Respecting the circle!
VILLAGEMC@aol.com
Tue, 16 Jan 1996 02:33:37 -0500
>In fact, if you are having problems with obnoxious sober >drummers, I
>suggest you add a rule *requiring* cannabis use.
> -- Matt
Ha Ha Ha HaHa Ha Ha Ha
That was a wise and elfish answer from Matt.
Hi, this is Arthur,
The key issue here, surrounding, drugs, obnoxious drummers, and ego
distracters, is in the title being used for this discussion::::" RESPECTING
THE CIRCLE"
The consensus created by the group, gathering to drum together, is a
powerful force. The intention of the group is to great an event that creates
a higher level of consciousness in that group by the end of the drumming
session.
When someone joins the group who is "unconscious' to the intent of the group,
because of drugs, stupidity, attitude, or ego, it is the responsibility of
the facilitator to educate that individual as to the purpose of the
gathering, and what the particular drum edict is for that event.
If the facilitator is doing his/her job in service to the drum circle then
the circle will, of course, give that person their support in what ever form
is required.
If the lesson is as drastic as the circle stoping and not playing so the
"distracter" gets that this is a group event then, so be it.
After fruitlessly trying to get an " Ego-distracter" to support the drum
circle groove, rather than constantly, and loudly, soloing against it, I once
had to stop a circle in "mid-flight".
I then announced that we had a person who wanted to really solo "for" the
group, rather than with the group, and asked the circle for silence so he (it
usually is a he, isn't it) could play as loud, fast, and as long as he would
like, until he was ready to play with us, instead of against us.
After wishing me a sincere "FUCK YOU', he proceeded to do just that. After
about three minuets of full on angry flailing, he came to a stop in a puddle
of sweat, pain and exhaustion.
I asked him "are you ready to play with us now ? He shook his head yes, and
after we started up again, he became a strong part of the groove foundation
for the rest of the evening.
That was a gutsy move on my part, and I wouldn't have done it unless I knew
deep in my Facilitator's heart that I was speaking and acting for, and with,
the 'consensus' of the group
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