Drumming & Singing In Nature

I have been taking my drum with me into nature and using it to sing intuitively with the rhythms of nature. Alum Rock is a park that I have returned over and over again for many years. I have observed the changes over different seasons. Each time, there is something new to appreciate and learn.

When I was drumming and singing here the other day, a vision of two Native American figures, a man and an elder woman came to me. I believe they were the Spirits of the Land, guardians who reside at the Upper Penitencia Creek for many generations. The Native American people of the Ohlone tribe, the Tautness, had lived in the area of the Alum Rock Canyon for as long as several thousand years.

The vision felt like an invitation – an acknowledgment of the bond and connection I have been forming with this land over the years. I decided to return again to make an offering to the land to honor the history here and the Spirits who still reside here.

Offering to the Land
When I returned to the creek, I came with an offering to honor the Spirits who revealed themselves to me and the land. I made a circle of cornmeal and a cross of tobacco as my offering – a teaching that I’ve learned through my Shamanic Training and Peruvian mesa altar practice. I used my drum to call in the prayer, shared my gratitude and asked for blessings. I requested a message from the Spirits and the land in any form that would be beneficial for me to receive and share.

Connecting with the River
After making my offering, I felt called to step into the shallow water of the creek. Standing barefoot, I began drumming slowly, inviting myself into deeper connection with the water element and the surrounding. I listened and waited for what was ready to flow through me. After some slow drumbeats, a soul song began to flow through me. Birds were singing all around me and some flew across the creek throughout the whole song.

As the song moved through me, a message began to seep through my whole being. I could feel the song with my body – through waves of feeling: sadness, beauty, love, tenderness, encouragement, gentle healing and soft embrace…

These are the words that came through for the song:
A river of love awaits
In the quiet stillness of life
When you find yourself in the darkest hour
Remember the gentle rhythm and healing beauty of the flowing river
Immerse yourself in nature
Open your heart to the sounds around you
You are never alone
Even when it feels as though you are
They are so much love and light embracing you in each moment
Come back here my child
When you are tired and lost
We are here for you
Always