Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Drumming Away Stress

Drumming is one of the simplest, most effective ways to relieve yourself of stress and anxiety and get into a meditative state.

If you prefer the sound of rattles, those will do the same job for you. It is the simple percussive sound that commands attention. Studies have shown that it only takes three beats for the mind to become entrained, which means that the vibrations induce a change in your brainwaves so that you can open up to the sound. Once you start following the sound, that becomes your focus and the problems you have been facing today simply melt away. Of course, you will return to normal consciousness sometime later after you quit drumming, but the state of peace that it brings to you will ease your burden and let your mind have a little quiet time.

Yes, there are many methods of meditation, but drumming offers the quickest way in. It is hard to sit and be quiet and try to empty your mind of thoughts. It takes people time and discipline to learn these methods. But people all over the planet have known since early history that the beat of a drum can bring you back in tune with the beat of your heart, the beat of the planet.

You do not have to study for a long time or have great musical talent in order to use this tool for self empowerment.

Don't take my word for it. Try it. Take any drum or rattle and just stand around doing this for a few minutes and see if you do not feel better. In fact, after a time you may even feel like dancing or singing.

This is not an expensive thing to try. Most drum or music stores probably have rattles or tambourines in stock for something like $25 or less. If you do not have a drum or rattle, they are easy to improvise. Did you ever see Stomp? You can use a plastic bucket, a couple of old broomstick or mop handles, plastic food containers, popcorn, beans or rice in an empty jar. Want a sound like a chime? Tap a metal carpenters ruler or square with a hammer. The possibilities are endless.

It is so easy to enjoy the meditative state and put a little more joy and life into your life. Go ahead, drum away your stress, anxieties and worries.

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