Welcome to Legend Drum Circles

All of the stories that we tell ourselves about Life (all of the ways that we’ve defined It), are in a sense addictions. They are set habits of perception, applied to each Life circumstance by our sensory interpretations which are played out over & over again, daily. We are all aware that for both the individual and the collective, perceptions typically change in a natural manor as we evolve to view Life from different standpoints. The most obvious example of this is how one’s thinking changes as one grows much older and learns more from Life.

Our perceptions, (or impressions of Life) resonate like habitual rhythms within/upon consciousness. And, although these generally shift and change over time, (as mentioned), dynamic experiences can facilitate great, rapid, long term, (and at times), immediate change, establishing a "new addiction" pattern of greater personal value. 

Drumming can be such a dynamic. The rhythms can resonate within in such a way that perceptions can shift, open, "shake" and free us from our old, heretofore, "locked-in", undesirable habits. 

The pulse of a drumming circle community can be an uniquely infectious experience of cadence that can place each participant more "in the now". In the most positive sense, this can affectively introduce transitional portals of other edifying potentials in consciousness, fostering different and perhaps brighter perspectives because we're thinking of nothing else within the pulse of a "charged moment". When being in the now without thoughts of past or future while playing and/or merely listening to and feeling the rhythms of the moment, one can advance "a good change" within their present energies. The greater dynamics of more positive intent-potentials are aroused. Even for just a brief moment, we can be lifted beyond the boundaries of an old familiar habit that may hold some detriment; a habit of thought & emotion perhaps born from a crippling practice of the addictive past that may be on track to eventually occupy our futures if there is no fresh intervention to grab the mind's greater attentions. 

Once in rhythm with and absorbed within a "Circle's" cyclical cadence, drumming can help  draw our attention toward a brighter outlook that is generally more open and welcoming of Life...as how we feel when we attend a great party, experiencing "better" energy, and feeling elevated in a sense, while perhaps playing a tambourine and listening and/or dancing to the music with the community joined there. 

We find -that is, those of us who frequent such experiences with transformative intent- that drumming in general, and "Circle Drumming" in particular, can indeed help us toward achieving a more  elevated consciousness, perspective and atmosphere. Characteristically, the stimulated vibrations created by The Circle can cause us to feel more open and, therefore, more freeing, and nonjudgemental. (Generally, the better we "personally" feel  the less likely we are to judge others.) And, the more rapid or elevated our personal inner vibrations, the more Light becomes evident in, both, personal & collective consciousness and atmosphere. 

This mention of vibrations is NOT to be misconstrued as the internal tremors of stress and seizure styled maladies. These vibrations are, rather, the consumers of previous all too familiar, yet unwanted and stagnate inhibitions, with a density & hold from which we may desire  liberation. So, we seek to have them absorbed within more liberating sequences of energy. An inner sense of "vibratory freedom" always invites a new horizon potential to be explored, manifested & vividly witnessed in our outer experience, when further pursued. 

Also, this is not merely a matter of the effects of Drum Tempos that may be expressed in the circle experience. It is, however, a matter of our energetic and open responses to JOY; our desire to allow the good feelings experienced as the "lighter vibrations" of an inner pulse of transformative potential. We identify with the Rhythmics of the Circle, while "inviting recognition" of a New Lighter Self capable of replacing (transmuting) any historical sense of paralyzing inner density. 

We find that a Drum Circle can assist in illuminating our discovery of this experience as a new process (or addiction) assisting to help make more possible/probable, our goals of accomplishment. This "filament" (if you will) of Inner Light Vibration, offers, in its dynamic yet fundamental and subtle vibratory delicacy, an initial bright shift of awareness that has the potential to enlighten and de-compress a consciousness once held to the denser pressures of habitual restrictive thought and limited outlook. 

Any sense of limitation are mere (dull) perspectives that have, perhaps, corralled and fed off of old "past-tense", restrictive, uninspired and un-serving ideas of programming within. These had become our addictions. Former densities are these of inner experiences that have formed our personalities, and had not allowed one's Spirit to progress in expressions that are more liberating- unstressed  from the tensions and sensibilities of restriction. 

