Off the Grid and Into the Groove

Sometimes the best experiences come from saying yes to something unfamiliar.

Earlier this year, I decided to try a QiGong class. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but since I was on a dual mission to find workout classes and meet people, I was willing to give it a try. It turns out that QiGong is similar to Tai Chi — calm, intentional, and surprisingly energizing.

I really enjoyed the class and started attending whenever my Saturday morning schedule allowed. A few times, I was the only student who showed up, but the instructor never hesitated to hold class. During one session, another student mentioned a drum circle. That sparked my curiosity. I had seen drum circles in movies and heard about them, but never had the opportunity to experience one. It turned out there was a monthly drum circle right at the same studio where I took QiGong. (You can read more about that in my earlier post linked below)

“Of Drum Circles and Butt Bread: A Monday Recap”

As a follow-up, I attended a special event at Tree of Life Farm with Debi and Charlotte, two of the instructors from the yoga studio. The farm is located in a rural area outside of Bonham, Texas — and when I say rural, I mean RURAL! It’s one of the few places left where you can’t get a signal once you turn off the main road and start winding your way through the trees. Honestly, that’s part of what makes it magical. The farm feels like an escape from the daily grind.

The hosts of the event, Sebastian and Paula, were kind and welcoming, immediately putting everyone at ease. The property was surrounded by towering trees, with a large firepit at the center where everyone gathered to share food before the drumming began.

This drum circle was exactly what I had pictured when I first heard about them. One of the experienced drummers started a rhythm, and everyone else joined in. It didn’t matter what instrument you played or how steady your beat was — everyone was welcome.

There were so many instruments to try: djembes, pan drums, tongue drums (my personal favorite), tambourines, shakers, bells, and more. Instruments were passed around so everyone could experience a few different ones. The tongue drum instantly caught my attention — its sound was soft, melodic, and soothing. (You can bet it made it onto my Christmas list!)

If you’d like to hear what a tongue drum sounds like, listen to this short clip on YouTube.
Or, if you want to try playing one yourself, you can experiment with a virtual tongue drum here. (It’s just for fun — not an advertisement!)

No one seemed to miss the lack of internet. We were simply in the moment — drumming, laughing, connecting. There was no judgment, only joy. I left with a feeling of contentment and community.

Have you ever tried a drum circle or another experience that surprised you with how connected it made you feel?

With love & glitter,
Valerie