What a great way to end the summer than to celebrate with Rhythm and Fellowship at St. John Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Thank you Ellen Greene and Pastor Revd. Keith A. Olivier for opening your doors and allowing me to demonstrate and share the power of rhythm to build community through intergeneraional Music Wellness program. Over 25 individuals of all ages (range from young energetic toddlers to dynamic older adults) laughed, drummed, dance and sang as ONE to enhance their faith community!
After the opening Wellness exercise, we passed lemons (and quickly discovered that trying to help our friend, we may find ourselves being overwhelmed ourselves). Then we drummed our name and association in rhythm … some responses included: “Energetic Arthur, BJ likes computers, Blue eyed Doug,” etc.
We then transitioned into drumming over 20 minutes, learned how to start and stop without any words! Lastly we reflected on a time when we felt appreciated and grateful and shared that feeling on a drum. We closed the program with a deep breathing exercise and shared reflective comments. Some responses included: “at peace, calm, heard, comforted, relaxed, wonderful, inspired, invigorated, grateful, and joy.”
It was a pleasure for this wonderful opportunity to build community through rhythm. Thank you…I’m honored and grateful!