We may have been conditioned to be stuck (matter of factly), not confident enough to move "forward and upward"; not feeling free to seek, to find and to experience a Lighter (Higher) sense of Life...more deliberately. 

In the wisdom of such seeking, our former repressions can fade away by this very act that we come to recognize as the very characteristics of Hope & Faith swelling from the possibilities of positive, transformative success.  

Here we may discover & remember Life's ease of being-ness, anew. For every liberating moment experienced can be felt as an invitation, (however subtle from within), to a welcoming, more  beautiful reality prompting us to embrace a sense of re-acquaintance- a reunion, as it were, with a forgotten part of ourselves now surfacing as someone whom we've always known in some deeper way all along.

Processes of Rhythmic Opening

In my personal "Life Practice", I seek to examine, daily, any of my revealed ways of inharmonious thinking & "un-joy-filled" feelings. Once discovered, these may no longer serve me from this point forward, if I'm so determined. However, the irony is that it was that very old kinda' thinking that brought me "Here"! So, I resolve not to be hard on myself because of my former ignorance.

I've grown to realize the absolute need for this ongoing "evaluative" seeking & finding process, and where applicable, I set new intentions as I allow outdated aspects of thought to come forward more consciously within my daily spectrums of Stillness to Activity (particularly rhythmic activities). Gently, I allow these thoughts to move up and out before me (so to speak) that I might truly witness and understand who I've been, and how I've been thinking up to now. Then, I determine  to allow the outdated Aspects of This Thought-Energy to (in a sense)  "lead away" from me while maintaining a Relaxed, yet, Determined Intensity to follow through... This is all executed with the Joyful expectation of perpetually discovering ever-unfolding, fresh Aspects of Myself.

Ironically, "outdated life responses", when once released, dissipate, accompanied by a new sense of Peace and Quiet Joy that I  surprisingly experience much as an ethereal reward for my efforts. This Peace & Joy comes with heightened expectations of "something newer on the horizon" that can be ever realized as an increasingly, always-developing understanding of My Life. 

I have, therefore, adopted "this" as My New Addiction- my new process; my perpetual and uninterrupted method-of-healing practice. Regardless of outside circumstances (in fact... all the more necessary when in the midst of a difficult trial in Life), I must determine to seek the benefits of being open to ever-evolving positive change while learning to consistently sustain and strengthen (through it all) an immutable sense of Peaceful (relaxed) Determination. Most importantly, this practice is to be entered into without harboring preconceived notions of limitation. Our success of purpose, therefore, is always seated in the desire and evolving discipline of mind & will establishing and sustaining momentums toward this ever evolving,  "infinite end".

My ability to "overcome" in this regard, is connected to this "infinite journey flow"- a sense of perpetual evolution giving Hope, and providing a foundation of Joy in the idea of better possibilities. Once such expectations are allowed to "come forward" and flow more fluently, the increasing sense of Hope can come to dominate graver historical sensations of doubt in our abilities. With practice, confidence swells like a perpetual Treasure of Life-Gold (i.e.- an evolving, ever-gratifying self awareness) that we discover to be infinitely more precious than money or any other desires that must pale in result and value of experience. 

What ever "It" was or is that would obstruct Inner Peace & Joy, my seeking to Acknowledge it, to Understand it and to Accept It as having been a real historical part of ME, now plays out as an educational aspect of My former Life's decisions and responses. 

With greater determination and positive intent, this informative

knowledge finds me (in a sense) breathing more deeply, and naturally pouring Love unto my old stifling habits and memories; saturating them with Love's fresher perspectives- exhaling "the old" and inhaling "the new". 

With more saturating thoughts of Love there is little space for much else. 

Throughout our efforts to stretch toward new, more fulfilling constructive desires, the "old" thoughts and habits are consumed and transmuted. These old undesirable thoughts, habits, ambitions and fears...are gradually, if not instantly (for some), found dissolved of their hold of attention by the very nature of having a new, beneficial, addictive focus.

