Heartbeats in a Drum

May 8, 2009 Taos Arts & Crafts Fair at Kit Carson Park.

We couldn't resist the pottery so came home with two soup mugs, a garlic keeper, a wee pitcher, and what we're calling "the partridge" a little rotund pourer originally designed for soya sauce, but which might suit olive oil - we now admit we bought it as much for its cuteness than its function. We did, however, resist the jewelry, indian arts, clothing and much more.

The resounding experience, however, was meeting Lynn of Sweet Medicine Drums. She told us the story of the drummed heart beat, how we are all tuned into that sound since the womb, how the heartbeat has healing power - it prompts us to grow. She says we have an inherent need for rhythm in our lives.

Research is underway to explore how drummed rhythms can change brainwave patterns and reduce stress. Also, drumming is now part of treatment for some Alzheimers patients as well as autistic children, the emotionally disturbed and even employees of large corporations (I think the last two go together more than we think) to improve focus and morale.

Lynn learned her drumming ways from an old Hopi medicine woman and personally knows two people who came out of comas during drumming.

Notable: Lynn implored us to spend some time at Ojo Caliente Springs. That was the third, unprompted suggestion within 24 hours where someone suggested we go there - a fourth, unprompted mention followed within the hour. A definition of rhythm: a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. Makes me wonder...

We later kept time with the rhythms of Julian Priester, Larry Vuckovich, John Heard, Hadley Caliman, and Eddie Marshall at The Legends of Jazz concert at El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa.

-P