Russell Buddy Helm

I am a Bohemian PTA member. Sort-of earthy, sort-of yuppy. I’m a graphic designer/artist type so the term “bohemian chic” really resonated with me when that expression came out some years back. I always said I would never be a typical “PTA-mom”; yet, despite my best efforts I continuously find myself struggling to not be that “type” of woman as I get pulled into meeting after meeting at school. Thankfully, though, I’ve made some fabulous friends there who make it all better.

Recently I have also met some new friends who are forcing me to try new things –  a la 52 weeks-style. The other night I was taken to an African Drumming Circle. Perfect for a psuedo-Bohemian gal and a perfect way to make sure I was not totally transforming into a PTA mommy! I jumped on the chance to try something new. The “yuppy” side of me needed to relax so I started with a shot of tequila, although it didn’t help much — I still had my guard up just a little.  But then, I actually started really relaxing.  Hitting the drums, feeling the music, downbeat by downbeat I started to really fall in love with the evening and the people who were free and loving.

Here’s what captivated me, besides the love in the room:  As moms, we are juggling everything all the time. I tried yoga and could not calm my thoughts of all the 5,000 things I had to do that day, that week, that month. Drumming allowed me to focus on one thing only: the downbeat. I actually FELT the downbeat, the rhythm, and thought of nothing else. I was transported to a meditative state….the kind of state I have never felt before unless I was painting.  My eyes were closed and when I opened them after 8 minutes or so and adjusted to the light, I saw that my friends were all in the same zone, doing the same thing.  Most of all, it was just fun.

I had my amazing drumming experience on the West Coast at: http://www.seasons-on-montana.com/buddyhelm.html