Russell Buddy Helm

Reconnection to the Groove

After Recovery, there is a reconnection to our own rhythmic self. Our own Downbeat Grooves. Our own common sense. But the critical mind is still often holding onto outdated beliefs. These beliefs are triggered by stimulus from the outside world entering through the critical mind’s inputs; Eyes, ears, touch, smell, taste, feelings of all kinds. Who is really managing all of this brain processing? It is not the “I”, because the “I” has been recovering and pretty much not in control. The critical mind is running the show and it is not a sentient being. It is a mechanical evolutionary function of our brain pan. Its a switcher with AI. And when it learns something, it can become hardwired as a response to whatever stimulus is coming in to brain central. What drumming does, is remove the “I” from recovery and put it back in the control seat. The critical mind has to step down, often reluctantly. This is accomplished by slowing down your groove. Little by little the overworked critical mind also slows down, until it eventually shuts off. For a while. It can come back in and break the groove at any time. But again, by laying back the groove, the critical mind is put in a quieter mode. Then the belief system can be adjusted using rhythmic mantras. “I am healed” “I believe in myself” “I am strong.” “I am clean and sober” “I am fearless” Repeat them while hitting your groove for a while and it will seep down into your belief system and become part of you. Then you can start to rebuild your new and better life.

This is my office at Bridges to Recovery in West Los Angeles in Holmby Hills.

The Source of Creativity is within all of us.
When we find our source it gives us nourishment. It frees us from ourselves. All cultures have names for this energy of life. Some divine, some not so inspired. But it exists and we have it as a tool for our own survival. When we lose ourselves in our own creativity we are not distracted by our Critical Mind which worries about things-all the time.
Media today is intent and focused on distracting us. They’re good at it. Targeting the Critical Mind is easy. It is a mechanism that evolved. It is not conscious. It is programmed using rhythm. i.e. commercial soundtracks; Repetition creates belief. This is one of our weak spots. Maybe the Critical Mind was not intended to run the whole show like it thinks it is supposed to.
Rhythm can slow down and even shut off this obsessiveness. The Critical Mind engages with rhythm and will believe what is being sold. Why don’t we sell ourselves on ourselves? Drumming affirmations work well using the inherent rhythmic susceptibility of our belief system.
Critical Mind has expanded, taken over sections of the unused brain pan, tricked into trying to stay in control, while drum machines create a world of unforgiving fear. What ever the reasons for its sudden expansion we need to get it under control or it will eat us alive.
When I see the data flow input for people, I am amazed they are still standing. Paranoid focus on their device cuts out the world and their own lives. The illusion is that there is life in the data feed. Not quite.
This hustle is sold and bought by everyone because of an inherent susceptibility in the Critical Mind; it goes into synch with whatever rhythm it feels at that moment. Thats how you sell toothpaste, shoes, cars and tampons. The right groove and they’ll buy anything. We can’t help it. We’re rhythmic animals.
People’s survival alarms are ringing all the time because we cannot keep up with the speed of the data flow. Anxiety increases for no explainable reason. Conventional meditation does not always work in this culture. We are “doers”. We have to be active. We are not passive.
Group drumming and individual drum therapy are showing good results as an addiction treatment, also anxiety and depression. The addiction is often with Dopamine. This endorphin appears in our brains when we get a “like” or a “comment”. This is a microtonal high that trains the brain to want more. In drumming we substitute endorphins with Oxytocin. This is a bonding chemical as well as other mysterious effects. Musicians share it as well as mothers with newborns.
Creativity in drumming is relatively easy and safe. Just get into a groove. Support the low tone downbeat and add a few high notes out at the edge. Step away from the madness  and dance.

Turkey patties with celery garlic cilantro cumin and onion granules
Atop jasmine rice, steamed baby
Bok choy and zucchini!