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We are pleased to announce the incorporation of the Circles of Rhythm Foundation, CORF, a registered society headed for non- profit/charitable status based in Calgary Alberta.
To inspire human connection, health and wellbeing through community drumming.
Helping humanity live fully through rhythm.
Connection, Love, Growth, Unity, Joy
Service: To be of service to others, to society and to humanity is one of the great privileges and responsibilities of our lives. I can think of no greater way to do so than to be engaged with an ICDC community, as a participant, volunteer, board member or facilitator.
Safety: I used to call the church that I belonged to a “safe house on the hill”. I now feel the same way about the community drum circle. It is a place where I feel included, empowered, where can be myself, express myself and feel loved and accepted just as I am. Rare indeed.
Inclusivity: I have yet to find a community in which literally EVERYONE is included, empowered and successful. I have drummed in community with people who were hearing and/or sight impaired, struggling with mental health, physical health or deep depression, in wheelchairs, or were completely unable to hold or play an instrument; they have all had the experience of being included, engaged and successful. The day I saw an elderly woman being rolled into a drum circle in her hospital bed with her IV pole dragged along, holding a tiny egg-shaker in her fragile hand and playing it in synch with the whole group I was brought to tears. EVERYONE is welcome, EVERYONE can participate and EVERYONE is successful in an ICDC!
Diversity: The barn dance, the community potluck, or the casual town square gatherings are all reminiscent of a time when everyone in the community gathered to play, eat, talk, dance and generally just celebrate life. Our modern society has few opportunities that can come close to this… until the ICDC.
Love of self and others: When I hear a drumbeat in the distance, I am automatically drawn to it. The drum represents the heartbeat and when a drum is played love permeates the player and everyone in the vicinity. Love in action, love in vibrational form, no words are needed, just the beat of the drum.
Transformation: Change is temporary, transformation is forever. The first drum circle I ever attended changed me forever, it transformed me. I walked in sad and world weary, I walked out on fire! That fire has never left me. ICDCs have the potential to transform especially if attended regularly.
Evolution: We are all on an evolutionary path, constantly changing moment to moment whether we are conscious of it or not. It is prudent to surround yourself as often as possible with others who are intentionally choosing to be peaceful, joyful and connected. The ICDC is an evolutionary influencer, offering those attracted to it the opportunity to evolve in the direction of joy, inspiration, health and wellbeing.
Hope/Courage/Bravery: When I sit back, close my eyes and listen in a drum circle, and I hear a group of complete strangers drumming harmoniously together, it brings me hope for humanity; hope that we will be brave enough to open our minds and hearts to each other despite our differences, hope that we will find solutions to our many problems, both at home and in the world at large. Hope takes bravery, and the powerful positive mood created in an ICDC is salve to the soul in a troubled world.
It takes courage to try something new. For most the ICDC is a whole new concept. It is a completely different way to use a drum, to create health and wellbeing, to find playfulness and enjoyment and to create a healthy vibrant community of friends and family. Those who have found it have a new HOPE for ourselves and for humanity.
Synergy: In a world of so much disconnection and fragmentation the ICDC is a rare commodity. Synergy is the precursor to creativity and it is ever-present in an ICDC. It reminds me to listen as much as I speak, to stop as much as I go, and to be still as much as I rush through my life. Synergy happens when I slow down and really deeply connect to myself, to those around me and to something bigger than all that.
Vitality – There seems to be a numbness or a tuning-out that dampens our spirit and our dulls senses in society these days. It is hard to find people and places where we can begin to feel our vitality bubble up again. In my experience, there is a life force energy that permeates an ICDC and it bring with it an energy, awareness and awake-ness we so badly need in these troubling times.
Acceptance: To reach a state of acceptance of what is, the good, bad AND the ugly, is an undaunting task. Life is full of ups and downs, and far too often our focus is largely on the struggles rather than the creative impulses to improve things; just getting through the day is often enough. To shift our focus out of the drudgery and difficulties of being human takes a powerful force. Science may never have certain proof that the ICDC is an effective answer, but 20+ years of intentionally putting myself in an ICDC is proof enough for me; it works. I’m not immune to life’s difficulties, I still have plenty of rough water to navigate, but I am better able to face into and flow through them now, and that’s a miracle to me.
“Absence of evidence is not evidence or absence;” Carl Sagan
Playful: Most adults have forgotten how to play. We are too serious, self-conscious or fearful to relax and just play. The minute I walk in the door of a drum circle I start to lighten up, smile, relax and feel more open to just play. It really is the best medicine!
Creative Expression: You don’t have to take up art, dance or poetry to be creative. In an ICDC you are invited to play whatever rhythms you want, as long as you try to stay connected to the foundational beat of the group. Creative self-expression is key to a healthy life and this is one way to fulfil this basic human need.
Mindfulness: Drumming in an ICDC is a mindfulness meditation practice and its easy! Becoming mindful of fewer things is hard to do in our fragmented, fast paced world.
In a drum circle mindfulness is easy. You don’t think about anything but the experience itself. All the benefits of mindfulness practices are possible in an ICDC.
Experiential: The distance between the head and the heart is the longest 12” there is! The ICDC engages the whole brain, the rhythms vibrate through the whole body and the heart and head finally connect. We don’t just talk about it or think about it we DO IT. Integrating the mind, body and spirit in a hands-on experience is what really works to create the outcomes were looking for, health, wellbeing and connection.
