Drum circles... wow, this is by far one of my greatest passions.

We have a drum Circle in Manitou Springs (very close to here) on Monday nights. I have a pair of congas, two buffalo drums, a doumbek, an ocean drum, a rain shaker, and a talking drum. They've all been to at least one circle :)

What I love about drumming is when I am really able to let go and get lost in the rhythm. It lifts me to another dimension... an infinite "now". That point where you are not thinking about the future or the past. You're not thinking about if what you just did sounded stupid, or what you can do to sound cool... No, you are free from all judgments, and your only attention is placed in the "now" moment... one beat at a time.

As my hands strike the drum, and my body tunes to the pulsating frequency of the room, a perceptual shift begins to take place. The ego is put to sleep as the presence of other individuals in the circle form a speechless, intimate connection. At first, a simple rhythm sets my internal metronome as I feel others in the room sync up. Every tone builds to create character and personality. Energy strengthens as the personalities form more complex patterns and attitudes. A communication between all involved is felt on a level that surpasses logic, and bypasses rational thought. Mental focus starts to shift into 3rd person perspective, as an introduction of cosmic energy begins to permeate the room.

My arms are no longer driven by this "physical" vehicle. The letting go process begins to sink in deeper and deeper until all resistance, and thought, is shed. A merging of body and spirit vibrating at the frequency of this phenomenal collaborative creation... one sentient entity manifested by the source of every individual in the room who has surrendered to it.

Time begins to lose meaning as it's sliced into smaller and smaller increments.... closer and closer to the infinite "now"... one of the most magical places I've ever experienced. It's that place where absolute perfection to every manifestation in the world is felt... a sense of knowing, oneness, bliss, total trust... a complete connection to source energy, the Christ within. Everything is different in this place. The room vibrates with a different intensity. Colors are more vivid, images are sharp and focused... all senses are heightened beyond anything ever experienced, as if every detail in the surrounding environment is being experienced by every cell in the body...

This is where I choose to dwell...