THE HEALING POWER OF RHYTHM

Christmas Drumming Rhythms!!

2011-11-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

To early to talk about Christmas? Perhaps, but it's never to early to make plans for yourself is it? This is a reminder that come December and things start to "hot" up, and the rush starts for the Christmas season, try to relax and take your time about everything. I mean, what's the point in running here and there killing yourself for what? Is it worth it all? Never! Relax and plan early, always leaving time for yourself to chill when everyone else is out on their feet. On Dec 17th I will be giving you a wonderful chance to do just that. I am facilitating a one day " Christmas Drumming Rhythms" Workshop/Retreat in the lovely Glosna House near Athy Co. Kildare.

This will be a wonderful day of rhythmical fun and Christmas laughter playing drums, and singing all your favorite Christmas songs. Meet up with old and new friends, and forget about the hustle and bustle of the Christmas "rush". I will quickly show you how to play simple drum and percussion rhythms to play along while we sing our hearts out.

So why not visit the Glosna House Web-site now...book yourself on, and perhaps a friend...as a surprise Christmas present. If you book before Dec 10th, the cost is €65. After that date it will be €75.

I promise you we are going to have a great Christmas session......and maybe even some warm punch!!!!Click here to book

Get started on your drummers path!!

2011-04-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I've always said that making music is for everybody...that the music is already inside us all. Ok, so some have MORE music inside them than others perhaps, but so what? who really cares? There are many many people who just want to enjoy "dipping" into their musical soup every now and then to taste the flavors of what it's like to express themselves musically. What comes out is their own business, their own creation, their own feelings....a release! For the "non" musician (by "non" i mean someone who seldom picks up any musical instrument...and pretty much has no idea how to play any instrument) the best way to connect with this feeling (and perhaps the only way) is through drumming. There are many elements to music, but I believe "rhythm" is the single most accessible of these elements to most people. We are exposed to, and depend on, rhythm, almost every moment of our lives, so without even knowing it we are receiving rhythmical training on a daily basis. Start connecting to your musical "bliss" by taking up a drum and expressing yourself rhythmically. Click on the link here to learn how to get started.....and enjoy!!!!

2011-03-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Great article here from one of my favorite Recreational Music Facilitators, Kalani. Kalani is one of the top people in the world on the subject of using Music as a developmental activity. Read the link and follow his blogs...very informative!!!

Click here to read Article

Beat stress!!!!!

2011-02-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, Here's a nice article about the health benefits of group drumming. We know that active music making is fun and creative.....but it's also therapeutic! Drumming is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of de-stressing, relaxation, emotional release, social connection and personal empowerment. Click here for more...

Discover the Gift : Christine Stevens on Connecting Through the Universal Language of Music

2011-02-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Rhythm is truly a universal langauge. We can all gather together and drum a rhythm in unison even if we speak a different language. We don't need words to connect...in fact words often cause confusion and misunderstanding. We can connect on many levels through rhythm. Follow the link below to find out how Christine Stevens uses group drumming sessions to help bring people together in Iraq........enjoy!!

Discover the Gift : Christine Stevens on Connecting Through the Universal Language of Music: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Shamanic Drumming: Playing With Spirit - A Guide

2011-02-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Shamanic Drumming: Playing With Spirit - A Guide: "by David Johannes You may drum for many reasons. Perhaps you enjoy the feeling of social togetherness when you drum in a circle. Or maybe ..."

Drumming for child development

2011-01-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

A lot of my work is in schools, working with young children. I don't only teach music skills, in fact that is only a small part of what I do...I also facilitate child development...through drumming/rhythm activities and games. There are many benefits to children (and adults) from learning a musical skill, and I believe that drums are the best entry level instruments to achieve this. Children can improve areas of their lives such Listening, Focusing, Respect, Impulse control, Camaraderie, Following instructions, Self-esteem, Inclusion and many more from playing drums with other people in a Drum Circle format. Check out the link below to read about some of the benefits to children from drumming.

http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/the-big-list-of-the-benefits-of-drumming-1027269.html

Just do it!!!!!!!

2010-12-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

It's getting very near the end of another year...just a few days left. What have you achieved in 2010? was it a good year...or a bad year? Looking back on it do you have any regrets? How many promises did you make to yourself last January that just dissolved weeks after you made them? This can, and does' happen..in fact most people will forget about all their new year wishes within 3/4 weeks of making them. Why do we do this? Are they not real wishes in the first place? Are they too hard to stick with? Or perhaps we just don't know how to stay focused on them?

