Calm

Last week I emailed my friend Jen asking if anything was happening on Saturday so we could go out and dance. I was feeling the need to hear some beats because the last time I went out dancing was back in August at the Virgin Festival. Too. Long. Ago.

She quickly replied that she was attending a drum circle that night and I should go. Why not? I've never been to one and it would be, if anything, a very unique experience. I had no idea what was in store because in my simple view of what a drum circle could be, I figured we'd be drumming and dancing the whole night. Turns out to be partially true.

The event is called Soul Fire, sponsored by Conscious Collaborations and takes place once a month. There is drumming and dancing, but also spoken word, singing, and meditation. It reminded me a bit of the chill rooms at raves, minus the party favours.

There were parts of the event that made me giggle, but overall I enjoyed playing the drums, messing around with the other instruments (cow bell, tambourine, various forms of maracas!), and dancing. There were some really skilled drummers there too, which made it fun to dance because they knew how to pick up the beat and get funky. Oh, and unlike raving, it's frowned upon when you take your camera out to snap pictures. The camera flash is intrusive. Buggah!

Oddly enough, once I got home I didn't have as hard of a time falling asleep as I thought I would. I was relaxed. A sensation that is still foreign to me, so I thought I'd go with the flow.

I was thinking about a Sunday bike ride, but being that I was feeling pretty peaceful with myself, I decided to take a Pilates class instead. Exactly what I needed!! And for the first time I actually felt the results of a Pilates workout. Needless to say, I'm hooked.

So, over the past 24 hours I've experienced some new things, as well as learned a bit more about myself. A fantastic way to begin the new year. I only hope I can learn to "switch on" the calm when I need it because being in a relaxed state of mind is actually quite enjoyable.