WELLNESS CIRCLES

Elements of Rhythm™ for Music & Wellness

EOR is a wellness-focused experiential learning program based in complementary and alternative medicine practices and paired with ancient wisdom teachings. Sessions fuse music, positive psychology, mindfulness, and holistic living concepts in a rhythm-based and discussion-driven program. It’s specifically designed to reduce stress, combat isolation, and elevate mood state. Participants learn five core principles for holistic health in a fun, supportive, and participatory environment.

This type of activity has a long history in traditional cultures where drumming, singing, and dancing are still today used to call people together for occasions of community interest. Whenever these groups share joys, sorrows, and hard work, there is almost always music and movement to mark the happening. Clinical research using modern group drumming protocols is consistently proving what we’ve intuitively known for centuries: that celebrating life through collaborative music-making is good for you!

Skillfully facilitated rhythm experiences promote connection, contribution, and vitality, the three components for holistic wellness according to Jonathan Fields’ Good Life Project™. The research shows us that through drumming we stimulate creativity, foster a sense of belonging, and boost the immune system. More than 65 clinical studies and scholarly papers substantiate this claim and are catalogued at www.rhythmresearchresources.net. That’s a powerful impact for participants built upon cutting-edge Complimentary Alternative Medicine that also happens to be thousands of years old.

EOR Facilitator Training

Learn the basics for leading these wellness-focused drum circles for small groups in a 6-hour hands-on training program. This workshop is designed for entry-level Facilitators of Interactive Rhythm Experiences (FIRE starters). Upon completion, program participants are empowered to continue developing and facilitating their own rhythm-based events that expand upon the foundational material. A 50-page reference manual is provided.

Participants learn techniques, tips, and tricks to help get them started right away. The instructor brings 20+ years of experience leading interactive rhythm events; a wealth of information gleaned through huge investments in training, travel, and trial-by-fire that will shorten your learning (and leading) curve tremendously. You’ll glean the collective wisdom of his teachers and mentors in both drumming and applied healing arts.

Broad Engagement

Elements of Rhythm was developed by Greg Whitt as the capstone to his graduate studies in Transformative Leadership & Social Change at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. The material was vetted with colleagues at the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild annual symposium, refined through family programs with the US military, wellness programs for public health and hospice organizations, and team building sessions with numerous corporate clients. It was adopted by the student health program at a major university, where professional staff and student facilitators leverage this offering as a gateway for introducing students to mental health and counseling services.

EOR one-off program $550
EOR Facilitator training $5500
EOR facilitator coaching $350/hr
EOR Instrument kit $-market value