In today's world of "fast" and "furious" lifestyles, it's not surprising that we loose track of what really matters to us. Most of us just want to get to the end of each day in one piece, and hope to wake up the following morning with a more determined approach to give some thoughts to "yourself" this day....but it seldom happens as we get caught up in daily "must dos'" again. We need to learn how to "focus" more. Focus on ourselves, what we want and what is good for us.

There is no harm in focusing on yourself. There is no harm in wanting things for yourself. If we do not create our own destiny...who will do it for us? Nobody! Many people create a sense of guilt about wanting things for themselves...they think it's greedy and selfish. Nonsense! Looking after your own well being is healthy and wise. You have to put yourself first sometimes in life, therefore ensuring that you will be in a fit state to help others when the call comes.

Whatever you wish for yourself this coming year make sure you stick with it until it becomes a reality. I can help you learn how to focus on your wishes and promises. I use the Drum as a tool for internalising my goals, and I can show you how. The Drum is one of the best tools for encouraging concentration and focusing skills. The Drum turns your "wishes" which are only thoughts, into Physical resonating energy patterns, and therefore make it easier to "feel" the thought or process needed to bring about the desired outcome...which is to internalise the "goal" Once your "goal" is internalised it will become part of you, and will flourish and become a reality.

Believe in the Drum!

This new year make yourself some personal promises, internalise them, stay focused on them and make them happen...Just do it!

Self Promises'

2010-12-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Well it's creeping up to Christmas, it's cold, quite and snowy!!!! It's about this time every year that we all just except what we have, and who we are, and look back at the year gone. No need to make change now...it can wait. The new year is when we will begin to look closely at ourselves and decide what changes we will make....personaly...socially...spiritually. For now it's time to wind down, relax and enjoy a peaceful end to yet another year.

Looking back, did you make the changes you promised yourself last year? If so well done, keep it up again next year. If not...why not? Most of us do not keep to our new year plans for more than one month..this is a fact. Why? Well we can make up 1,000,s of excuses...and usually we do. Normally these excuses involve somebody or something other than ourselves. But we all know the truth...we are all in control of our our own destiny, we all make our own decisions...Right? ..Don't we? If you feel your not in control of your own destiny, or if you feel someone else is making decisions for you...STOP RIGHT THERE! Do not allow this to go on any longer...make changes to change this. Infact, make this your first "self promise" for 2011. "I will take control of my own life in 2011, and begin to make my own decisions on how I live my life" Everyone has the right to "run" their own life (at least after the age of 18years), to be the manager of their own daily existence...and your existence is your life!

The most important thing you own, is the right to decide for yourself what steps to take when confronted with an important dilemma, problem, situation or decision. By all means ask for advice if you wish...but make sure it's you that makes the ultimate decision about how you proceed. If you fall into this category, please decide now that it is going to change next year, and make it your number one "new year self promise"

I will be running drumming workshops to help people "internalise" their "new year self promises" as drumming is a wonderful way to "enforce" an intention, to bury it deep inside your "soul", and "tattoo" it there forever. The power of the Drum is phenomenal!!!

"NEW YEAR....NEW RHYTHM" Workshop

2010-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

ARD NAHOO ECO CENTRE LEITRIM JAN 15TH 2011

Price per person (all included): €75.00

View Full-Size Image

This is a workshop to help you gain the empowerment and confidence to stick with your new year promises. Using the drum as a tool for transformation, you will learn how to internalize all your intentions for 2011. Discover why drumming has been used for centuries to empower and energize people, and gain the confidence to believe they can make their dreams come true. Even if you have never drummed before.. don't worry...this is where you start. This is a workshop for everyone. It is an empowerment workshop...using drums...not a drumming class! Get 2011 off to a great start..and keep it that way...by learning the "Way of the Drum" This workshop is Relaxing, Empowering and Fun. All instruments will be supplied, or you can bring your own if you wish. To book please visit www.rhythmretreats.com PLEASE...PLEASE book early if you wish to come along to this event, we need to have numbers in early.

If you are travelling a long distance and need to stay over just call Noeleen at Ard Nahoo 071 / 9134939 and she'll sort you out. Thanks. Eddie.

PLEASE NOTE

If you can bring 2 or more friends with you....I will give you a nice discount!!! just call me on 087 / 9151134.

Watch your stress levels!!!!

