My little family tribe (John, Mara, Brie & Herb) did some drumming and dancing to celebrate Father's Day. John gave Herb and me a drumming lesson.

I was nervous. I tend to think I am beat-challenged. Guess what? Not any more. Turns out, I can hold a beat pretty well. I'm very pleased because that was so not the case when I started to bellydance way back when.

I found that once I had the pattern in my hands, relaxing was key to holding the beat. Having good posture was important so I that I wouldn't tire and miss a hit. Once I allowed my hands to take over and my body to relax into a conscious state of awareness, I could look up and watch the dancers.

Oh, my.

I discovered my drumming was feeding their dancing. I was a part of the whole experience. The dancer was being danced by the drum and vice versa. Smiling and being joyful just came up out of the void and it was all good. I was able to feel being a part of the dance that I'd never felt. It was a completion of sorts. A very yin/yang kind of thing. I wasn't in the pubic eye, but yet my part was equally important. It's not that I ever devalued drummers, it's just that I've never been one so I didn't *get it*. My appreciation for my partner's drumming has gone up tremendously in just one session. I am blessed to have him.

The experience of drumming with my life partner was very awe-some. To hold the beat together and to encourage each other... to hold the beat steady if the other person missed so they could come back to it... To drum steadily while the other person enjoyed flourishes for the pure fun of it... To trust. Ah, that was sweet.

My daughter playing with that verge of becoming a woman. At 9.5 years old. She does this little dance with the baby side and the grown up side of herself. She is a natural at belly rolls and shimmies. To play the drum for her while she explores her unique abilities was so fine.
My inner eye woke up and really saw her that evening. My heart almost burst with pride and love.

My friendship bonds with Brie and Herb found nourishment and deeper commitment through feeling the Mama Beat with them. Brie's zilling sounded so joyous, like a ululation over the thumping of feet on the Earth. Her smiles and sparkling eyes inspired me to drum on and on.
Herb's deep concentration fulfilled a part of me, saying "Yes, this is worthy of our attention."

We broke up our session with that feeling of "More. Let's do/be/feel more!" Community. So important.

All because I finally had the courage to pick up a drum.