meditation practices. Behind the ego, we have access to a vast pool of knowledge. Your ego WILL try and get in your way. Try not to get frustrated, but instead make the mind chatter part of the experience. Do not try and stop it– you cannot stop the mind chatter for very long. Treat your ego as you would a small child, with indulgence and kindness. Acknowledge the inner voice, and then turn back to your meditation.

You may also experience a heightened connectedness with the group. This is the phenomenon of entrainment. There are several definitions of this word; the one we are referring to here is “The alignment of an organism’s rhythm to that of an external rhythm in its environment”. Entrainment occurs when people or things begin to align with each other through the sharing of energy. Example of entrainment: Pendulums brought close together will swing in unison; crickets will chirp together; fireflies near each other flash as one. The principles of entrainment are universal; they show up in chemistry, biology, astronomy and more. Entrainment between people alleviates feelings of self centeredness, alienation & isolation.

Martinsburg WV, Divine Journeys:   Sunday (dates below) from 2pm to 4pm. Arrive after 1:30pm for a prompt start. PLEASE RSVP BY EMAIL! Cost is $20 plus a light snack to share after the circle for grounding and community time. Those who cannot pay can offer clean up help after the Circle. 2012 dates at Divine Journeys in Martinsburg WV:  Jan 15,  Apr 15, July 15, Nov 18

MD at the Boonsboro Wellness Center:  Sunday (dates below) 2pm to 4pm. Arrive after 1:30pm for a prompt start. PLEASE RSVP BY EMAIL! Cost is $20 plus a light snack to share after the circle for grounding and community time. 2011 dates at the BWC in Boonsboro MD: Feb 19, May 20, Sep 16, Dec 16