 To this new thoughtful sense of Thoughtful Love, Our Beings are artfully open. The power of Love, Being Chosen dominant in thought, bestows from within us the Genuine, Gentle Life of Its Virtues & Peace. The staunch & stale discordant rhythms of old hard habits born of our old thinking become more supple. Within The Breath of Thoughtful Love is Light rising up and shinning as Life's call for us to embrace The New Addiction 

that transforms from within,  expanding, manifesting and infusing a new perspective & reality into our daily walk.

In, and with faith, we grow beyond yesterday's old, un-serving thoughts with certainty, embraced within this fresh, evolving thoughtfulness that strengthens our new addictions toward more Loving, constructive Choices. We become the results of these ever evolving, yet, immutable desires to Love More, in an everlasting sense.

It's call summons Loving Choices from within the very "Harmonic Rhythms We Are". It is this growing familiarity with one's own Joy-filled, rhythmically based being-ness that ceaselessly liberates. Within each of us are the inner individual uninhibited cadences of loving vibrations that gesture to the very innocence of the Cautious Child within. 

Once on this journey- when and/or if I feel unsure and/or insecure- I am, each day, reminded, stimulated and guided back toward this evolving self. I am reminded that this Presence that I Am is always existing immersed within "a womb" that pulses with the rhythms of 

My Greater, Freer Life Potentials. 

And, to my delight, I am reminded again that all previous levels of discord are,  truly, to be realized as having served me well. They have challenged and baited me toward the energies of my New Addiction that I might, now, with increasing intention and relaxed intensity, remain compelled to reach for more virtuous and satisfying aspects of My Life's Purpose.

All new challenges are now to be understood in that same Light- as lessons on how to manage discord and (through it all) intentionally create a "better life" in its face. The results are a Happier Self, more capable of meeting Life Challenges with greater assurance and poise. 

We do, indeed, have the capacity (and in my view, the mandate) to draw a Greater, Nobler Presence  up & out from within ourselves, for from where else could such personal transformation come? Inner perfections must certainly be present there, existing within us like Kingdoms of most desirable potentials and possibilities. There within, the seat of our Infinite Love is always waiting to be evoked. 

For me, and for All of Us, it is THIS Greater Love that we seek,

summon, experience and share as the Harmonic Rhythm of Humanity's Beautifully Evolving Character of Positive Self Awareness.

The perpetuation of Our Humanity (particularly in the light of our worse moments) is proof that the process of Loving Thoughtfulness is (in a sense) our deepest , "sub-conscious" Life Time Addiction of purpose; and, must become more consciously realized as our inherent individual & collective Primary Ambition. It is the Greater call of the Rhythms of Life that eternally serve us, energetically nourishing All Things. Its Greater Vibrations carry the Greater Wisdoms composing our life lessons as the curriculum for the improvements of our existence.

It is by the grace of our very existence that we are perpetually transformed into each next moment, individually and collectively. It is this Rhythmic Life Flow that causes us to bear witness to the infinite potentials residing as and revealing from the vibrations (character & feelings) of Our Greater Selves. Each unique vibration is an offering of perspective, a rhythmic signature of Individuality, learning and contributing to either, the discord, or to the harmonic resonance of humanity's loving and prolifically evolving, collective heartbeat! 

Joy of Drumming

We drum to meditatively, (both, consciously and sub-consciously), feed and celebrate this process - The New Addictions toward constructive evolution.  The Drum (drumming) is recognized by our bodies' endorphins as an assistant in the potentials that bring such “Good Feelings” of Joy to the fore; an addiction of consummate value.

(Dr. Robert Lawrence Friedman, "The Healing Power of The Drum")

Perhaps it's surprising that drum resonance can be realized as an impressive tool to assist in this task. Yet, It has been proven that, (generally), there’s a shift  (however subtle) that naturally takes place in awareness when one hears and feels a drum’s inviting pulse. 

