I’ve been playing the drums for over 30 years now, here’s what drumming has taught me about mindfulness, practice and life.
Many moons ago I picked up a pair of drum sticks for the very first time. I was 11 years old and a few months into my first year of high school.
Up until that point I hated school music, because it was all screeching and rattling unsavoury instruments. I had no interest and no talent for this kind of aural torment.
But something changed that day.
In a curious moment of awakening, exhilaration, déjà vu, I sat down at a drum kit and played. I played like I’d done it before and felt like I’d lived it before. I’ll never forget the feeling because it was so different to anything I’d ever experienced.
This four limb co-ordination challenge that my classmates were struggling with, was playable, the first time I tried. Young me’s mind was blown.
That was over 30 years ago and rhythm has accompanied me since. In the air and in my bones. I’ve learned so much from drumming that has shaped who I am today, so I wanted to share some of these lessons with you.
If you’re a drummer, you’ll know what I’m talking about, but if not, I urge you to give drumming a try. It will awaken a part of you that’s primal, powerful and unapologetic.
What drumming has taught me
There are many great lessons that drumming taught me over the years. These are rooted in music but are universal in application. Find something that lights you up and weave it into the fabric of your being.
1. Meditation is in everything. Meditation goes far beyond sitting and focussing on your breath. You can achieve a state of meditation when you’re walking, writing, making sushi, or playing the drums.
Anytime you focus, engage and become one with an activity, you are meditating, and everything else moves out of focus. You become calm, centred and fully present.
2. Follow the energy. I felt nothing holding a guitar in my hands and even less with my fingers on a keyboard, but when I sat at the drums, it was exhilarating.
Some things in life will give you immediate feedback. A rush of insight and energy. Explore these activities with great curiosity because they will likely be the most rewarding for you.
3. Embrace what comes naturally. There are things you can inherently do and things you can’t. Embrace what comes naturally, build on your strengths and become more of what you already are.
It’s easier to develop skill, find enjoyment, get into flow, and become successful at things you’re built for, so try to identify them as young as possible and go all in.
4. Rhythm is everywhere. Once you’ve tuned into rhythm, you can’t escape it. You hear it and feel it everywhere. The chattering of birds, chugging of a train, ticking of your car indicator.
Sometimes it’s metronomic, sometimes it’s circular, but it’s always there. And you can’t resist the urge to jam along.
5. There’s power in repetition. Drumming is powerful, repetitive, hypnotic. It activates you deep inside and shakes you into a different frame of mind. Listening to drums is great, but practicing and performing is even more transformational.
Through repetition you develop focus, skill, and insight. You build a deep connection with the craft and it becomes a part of you. Put in the reps each day, and you will be amazed at how far you can go.
6. Be patient and the universe will reward you. One of the first songs I ever learned was White Room by Cream. An absolute classic that my friend could play on guitar and wanted me to learn the drum part for. We used to jam on that every time we played.
Fast forward a (good) few years and I had the privilege of playing the song live at Celtic Connections with the man who wrote it, Jack Bruce. When you do something long enough and with intent, the universe will reward you for your efforts.
Subscribe to the Ten Bulls Newsletter for more exercises, insights and special offers that will help you find your flow.
Featured Image: @joshsorenson
Read more
The Beginner’s Guide to Meditation
A Mindfulness Practice for Spring
A Mindfulness Practice for Summer