Comfort Touch

This year I have been studying drumming with a teacher who has a strong commitment to the healing power of music. Students in the classes come from a broad range of backgrounds and interests, so it is fun to meet through the medium of rhythm and music and laughter. The participants in one of the classes I attend range in age from 50 to 97.

A couple of weeks ago we performed at an assisted living facility. First, Gregg, our teacher, led us through a few songs, explaining to our audience about the djembe drums (from West Africa) that we play, and the process of learning the rhythms. Then he passed out some extras drums, along with various shakers to the residents who were invited to join in as we played. It was amazing to see the joy in people’s faces as they tapped the drums or rattled the shakers. Music is a universal language, enlivening and connecting people in a community of sound.

Whatever you are doing this summer, find time to enjoy yourself and share that joy with others — particularly those who need it most – the elderly, the ill, or anyone in need of a caring touch.

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Here I am (on the right) performing with drumming friends earlier this summer on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder.

Here are a couple links to this performance –
The Balfour Boom and Front Range Djembe Orchestra on the Pearl Street Mall 6-23-10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3Skv4XDhjMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-K5DH84HDU

Enjoy!

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For more information on Comfort Touch® articles, resources, and trainings visit: www.comforttouch.com.

Mary Kathleen Rose is the author of “Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill” (Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2009).