Sunday, October 9, 2016

Book review; DRUMMING - THE HEARTBEAT OF MOTHER EARTH



PATHWAY OF PEACE : JOURNEY TO THE NEW EARTH, By Rev. Caroline Dawley  Is an inspired Message for our time, available on Amazon and Createspace/store   

Excerpt; Ch. 10 DRUMMING - THE HEARTBEAT OF MOTHER EARTH

Drumming is an ancient form that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. From the shamans of the rainforest to the Native Americans, rhythm has been used for thousands of years to create and maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health bringing peace and harmony to the planet as we become one harmonious sound.  Current research is now verifying the therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques. Such research reviews indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self. Other studies have demonstrated the calming, focusing, and healing effects of drumming on Alzheimer's patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, recovering addicts, trauma patients, and prison and homeless populations. Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, and a wide range of physical disabilities. For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine enrolled both middle-aged experienced drummers and a younger novice group in a 40-minute djembe drumming sessions. Their blood pressure, blood lactate and stress and anxiety levels were taken before and after the sessions. Also, their heart rate was monitored at 5 second intervals throughout the sessions. As a result of the trial, all participants saw a drop in stress and anxiety. Systolic blood pressure dropped in the older population post drumming.  
According to professionals in the fields of music and therapy and mental health, drumming reduces tension, anxiety, and stress in many ways. Drumming induces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress. Stress, according to current medical research, contributes to nearly all disease and is a primary cause of such life-threatening illnesses as heart attacks, strokes, and immune system breakdowns. A recent study found that a program of group drumming helped reduce stress and employee turnover in the long-term care industry and might help other high-stress occupations as well. Additionally, drumming helps control chronic pain by serving as a distraction from pain and grief.  Moreover, drumming promotes the production of endorphins, the body’s own morphine-like painkillers, and can thereby help in the control of pain. Not only beneficial for pain relief, a recent medical research study indicates that drumming circles boost the immune system as well. Led by renowned cancer expert Barry Bittman MD, the study demonstrates that group drumming increases cancer-killing cells, which help the body combat cancer as well as other viruses, including AIDS. According to Dr. Bittman, “Group drumming tunes our biology, orchestrates our immunity, and enables healing to begin.”  Additionally, A 2012 study published in Evolutionary Psychology found that active performance of music (singing, dancing and drumming) triggered endorphin release (measured by post-activity increases in pain tolerance) whereas merely listening to music did not. The researchers hypothesized that this may contribute to community bonding in activities involving dance and music-making.

Drumming creates a sense of connectedness with others that promotes unity and helps raise conscious awareness of the experience of Oneness.  As we drum, we raise the resonant field of the collective group that matches the hertz vibrational field of the earth. Drumming circles provide a sense of connectedness with others and interpersonal support. A drum circle provides an opportunity to connect with your own spirit at a deeper level, and connect with a group of other like- minded people. Group drumming promotes peace. Drumming unites us with the heartbeat of Mother Earth, raising our vibration as we becoming ONE Harmonious sound. Rhythm, as a path, leads to the rhythmic roots of all cultures. When we come into the circle and drum, we set the intention for peace, harmony, unity and compassion for all beings.  As the vibration rises, we become one united sound, creating a vortex for change. That’s why I call it the Universal Language.
Different cultures use the same rhythmic qualities; like the colors of the rainbow, each culture has its own sound and rhythm yet each is a part of the whole. Although the focus or intent differs from culture to culture, rhythmic drumming has the same power and effects in all traditions. The resonant qualities and attributes of these are universal and come into play whenever we drum.  The sound waves produced by the drum impart their energy to the resonating systems of the body, mind, and spirit, making them vibrate in harmony. When we drum, our body, brainwaves, and spiritual energy centers begin to vibrate in response. This resonance leaves reverberating effects up to 72 hours after a drum session. These powerful effects can best be described in terms of their influence on the subtle energy centers known as chakras. There are seven chakras and that the spiritual traditions of the Hopi, Cherokee, and Tibetan and other cultures teach of. There are vibratory centers within the human body referred to as spinning wheels of energy called chakras. There are seven major chakras situated along the vertical spinal axis from the genital region to the crown of the head. Each vortex of energy is associated with a specific color of the rainbow, distinct parts of the body, with particular functions of consciousness. Chakras control the electromagnetic field around the body called the Aura. They are the vitality empowering the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of one's being. Imbalances in chakras lead to imbalances in body, mind, and spirit. Drumming creates a vibratory resonance that activates, balances, and aligns the chakra system.
The Rainbow Fire symbolizes an illuminated mind and clarity of all aspects of consciousness. It describes the aura of rainbow color light that radiates from a fully activated chakra system. This illumination within allows us to fully integrate the wisdom of all seven centers of consciousness. The fire of clear mind is ever present within each of us, so that each may find the way to unity and harmony. Drumming is one way that we can cultivate the fire of clear mind. The drum's beat ignites the Rainbow Fire within, illuminating the path and showing us the way. With clarity of mind, we can perceive the feeling of Oneness, Unity and Harmony creating a new consciousness. Through the insight and understanding of illuminated mind, we can bring enlightenment to the world!
Please leave a comment, join our Peace Community.  Peace is Possible. Caroline Dawley

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