Drum Circle at the Blue Lotus Temple

A drum circle is a community based event where we share rhythms and create songs completely through improvisation, nothing is pre-rehearsed or pre-planned. The types of drums played at a drum circle include; frame/hoop drums, djembes, congas, bongos, doumbeks, darbukas, and ashikos. The drums may be accompanied by percussion instruments such as; maracas, claves, tambourine, gong(s), tongue drums, bells, singing bowls, and rainsticks.

Essentially, there is no "leader" or "director" telling participants what to play or when. Normally the facilitator begins with a simple and easy to follow rhythm and tempo, then the drum song develops spontaneously and organically allowing for healthy creative expression.

Many people wrongly believe that they are not creative and that creativity is for someone else. This is simply not true. Everyone possesses a creative spark within and a drum circle allows for that spark to be released in a positive and supportive community. Each drummer in the circle has the opportunity to express their own creative vision and witness "in the moment" experience and how it compliments the circle's rhythmic song(s).

Participating in a communal drum circle has many health benefits that include:

• Stress Reduction Engaging in drumming activities can be a powerful stress-reliever. The repetitive beats and rhythms can help divert your mind from daily stressors, allowing a momentary escape. A study published in the journal Mental Health Practice found that drumming reduced anxiety, tension, and stress, promoting relaxation and well-being (Fancourt et al., 2016).
• Boosting Brain Power
  Believe it or not, drumming circles can be a mental workout! Drumming has been shown to improve cognitive functions like memory and attention. A study by The Journal of Neuroscience concluded that the rhythmic training through activities like drumming enhances timing precision and cognitive functions (Hanna-Pladdy & Mackay, 2011).
• Elevation of Mood
  Feeling blue? A drumming circle might be the remedy. The act of drumming can release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can elevate your mood. This is supported by a study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which found drumming to stimulate positive emotions and mood enhancement (Bittman et al., 2001).
• Enhanced Self-expression
  A drumming circle offers a platform for individuals to express themselves without the barriers of language. By tapping into this primal form of communication, individuals can connect with their emotions and convey them through beats. Music and Medicine journal states that drumming can serve as a form of non-verbal expression, fostering emotional healing (Thoma et al., 2013).
• Improvement in Social Bonds
  Drumming circles are inherently social events. By coming together to create rhythm, participants often feel a deeper connection with others in the group. This shared experience can foster feelings of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness (Koelsch, 2010).
• Enhancement in Mindfulness and Presence
  Like meditation, drumming requires focus on the present moment. By concentrating on the rhythm and being in sync with others, drumming circles can enhance mindfulness. A paper in PLOS ONE highlighted the similarities between drumming and meditation in promoting relaxation and presence (Smith et al., 2014).
• Encouragement of Emotional Release
  Drumming can be an avenue for emotional catharsis. When words fail, the rhythmic beats can communicate pain, joy, anger, or any emotion in between. Drumming circles, with their supportive environment, can be therapeutic platforms for emotional release and healing (Winkelman, 2003).

About Ken Talaga:

Ken began his music training at the age of 9 years old. He started with keyboards then began lessons on clarinet and the drum kit for 7 years. He is an avid listener to most music genres but his favorite genre is world or ethnic music. He experienced his first drum circle back in 1987 at a Grateful Dead concert and from that point on he was addicted to communal drumming. Thirty years ago, he heard Native American style flute and was captivated enough to begin playing the instrument and incorporates it into the drumming. He has also participated and led/facilitated many drum circles, some include; Ginger Blossoms, Pagan Pride events, Earth Day celebrations, fire walks and currently facilitates 3 local monthly drum circles.

Ken supports and believes in the therapeutic benefits of music and sound and it is one of the main reasons why he enjoys offering and participating in drum circles.Ken also makes and sells Native American style flutes and other nature inspired music instruments.

He has also studied and practiced Taoism and Buddhism for nearly thirty-five years and is a Reik Fusion Usui Shiki Ryoho Master/ Teacher.