Historically, there’s been a sub-conscious draw and need for people intrinsic to lands throughout the world  to gather together and express in Drum Circle fashion. (As mentioned above, this propensity still plays out in “so-called” sophisticated cultures today as parties and other social gatherings where we interact,  “feast”, listen/play music and dance).  It is, indeed, a  phenomena natural to humanity the world over. It is fundamentally tribal and inbred by nature to help invoke, solidify and properly advance all aspects of the individual self & communities in a wise and healthy way. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLeRKoHynQQ

For instance, at the end of a day’s experience, indigenous peoples the world over have joined together to celebrate their connection to Life- to nature and to each other- in this manner. The drumming practices & their affects are inseparable positive aspects of their Life-Cultures.  Studies reveal a remarkable level of communal joy & happiness within groups who continue to gather together in this fashion as a tradition, even in the throws of great scarcities and other adversities. These practices continue to foster the Historical, Ancestral Progenitive Energies of purposeful living, regardless of, and especially in the face of adverse circumstance.

https://www.indigenousbc.com/stories/the-drum-heartbeat-of-our-indigenous-cultures/

Obviously, such positive connections to family and community can help to provide a better outlook- a perspective of Life that is absent of, or (at the very least) decreases the need for self-abusive addictions and gravitations toward inordinate isolation and/or destructive communities. 

We all certainly need positive community influence.  We all know that a great support foundation centered around positive gatherings can thwart the potentials that might detrimentally alter one’s Life experience. As a result, such foundations can sustain, return, or bring one closer to the very happiness & inner satisfaction that can be the tonic results of Drum Circle regularity. 

Initially, we measure our better life experiences by our sensory responses to natural settings that benefit us via a familiar and genuine natural "sense of care". Our conception within our Mother’s womb marks our base familiarity with syncopated pulse (heart beat). Therein lies a conscious and sub-conscious bridge of protection and sustenance, and thus, represents an intrinsic vibratory introduction to Life’s feelings & vibratory sounds as inherent comfort and security. 

Legend Drum Circles (LDC) joins the communities of so many others who hold that Drums and Circle Gatherings remain a significant tool and aspect of this benefit as purpose; an instrument of primordial resonance facilitating a fundamentally syncopated, sub-consciously familiar path toward life maintenance: sustenance, health, protection, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tUcHWIU5FY&t=139s

In todays’ world, the bi-polar experiences of us all- that is, the extremes of our perceptions of Life's dualities- find us at various ranges of understanding. These are our cycles, our formats (if you will) for living in our individual worlds, collectively. They represent our sub-conscious go-to comfort zones where circumstances are concerned; where validations of ones perceptions can be found along with many who may be of like mind. And these become our normal ways of Life- our addictions as it were- as learned, re-enforced responses... what we cling to, or look for within ourselves and within others that brings comfort to our abilities to cope with daily events. Should we find no satisfaction in these familiar paradigms, we may seek other ways to adapt once a certain discordant feeling is triggered. Over time, we may seek other ways of satisfying and/or quelling destructive drives & needs, fears and anxieties with hopes that "some-thing" else might help to bring us back to "center" and enhance our coping abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYG2BrrzY54&t=38s

If we are very far away from center, it has been my fortunate experience to discover how the drum (in particular, along with other advised activities & clinical therapeutic approaches), can help to re-establish a central pulse (if you will) - a grounding medium of assistance to help return us back toward “plumb”. 

Drumming, therefore, holds the simple potential to affectively assist "participants" (players/listeners) to return to “a now moment”; to a centered, more balanced space within. Like a favorite song, Drum Circle energies can often absorb and relieve the pulls and the tensions we hold  in dealing with duality consciousness ,(i.e.- our daily internal & external conflict experiences, often attributed to the stresses & imbalances of perspective). 

We (LDC) hold that we can "grow" our better moments as we seek  and allow the potentials of rhythms to shed our off-centered stresses. Like the steady heart beat of our Mother's womb, a sub-conscious, rhythmic assurance can help us develop further & well. We can gain greater, stronger, corrigible states of physical, mental and emotional homeostasis: the precursor to achieving more desirable consciousness, where natural euphoria holds the more dominate, balanced, involuntary, and magnetically attractive space of experience.

Legend Drum Circles is Joyfully compelled to facilitate, and to foster this intent toward a greater sense of Happiness and personal, centered Integrity, all affirmed and supported by the groups of Drum Circle Gatherers who, indeed, share this intention as an embracing-community-activity; who seek to expand and share the inherent Love and Liberty within each of our moments as both "Self" & Community.

peace...b U,

Brian

(Edited Copyright 2025 Brian Johnson Publishing)