Women’s drum circles in London
Release stress, connect and nourish your energy
Women's drum circles held in person in London
A gathering of women…
Women have been gathering since eons….. Sharing their emotions, pains, doubts and achievements…. Now more than ever I feel the need to gather women and hold space for women to safely be themselves and share what they are going through. These circles are not therapeutic circles but rather a space where you can be yourself, share about your emotions, replenish your energy and connect with other women. You will feel much calmer and grounded by the end!
Every one of us is deep deep inside both unique and the same – a human being with a beating heart.
What’s happening during a women’s drum circle?
The circles are designed to be simple and open to all. There are only invitations (to speak, to drum, to meditate and to relax mainly!) and at any point you can just be and observe.
They usually start with some gentle movement to fully land into our bodies. Then I will lead a meditation, which you can follow or just listen to.
The core of the circle is then the sharing time and drumming: each women speaks – sometime there is a theme, sometimes not, but in any case you are free to speal about what’s present for you in the moment. We listen to each other with love and respect, there is no answer given, nor advice, nor judgement! Being listened to and heard is a rarity in our lives and just this can be really liberating, bringing even more clarity or another perspective.
Then we drum, for us, for the world, always with an intention. Sometimes we drum for each other, as small groups or in pairs.
The circle ends with a shamanic journey – you lie down on your yoga mat and relax as I drum. Then again, there is nothing to do or achieve, just relaxing and enjoying!
Regularly in West London
When? There is roughly one circle happening every 3 weeks. Once a month, on a Tuesday (7.30-9.30pm) at the Grove Neighbourhood Centre near Hammersmith.
Once a month, on a Sunday evening (6-8pm) and every other month, a whole afternoon on a Sunday or Saturday (12.30-5pm) at the School of Meditation near Holland Park
After the circle we gather informally to share a hot drink and nibbles that everyone contributes to bring, celebrating community!
Where? At The School of Meditation, 158, Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UH
Nearest tube stations: Holland Park, Shepherds Bush and Latimer Road
or at the Grove Neighbourhood Centre, 7 Bradmore Park Rd, London W6 0DT
Nearest tube stations: Hammersmith or Raventscourt Park
How much? On Tuesday or Sunday evenings: £20/25 depending on what you can realistically afford. Please be mindful in choosing how much you want to contribute to the Circle.
On Sunday/Saturday afternoons: £40/45 – it runs from 12.30 to 5pm.
Contraindications for drumming circles
The Women’s Drum Circle and sharing circle within it is not a
substitute for medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses, but it is a powerful natural complementary form of healing as well as a space for social interaction. It is not a therapy group and should not be seen by participants as such.
Like any form of sound work it may not be suitable for everyone as it
involves some loud noise and repetitive beats.
Those with Tinnitus and Menieres disease may find that the use of ear
plugs helps them join a drum circle without over stimulating the ears.
Those with epilepsy and those otherwise affected by repetitive sound
should consider their triggers and make the session leader aware of any
needs they may have.
It is particularly contraindicated for those suffering from active
schizophrenia, PTSD and other reality perception altering illnesses as
repetitive drumming can change the brain waves and induce trance like
states.
Those in the early stages of pregnancy or those who have suffered
recurrent miscarriage, and are currently pregnant, should take medical
advice before joining a drum circle.
Along with the effects of sound the active sharing space may trigger some people with past trauma.
It is to be noted that as a Women’s Drum Circle Facilitator I am not a
therapist whilst facilitating a circle and should not be treated as such during these sessions, even if I offer therapy sessions as part of my activity otherwise. I may need to intervene and invite participants to seek alternative or additional support.