Going outside to get inside

Here’s another example of why I love to make drums. Drums are generally made of circles, and they always return the favor– they make circles…of friends! Like this:

Meet Tony Dusek (above), an Illinois healer.

After swapping many emails about his interest in several of the drums I offer, he decided on one of those big, beautiful 20-inch Elk Drums. He chose preferred colors for the decorations and I was off to the workbench.

Upon receiving the drum, he wrote the following and later sent the wonderful photos, which were shot at his favorite stream about a half-mile from his home.

Bob, received the drum today, WOW! This is absolutely beautiful! I haven’t had much of a chance yet to play it much but I plan on doing that this weekend for sure! Thank you so much for the beautiful work here and the way it was all put together just blew my mind. My wife was making lots of comments about how big of a smile I had on my face when I was opening it.
I love all the extra’s and the decoration, it is simply a beautifully put together package.
Any tips or suggestions for the drum welcoming ceremony I will be doing this weekend?

My reply:

Hey, Tony!
I’m so happy to know that you have connected so deeply with your drum! It is sure one of my favorites! And I appreciate your compliments, too my friend.

You can find a few tips for a welcoming ceremony on this page, Item #2 “Bonding With and Smudging Your Drum.” That will certainly start off your relationship right! (Here’s the full link: https://www.naturalshamandrums.com/caring-for-your-beloved-drum )
Now that you have it, I plan on posting a few photos of it on my site. And I’ll be happy and proud to share your comments too.
It has sure been a pleasure working with you, Tony, and I know there are many bright years ahead as you and the drum open new avenues for expression and discovery. You are a true explorer and healer.
Brightest blessings to you and to all of those around you.

And then his reply:

Thank you Bob, I did the ceremony today. I loved that bag of smudging herbs, did you make that? What is in it? Do you sell that? What was that braided grass, I wasn’t sure what to do with it but figured it was to burn as well.
It was a fun experience to bond with the drum, very special. I had a big fire and began with smudging myself and the drum. Then just held the drum and connected to it. I could sense all the energy that went into it, the wood from the tree, the deer (elk) that’s skin was used, etc. I set my intentions for our journey together and gave many thanks. Then I played on it for a bit and enjoyed the warm fire. Thank you again!

He later added this:

Bob, appreciate this opportunity to work with you and all of the thought, energy and work you put into everything you make. I am also thankful for all the information and inclusion you have shown me. I am thankful to be part of your family and your circle. See you around the fire!

See what I mean? Drums have a way of bringing people together. Friendship inevitably follows. And I am so happy to share this story of a new friend, a man who practices Plant Spirit Medicine. His photographs reveal his reverence for the practice, and he demonstrates what it means to sometimes go outside in order to get inside. Right down to the soul level.