I believe people are really attached to their certitudes. For that reason, you won't often find me talking about politics or religion. Nothing I say is likely to convince someone differently around these beliefs they hold dearly. That's why I love working in circles: there's always a bigger circle around the one in which I'm standing.

Because I grew up in a smallish country church, I developed particular values. Because I grew up in a small country town, I couldn't wait to escape them! Off to college in the big city, I studied broader traditions and world religions only to find that their core principles were all more alike than dissimilar. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise (the skies?) since it now allows me to use rhythm as applied philosophy in all sorts of faith-based settings. Whether in vacation bible schools or women's clubs and men's groups, full-on worship services or bonfire ceremonies, in churches and synagogues and temples, the BIG ideas behind Facilitated Interactive Rhythm Experiences apply universally.

Even POPE FRANCIS talks about these core principles in his TED TALK: connection, inclusion, acknowledgement, service, creativity, positivity, intention, leveling the playing field, and the collective power of 'us'. He says "the only future worth building includes everyone." That's the work I find truly rewarding: occasions for sharing our collective spirit -- without talking about our doctrine or dogma. These bigger circles are where the real magic seems to happen.

DRUM FOR CHANGE helps foster those occasions where connections are more important than opinions, where faith in one another is at least as important as faith in divine order, and where celebrating together through collective contribution and mutual support is universally valued. We do it without words, without a pulpit, and without a guidebook, knowing that we're all in it together, trusting that each of us carries something worth sharing for the benefit of all.

Here's what the Pope had to say: