A miracle or two…

Two miraculous things happened when we played today: We play outside a bookstore in town every Saturday, offering drums, rhythm toys and play time to families passing by on their way to Market. We invite everyone. Today, an older man walking by was invited to play, and, like many adults, said, “I can’t.” But like me many years ago, he hesitated….

“Give it a try. Will you clap your hands together?” I began clapping to the beat my pal Luis was keeping underneath the rest of the song. He joined me. “That’s it! That’s all this song needs!”  I pulled up the chair sitting empty before an eager drum. He began to play.  He began to play……  He played with us the rest of the hour, and when I indicated it was his turn to ‘play louder than everyone else for a moment’ [my gentle invitation to do a solo] he began to play.

The next hour was class. We had three new people join our little circle this morning. A beautiful new drummer and a retired couple who had somehow gotten enchanted by what we were doing the week before. I listen with all the love I have in my heart to people tell me their trouble with drumming, and rhythm in general.  The gentleman was older than I and I am older than I have ever been in my life….  maybe he has been here for 60 years. It was clear to me that for a good number of those years, he believed he had no rhythm. Who told him that? How long ago? How long has he believed that? How do you compassionately tell someone  they have been lied to most of their life?

From my sister, Ruti Mizrachi:  ”When we were stationed in Germany, an opera singer gave us a clinic on song. She said that everyone can sing — it’s just that we believe the tape we play in our heads from our childhoods: “You can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” Like that. She said she would prove it. “Who is the ‘tone deaf’ person in the room?” she asked. Everybody, including Bob, pointed to Bob. “C’mere, Bob,” she said. “I’m going to hum in your ear, and I want you to sing out of your mouth what you hear.” She did — and Bob did — and what came out of his mouth amazed all of us — most of all, Bob. It was beautiful! “Stop believing the tape. Everyone was given the gift of song by God.”

He played beautifully. He kept the foundation alive while some of my more experienced players reviewed a series of patterns we were working on. He played so we could play. He was the heartbeat of the song we were bringing to life. No pulse, no life….  In spite of what he was told to believe, he began to play….

You have rhythm. I promise. Put your hand on you chest; a little to the left. Then be still for a minute. Listen. Be still….

Before you play a drum or a shaker or sticks, be still for a minute. Listen. Before you say you can’t, be still for a minute. Listen. Do you believe that or did someone tell you to believe that? Before you answer, put your hand on you chest; a little to the left. Then be still for a minute. Listen.