A Journey Within: Experiencing a Drumming Journey Circle

Last week, a few members of the Well Rested Massage team gathered for a drumming journey circle, an experience that turned out to be both incredible and completely unexpected.

We began by getting comfortable—lying down with pillows and blankets as our facilitator, Eric, introduced us to the process. He explained that he would lead us through a guided meditation, using the steady beat of his drum to carry us into our journey. His words were reassuring: There is no right or wrong way to experience this. Whatever happens, you are safe.

Stepping Into the Unknown

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as the drumbeat settled into a rhythm, something within me began to shift. Memories surfaced—faces of those who have shaped my life, some long gone, some still present. In this space, I found myself offering and receiving forgiveness. I embraced spirits I hadn’t felt in years, experiencing a connection beyond words.

It was profound. At moments, it was overwhelming. There were times I was moved to tears, especially afterward when we reflected on our experiences. When Eric read aloud the meaning of the oracle card I had pulled before the session, the tears came fast and furious. I had no control over them, and yet, it was one of the most cathartic and peaceful releases I’ve ever felt.

In recent weeks, I’ve been carrying a deep sense of anxiety—a constant hum of unrest beneath the surface. But after the journey, it was as if every drop of that unease had been replaced by peace. Not an ecstatic, euphoric kind of peace—just a quiet, steady certainty.

Healing Takes Many Forms

Not everyone in the group had the same experience I did. One participant worried that she had "done it wrong" because her journey wasn’t as vivid. But as Eric reminded us, there is no wrong way to journey. With time and practice, experiences may deepen—or they may not—and that’s okay.

Conventional methods of healing—therapy, medication, self-care routines—are invaluable, and I strongly advocate for them. But I also believe that healing is an ongoing, personal responsibility, and sometimes, we need to reconnect with the primal parts of ourselves. This experience allowed me to access emotions and memories in a way that years of talk therapy never have.

That said, I see this as a complementary practice, not a replacement. I plan to bring what surfaced during the journey into my therapy sessions, giving voice to what was uncovered.

An Invitation to Explore

Writing about this feels almost impossible—it was a deeply sacred experience, and no words can truly capture its depth. But I share this because I want people to know:

👉 If you feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected, there are many paths to healing. Some may seem unconventional, but sometimes, the unfamiliar path is the one that leads to the deepest transformation.

If a drumming journey circle ever calls to you, I encourage you to keep an open mind. You never know what you might find. Our next journey is April 13, 2025. You can sign up by visiting https://www.vagaro.com/cl/pImLX50jwGbls5XPTuHBs1KiisNfVuW7duxTacQYHdc=

I hope to see you there!