Therapeutic Drum Circles are an effective tool for Mental Health Treatment are and becoming widely accepted in the health care community locally and internationally. We gather in a circle, play drums from around the world together while being facilitated by a professional leader. Repeatedly participants report that this unique therapeutic approach is making a big difference in people’s recovery from mental, emotional and physical health issues. The joyful, uplifting effect of the drum is infectious and lifts people out of negativity gracefully and naturally. Our unique integrative approach incorporates activities which activate the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Everyone is included and seen as a significant contributor to the sound healing that we create together. Self worth is lifted, hearts are nudged open and minds are able to rest. No experience is required; everyone has rhythm. Our facilitation techniques create an accessible and empowering experience in which everyone leaves feeling successful and significant.
The Circles of Rhythm Foundation’s (CORF) aim is to bring the benefits of the Integrated Community Drum Circles (ICDC) to those affected by “The Three R’s”: Recovery, Resiliency, & Reconciliation. The UNITY annual fundraiser along with government grants will help fund the important mission of the CORF & other commUNITY agencies who are supporting affected marginalized populations in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Offering therapeutic drum circles across the province for over 20 years, we have a proven track record for successful healing and recovery.
Women’s Shelters
Boys and Girls Clubs
Youth Addictions Services
Private events for ill friends and family
Kids Camps
Funerals and Memorial Services
Eating Disorder Groups
Hospices
AA and AL-ANON meetings
Addictions Recovery Centers
Penitentiaries
Seniors Centers
This is creative financing! We are a Not-for-Profit Organization registered through the Alberta Societies Act. However, you will be given the satisfaction of knowing that many individuals will benefit from the healing vibrations of our unique therapeutic modality. Any donation you decide to make will be a gift given freely, enabling us to enhance mental and emotional health to those in need.
Based on Research by Dr. Bruce Perry. Neurosequencial reprogramming is the effect of addressing the whole brain, starting in the lower brain, and then moving up to more complex regions and functions. Simply put, if we calm the lower brain first, the executive functions are more accessible as a result. Research is showing us that regular rhythmical activity returns us to the state of consciousness we were in for some 9 months in our mothers womb. There we were safe, warm, calm and peaceful. There was no pain or drama, just peace, and the sound and vibration of our mothers heart beating. Introducing a regular rhythmical activity, such as drumming, to a mental health therapeutic regime has been shown to have a profound effect on the patient, enabling them to be more receptive to other more cognitive forms of therapy after the drumming has been applied.
Disturbances such as anxiety, depression, self mutilation, low self esteem, fear, anger, guilt and shame can all be reduced, and some even dissolved when an individual or group drumming activity is introduced to a therapeutic treatment plan.
If you wish to make a donation/contribution to this exciting new foundation, please contact Judy Atinkson, President of the Circles of Rhythm Foundation at:
Thank you for your unconditional generosity!
Agencies interested in bringing the ICDC to their organization will need to apply to the Circles of Rhythm Foundation (CORF) for approval.
**Funding provided by the CORF is intended to subsidize regular rates based on the Circles of Rhythm booking regular rates.
***The CORF is not yet equipped to accept applications – if you or your agency is interested in applying in the future, please contact us directly to be placed on our waiting list.
If you wish to make a donation/contribution to the foundation, please contact Judy Atkinson, President of the Circles of Rhythm Foundation at:
…one of many more collaborations not to be missed!
Thank you for your unconditional generosity!
Making a difference, one beat at a time!
What People Say
“You cant stay grouchy at a drum circle, the joy is contagous!”
“Thank you once again for sharing your gift.”
“This really grounded me and also lightened my heart”
“This really grounded me and also lightened my heart”
“To be moved to tears while participating in your session was a true surprise to me.”
“Clearly, drumming fills my soul to overflowing. I loved it!”
“Judy’s work is ultimately about revitalizing, invigorating and inspiring.”
“Judy is head and shoulders above any of the 12+ drum circle facilitator I have experience d in the US.” Suncor Energy
“We are thrilled to have the World Expert Drum Circle Facilitator right here in Calgary.” Suncor Energy
“Thanks for making the drum experience available to everyone” Telus
“I will never forget this conference because of the drum circle.” Enmax
“It was not only fun, but educational and inspirational.” Husky Energy
“I think we should return to the drum circle as a kick off every year at our annual conference.” Trans Canada
“Rather than just beating our own drums, we became a part of something bigger than ourselves.” Agrium
“This was a very tough and sceptical crowd, but everyone benefited immensely from it” Myers Norris Penny
“I feel refreshed, re-energized, peaceful and serene. I just feel better!” Banff Centre for Managment
“Absolutely fantastic!” Suncor Energy
“This was an experience where everyone contributed equally to the whole” Talisman Energy
“It broke down barriers and got us working really well together as a team.” Royal Bank
“We can play our own beat and still contribute to the whole” Royal Host
“We experienced successful communication and teamwork with virtually no words!” EnCana
“The most effective, accessible and fun team event ever!” City of Calgary
“It really re-energized us after a tough cerebral day”
“The Boom Whackers are magical; they really brought people from our region together.”
“Judy has a profound way of putting into words what is un-talked about at work, love, spirit and joy!”
“The three words that best describe this workshop are joyful, playful and profound.”
“Judy Atkinson offers hope and inspiration to women who are coming into the menopausal time of their lives, or are in transition of any kind.
“Judy’s story as a living example of how to not get stuck in the patterns of resentment, fear or self-doubt, but move on to become happy and successful”
“What wonderful work you’re doing. I know you enjoy it, and you bring such joy to others through it.”
“It is obvious that this is your passion”
“You just shine when you get into the center of the drum circle, it is fantastic to watch you do your magic!”
Since 1997, Circles of Rhythm has been leading North America’s #1 Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC), creating a vibrant community that connects people, enhances well-being, and spreads JOY! By empowering entrepreneurs and rhythm enthusiasts, we offer the training and tools to help you build your own thriving drum circle business.
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