the MEDICINE of music and laughter
Our Rainbow Warrior, Deji is a colourful character. His life is full of joy and laughter and music. Having led flash mobs with thousands of people spontaneously bursting into laughter, teaching kids to dance and playing music to the masses, Deji reminds us of a wonderful irreverence that we can all employ when the world gets too much reminding us that joy is our natural state of being. Below are a few suggestions he shares with us to help get started on the right (dancing) foot.
Try a drumming Circle
What is a drumming circle? A drum circle is an informal group of people who gather together to make music with percussion instruments. Usually, the participants in a drum circle sit in chairs arranged in a circle. It's free-form, without a firm beginning or end to the music. Players in drum circles are all equal, and there are no wrong notes. They listen to what others are playing and join in. It's not about perfection but rather participation.
What is the purpose of a drumming circle?
A community drum circle is a noisy and fun, family friendly event, where people come together in order share their spirit by entraining rhythmically as a percussion ensemble. They empower each other in the act of celebrating community and life through rhythm and music
What are the benefits of drumming?
The physical sensory nature of drumming provides a unique aesthetic experience. Recent research indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and assists in releasing emotional trauma. Drumming has a positive effect on anxiety, grief, fatigue, depression and behavioral issues.
People participating in a drum circle
Drum circles have ancient roots in cultures with strong drumming traditions, places like Asia and Africa, and among shamanistic practices of Native American cultures. All kinds of drums have developed over time, and many of them are hand-drums, played by hitting the stretched hide or skin on the drum with a part of the hand like the palm or fingers. Many drum circle participants play hand drums. Others might use small hand-held percussions like bells, shakers, and rattles.
Oneness Jam
Players in a drum circle with different sizes of drums
While they are informal, drum circles might have a person who serves as facilitator or coordinator to lead the group through varied rhythm explorations. Participants don't need previous musical experience, and the action of drumming can feel good. This is why drum circles can be used in settings like counseling and therapy. When everyone is playing together, and in the groove, they're relaxing and relieving stress.
If this resonates with you, try ONENESS Jam
This story was part written by Stephanie Przybylek
Try a Laughter workshops
What is a laughter workshop?
It's an interactive session with laughter at the heart. They include, laughter warm ups, laughter yoga, contagious laughter meditation and loads of giggles… helping you to lighten up with laughter and chuckle your way to a stress free life whilst connecting with the whole group.
What is the purpose of laughter clubs?
When you take part in a laughter workshop you get a release of endorphins, giving you a "feel good” factor; the whole body relaxes and stress and tension is reduced. You also get an aerobic exercise. Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardio workout and just 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on the rowing machine. It also strengthens the immune system.
7 Benefits of Laughing
Relieves pain. True laughter releases endorphins.
Increases your chances of getting pregnant.
Helps your heart.
Boosts your immune system.
Makes you happier.
Reduces stress.
Relaxes your body.
Can laughing a lot give you abs?
One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Add laughter to your ab routine and make getting a toned tummy more enjoyable.
Laughter therapy aims to get people laughing in both group and individual sessions and can help reduce stress, make people and employees happier and more committed, as well as improve their interpersonal skills.