2010-11-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

TimeS are tough, it's coming up to Christmas time, pressure is coming on..so be careful with your health issues. Don't let it get to you. Relax, take everything slowly, do it in your own time, and don't push yourself beyond your limits....and most of all keep "Stress" at bay. Stress is now recognised as the most widespread disease in the world, and is linked to 90% of ALL illnesses. We all must find ways to keep stress at bay, and drumming has been proven through research to lower stress levels considerably. People have used drumming for centuries to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, and tackle many of life's' health disorders. It's only now that once again...with the help of scientific research...that people are realising the health/wellness benefits of group drumming. To read more about Drum/Rhythm Therapy...follow this link

Dirversity Award

2010-11-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

"The drum is a heartbeat of creation, and represents our connection with the mother, the source...and with our own mother, the echo chamber of the womb. With mother earth, and the beat of the sea. The pounding surf, the crack of lightning, the wingbeats of migrating birds. The turning of the seasons, the sound of our own breath. The moving feet and pumping arms of a runner; the rhythmic stride of a long-distance walker. The movements of lovers, and people working the fields. All the sounds of all the movements we do to keep alive and to express our joy, and even our pain; the insistent clockwork of stress, the innocent soft lapping of a kitten's tongue.

The drum heals our connection with each other when we play it together. It brings to our attention what works between us and what doesn't. It shows us exactly where and how we harmonize and where we don't. It makes us attune to the invisible world of the energy between us: this becomes more important than what we think we see, what we wish for or regret. What's real is happening right now, in the moving moment. And when it's gone, we have only to look for the next to get back on; this time we ride."

I love these words. They are what I base my work on. I received the above Embracing Diversity Award in eary October in appreciation of my efforts and commitments to a Multicultural Ireland where differences are valued and celebrated. "Thank you Drum"

FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOP!!!

2010-09-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Why not come along to a FREE drumming workshop in Glosna House Wolf Hill Co Laois/Kildare on the 22nd of Oct 2010. limited number of places, so go quickly to my web-site www.rhythmretreats.com and book your place. It's a fantastic place, you'll love it! THIS IS A ONCE OFF FREE WORKSHOP, so why not come along and check out some drumming fun to see if you would like take up drumming for WELLNESS, A FUN HOBBY, THERAPY, OR A WAY OF SPIRITUAL CONNECTION. Hope to see you there.

Eddie.

2010-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hi again Guys,

I have recently compleated my training in the Health Rhythms protocol. Health Rhythms is a researched based health/wellness program using recreational music making activities in the form of a drum circle. It is suitable for all types of situations ie; Corporate employee groups, active retirement groups, any kind of adult training group, recovery groups, schools, health centres and hospitals. Take a look at the attached video to learn more, and if you think Health Rhythms would be suitable for your group please contact me.

HealthRHYTHMS - Overview

2010-09-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Edge of Chaos" workshop, great success!!!

2010-08-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Well, Well, What a day we had at the lab in Dublin last sat for my "Edge of Chaos" workshop. It was part of the Big Bang Drum festival which is an annual event. I want to thank everyone for coming along, and sharing their rhythmical spirit. We had all ages...even a 3 year old!!! We talked about the importance of "rhythm" in our lives, and how we might connect with it more often...we did some body percussion.....rhythm games that made us laugh and have some fun.....we learned how to connect when drumming by "Entrainment"....we drummed our names to create grooves.....we sang, and chanted.....we did some guided imagery....and of course we did some improvisational drumming. Great stuff indeed. Thanks again, to all who attended....and I will have some photo's up soon from the workshop when they are edited. Can't wait.

2010-08-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Good to be back again on the "old blog road" I want to start blogging more often again, and I'd love to see you all get involved with your comments...so don't be shy i love to get comments about my workshops, retreats, drum circles, web-site, blog, newsletter or anything to do with Drumming and wellness.

This coming weekend I will be facilitating two community Drum Circles in Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford for their Rhythms and Dance Festival. Why not drop by if you in the area...great famility activity...although I always find it hard to get the parents to drum....so come on mums and dads, come along and release some pent up stress or worries and show the world your Rhythmical spirit.

On the following sat 21st, I will be facilitating a workshop addressing the Health benefits of Drumming/Rhythm as part of the Big Bang Drumming Festival in Dublin. The workshop will be held in The Twisted Pepper Cafe arts space in Middle Abbey St at 11am. Come along if you would like to know more about how to use drumming/rhythm to relax, de-stress, motivate yourself, inspire yourself, boost your overall zest for life again. The workshop would also be useful for people who work in the health/wellness area such as therapy, counsellers, social workers, youth workers and so on, as a way of learning some useful activities for your work.
In this workshop I will be using elements of the Remo Health Rhythms protocol. To learn more about this click here

On the following day 22nd, I will be teaming up with Michelle at the Clara House Holistic Centre for a one day "RHYTHM AND WELLNESS DAY" This will be a great chance to find some chill out time of your own, do a little drumming, thi chi, or a nice walk in the grounds. There are other treatments at the centre if you wish to partake as well...all the info on the day is HERE