Trauma Drum Circle - January 18, 2020
Trauma Drum Circle - January 18, 2020
Drum circles have been part of healing rituals in many cultures throughout the world since antiquity. Recent research confirms many physical and mental health benefits of drumming, especially in a community setting. Gregg Hansen, local hand percussionist and drum instructor and I are presenting a workshop for trauma survivors using community drumming to promote healing. This workshop will help each participant develop a powerful personal statement related the trauma in their past, then explore drumming rhythms related to that statement together as a circle. It is not necessary to share stories of personal trauma in this workshop. Drums will be provided, or participants are welcome to bring their own. No drumming experience necessary.


We have video funerals, like we have video conferences, and video doctor visits. We’re starting to gather, in some cases, with 6 feet between a handful of local mourners. It doesn’t feel like enough to me. Even the most satisfying funeral for a single COVID death isn’t the place to address the connection between all the deaths, and all the mourners. All the common threads among the lives that will never be the same after this pandemic. I feel a need for an additional way to mourn that acknowledges the global community of mourners, and honors the collective nature of our losses. One that enables mutual support among mourners who perhaps have different losses that are all part of the larger phenomenon.