SOUNDFORMATION PRESENTS:

POWER PRACTICE DRUMMING:

RHYTHMS OF THE SEVEN SACRED DIRECTIONS

The Rhythms of the Seven Sacred Directions represents a tool to assist in the journey around the medicine wheel of our life known as Personal Power Practice.

The Seven Directions represent a divination system which connects us to energetic awareness of power animals, developmental stages and domains of life, colors, energy centers in the body, and an energetic essence of each direction.
As we honor each direction, we may invoke these particular corresponding energy dynamics, allowing for a personalized journey.

All life forms are interconnected. Prayer and Ritual with rhythm, natural elements and powers preserves an orderly, harmonious universe. We seek balance, freedom, peace of mind and heart. In seeking this harmony with nature, the drum serves as an instrument of attunement with the Great Mystery we call life.
Personal Power Practice allows us to deepen awareness of this inter-connection by expanding our "Internal Landscape" through Creative Visualization to assist in the manifestation of our heart's desire.

As we walk in this life, we are the intercessors between the Sky Father and the Earth Mother. In the quest for knowledge and the accumulation of power, the Sky represents our intuitive nature and inner vision. The Earth represents our life force energy. Divine knowledge is received from the upper realm, and then re-powered through the lower realm. This life energy is then directed back to the higher centers of the intuitive mind for healing and creativity.

The drum or Cancega, serves as an equilibrator which reconciles all the diverse and contradictory elements of our natural life. In this way, the drum represents a microcosm of the universe.
As you listen along this rhythmic journey, stay open to the images and messages you receive. You may wish to play along if you desire. Once you hear the rhythm, wait for a moment of recognition, and then play along. Listen for 4 LOUD hits at the end of each round as a signal to end the round. Relax, breathe deeply, and enjoy this Sacred Journey known as Personal Power Practice.

"We must learn to listen very carefully to the sound of the drum. The drum, like all our relations, is alive and it is trying to tell you something. Listen with more than just your ears. To hear the voice of the drum you must listen with your entire being. Ask your drum and your helping spirits to help you. State your intention in a clear and concise manner and then open yourself to the help that comes. You must open the heart and empty the mind. Become like a hollow bone and allow the power of the spirits to fill you. Give up the need for control. This requires an attitude of surrender and trust.

Always begin a drumming session by softly stroking the drum, and then gradually increase the intensity of your playing. It is much better to awaken a drum’s spirit gently and softly. Imagine someone yelling loudly to awaken you from a deep sleep. Sustain a steady pulse of about 3 to 4 beats per second. As you play, close your eyes and focus on the sound of the drum, keeping your mind open to insights. Do not worry about missing a beat or falling out of rhythm. Allow yourself to be swept along with the rhythm. If your mind wanders, bring the focus of your attention back to the sound of the drum. Stay aware of what you are experiencing without trying to analyze or question its meaning.

Simply observe the thoughts and ideas as they flow in and out of awareness. Insight and guidance may come through sounds, symbols, or images. It may simply be an intuitive, knowing awareness. Just go with the flow and learn through your experience. Accept whatever happens with humility and grace. "

From “The Shamanic Drum”

 by Michael Drake~