This year's Drumming Day falls on a full moon—a great opportunity to recognize the power of percussive rhythm in ritual. Drums are among the most ancient of instruments and are still a driving force in rituals today the world over. They help us keep time, energize us, and unify our movements. Many people play drums at circles and events, but few recognize that it's important not only to make a noise but also to listen to what's happening around them. When we listen as we play, we connect to the heartbeat of the group and become one.

One of the best things about drums is that almost anything can be a percussive instrument. You don't need a fancy drum to make a beat. Buckets, pots, mugs, and even cauldrons can be drums, and by hitting them with chopsticks, wooden spoons, or other tools, we can make a variety of sounds.

Gather a small group together, each with an improvised drum. Choose one person to start and let them go for about one minute with a slow, steady beat. Add another drum "voice" when the next person feels comfortable and so on, until everyone is drumming. Experiment with where the energy takes you—it will build up and release naturally!