I birthed a drum for my birthday. No, I have not been involved in drumming or a drumming circle and I am not really musically inclined.  I was not even sure why I wanted a drum or why I wanted to make one and not just buy one. I was trusting my intuition and soul and said yes to making my own drum!

I organized a drum making workshop on the eve of my birthday and put the word out to gather others who desired this experience as well. We were a small group. We worked outdoors on my patio sanctuary under the cover of the large umbrellas while it sprinkled gently on and off. I found the rain very cooling and cleansing.

The process of stretching the skins over the frame, punching and lacing, stretching again and tightening the strings was simple, fun and precise.  My drum took shape before my eyes.

I am really pleased with my drum. As it dried over the weekend it took on a life of its own. I was excited to connect to its spirit. I birthed a drum and it was on my birthday!

Now, I needed to make a beater or drumstick. As I thought about the drum beater, I discovered that this was a very personal and powerful extension of myself.  It was also a connection to the spirit and energy of the drum.  My beater was as important as the drum.  I knew that the stuffing needed to be very special as well.

Since it was my birthday and I had received cards and gifts from friends and family I allowed them to guide me. I surrounded myself with the cards and gifts. I used the cotton from a jewel box I received. Butterflies are a special symbol for me and I found butterfly stamped material that I cut into a long strip. On the strip of fabric I wrote all the card blessings and listed the gifts I had received.  I added a message from myself as well.

I have a set of Angel Blessing Divination cards that I use daily and I drew one, asking for the energy of the Angel for the beater and drum. Nathaniel, the angel of Fire was chosen. I had been gifted gems of moonstone and iolite, so I called in their energy as well.

I gathered a few more items to place into the center of the beaters heart. I added a section of ribbon with the words “With Love” as well as a small crystal, sage, palo santo wood chips and an owl and hawk feather.

I wrapped all these things around the wooden stick I had been provided, which I then wrapped with leather. Finally, I had a personalized and powerful extension of myself to connect with my drum.  It had blessings from friends and loved ones and even the angels.  Sweet.

I sat with the drum and slowly introduced the beater stick. Calling on the spirit of the drum, I awakened it with a few tentative taps and quickly got braver and bolder with my strokes. It has a lovely sound and easily transports me into a meditative state. I love the quiet silence as it reverberates thru my body after I get done drumming. I feel my body quiet down, relax and my spirit soars.  When I drum I connect to that calm sanctuary of oneness within. Strange how noise of the drum connects me to my inner quiet.   I am beginning to understand my souls request for a drum.  

Journal Prompt

Are birthdays special to you?  Why or why not.  In what ways have you to honored a special birthday or occasion?  Does music or drumming transport you?    

Affirmation

I honor my birthday and celebrate my life.  I honor each day as special and value the good and bad.  

If you find yourself struggling with identifying your limiting beliefs or with letting them go, contact me today to discuss energetic coaching sessions for clarity, insight, clearings, and faster shifts in perspectives.