Drum circles at George H.P. Smith Park to start May 9
HealTree and Sue Greer will present a drum circle celebration at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes. Sessions will continue June 13, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. Attendees can bring their own chairs or blankets for comfortable seating. This is a donation-based event benefiting local charities.
Drum circles have been around for over 70,000 years and are known on every continent around the world. Community drumming was a form of celebration and fun. It was also felt to be sacred as a ceremony to mark the seasons and cycles of the Earth. Drumming became a way to communicate between people and created a stronger, more connected community.
Before people are even born, they are bathed in rhythms of the mother’s heartbeat and breath. While drumming, people learn to listen as they co-create the beat and synchronize rhythm with one another and the present moment.
By meeting together to drum, people strengthen the mind-body connection, creating an outlet for emotions, stress and physical restriction. Drumming is naturally healing. When humans drum collectively, they open up to a percussion discussion with fellow drummers, finding a nonverbal connection that helps them go beyond differences. In these moments of creating together, humans find one another and a source of peace.
The science of psychoneurology has shown that that drumming helps release endorphins and dopamine to the brain, which can give a sense of calm and a pleasant feeling of contentment. Drumming also can help increase healthy cell development and improve heart health. Some university hospitals are introducing drum circles to their cardiac and cancer patients, with great results. Lastly, drumming builds a sense of self-expression, creativity and confidence, as well as a feeling of support through community. Attendees may bring their own instrument or borrow one provided by HealTree. No experience is necessary.
For more information or to sign up, go to healtree.co or call 302-827-4683.
