My first drum came to me in 2001 when I was out in Vancouver. I was in this great shop of indigenous crafts and clothing. The lady managing the store asked me what I was looking for and I told her that I was guided to the store to buy a drum but that I was not seeing a drum that called to me. She said, “Aaahhh. Wait a minute.”
She came back about five minutes later carrying a beautiful drum. She said, “I think this drum is for you. It just came in this morning. It is made by a young lady after her first moon and brings the strength of the young girl now woman and her Ancestors. She said that the first drum that a person makes is special and that she was guided to not keep it.”
I took the drum and the drum stick and gently beat the drum. The tone was powerful but gentle and vibrated through my body. I knew the drum was for me. I turned the drum over and there was a little carved paddle attached to one of the support sinews. I asked what the paddle was for. The manager replied that it was a gift of good luck. Again, I knew the drum was for me. I beat out a few more notes and happily paid for the drum.
I took it back to the house we were staying at, and smudged the drum and hugged it and introduced myself. I asked the drum for its name but it was not ready to share it with me. During the next week, we were at several drumming sessions. Every time I played her, my drum sounded sweeter. And yes, eventually the drum gave me her name.
Now twenty some years later, the drum is still beautiful and still sounds sweet. She hangs on the wall in our meditation room when I am not drumming.
Clients and students have asked me if they should buy a drum or make a drum. I have made several drums. Each is different. My first drum still resonates with me the most. I do not think it matters whether you buy a drum or make a drum as long as the drum or the drum making process speaks to you at a soul level. I think everyone should have a drum for the resonance of the drum beat creates balance and healing like nothing else.
Many blessings,
Judy
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Thanks for reading this blog post. Sharing is good if it is kind and either has questions or tells about an experience. (Rudeness and profanity are excluded.)
Blessings,
Judy