On Being a Grandma - A Series - July 25, 2011

When people think of a Grandma, they think of someone who is rather oldish, greying, slow moving, and doting on sweet little grandchildren. But, Grandmas are first and foremost women. Many of whom are still in the working field, have grown children, elderly parents as well as spouses, still living. Grandmas love their Grandma job, their mother job, their spouse job and their income job, but they too, need a break from all that, from time to time.

Cooling our feet in the ocean surf.

That’s just what my two sisters and I did recently!!


We took a few days of girl/sister time away from everything and did some cabin camping at a nearby ocean beach.

Toasting our first few hours at our rustic, camping cabin.

The following group of photographs are just a few to illustrate the fun 'Grandmas' can have when they get away for some peace and quiet time.

Walking on a fog shrouded, quiet beach, with nothing to do but listen to the distant, gentle surf and call of the gulls.

Standing on the ocean floor!!  At high tide the water will be at the level of the black, seaweed covered rocks, far above our heads.

Some of the spectacular and rugged scenery we encountered on our 5 km hike, over rough and wet terrain.

The full moon shining through the trees, as seen from our camping cabin.

A glimpse of the shadowed, wooded terrain in our campground.

Even doing the dishes, by hand, was a fun and peaceful thing for us.

Waiting for our campfire to burn and produce embers. Notice the full moon behind the fire and the lights of the passing truck illuminating the bushes nearby.

Enjoying yummy s'mores with our 'special' hot chocolate.

Drumming for Life

I recently had the interesting and rejuvenating experience of participating in a drumming circle.  The lady who conducted our drumming circle told of the calming effects on Palliative Care patients. Since I am a retired Palliative Care nurse, I became curious about the history and documented effects of drumming.....hence this blog.

Drumming

The use of the hand drum in relationship to healing is certainly not new. According to anecdotal reports and current research, the hand drum and its rhythms have been instrumental in improving illnesses when medical science had few answers.

The Power of the Drum 

The pounding of the drum can relax the tense, energize the tired, and heal the emotionally wounded. The hand drum has the extraordinary and consistent ability to create states of euphoria, induce trance, promote play, release anger and promote feelings of community, unity and promote well being.

Psychological Benefits

There are numerous psychological benefits in drumming. First, is a sense of personal power. Second, the drum places one squarely in the here and now. When Hitting the drum, there is no time to think about tomorrow’s fears, yesterday’s regrets or what’s for dinner. The drum becomes an opportunity for those who repress their emotions to release them.

The pounding of a drum can help us to take notice of our own heartbeat. It is our heartbeats that keep us alive and vital. Drumming can also be very therapeutic in getting in touch with our inner selves. A low, steady beat can create a calmness whereas a stronger upbeat can stir us into action or a frenzy.

Since this was a new experience for me, I was curious about anyone else’s opportunities with drumming.

More information on drumming can be found in the following articles. I found them most helpful in my research and with today’s blog.

Kathy

Disclaimer  -  The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.