Encompass the Rhythm of Resilience: A Journey of Healing Through The Pulse. Discover The Spirit – 63
Encompass A Journey of Healing and Connection: Reflections on “The Anxious Rhythm of the Young Black Boy”
Last year, on June 6th, 2024, I celebrated the culmination of a deeply personal and transformative journey with a party dedicated to the release of my book, “Holistic Mental Health Volume 2.” This book holds a special place in my heart, not only for its themes of resilience and recovery but particularly for a chapter that resonates profoundly with my own experiences—Chapter 8, titled “The Anxious Rhythm of the Young Black Boy.”
This chapter narrates my discovery of drumming and rhythm as powerful coping mechanisms, a lifeline during times of anxiety and turmoil. As I reflect on it now, eight months after completing the book, I’m reminded of the vital role that music has played in shaping who I am. In a world that often feels chaotic, drumming became a sanctuary—a means to connect with myself on a deeper level.
What makes this chapter particularly significant is how it delves into the scientific principles of brain connectivity. It explores the beautiful interplay between the left and right sides of the brain, emphasizing the importance of holistic health in enhancing executive functioning and learning. This exploration opens a doorway to understanding how rhythm can serve not only as a tool for emotional expression but also for cognitive development.
The connection between drumming and brain function is fascinating—a synergy that highlights how engaging in rhythmic activities can foster better learning, enhance memory, and improve overall mental health. It’s like a dance of neurons, where every beat signifies a step toward greater clarity and focus. As I revisited these thoughts recently, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for the insights I was able to share in this chapter.
The completion of the book in April, just two days before my wedding on April 13th, felt serendipitous. It was a time of immense joy and transformation, reflecting both personal and professional milestones. While I was preparing to embark on a new chapter of life, I was also sharing the very essence of my journey through this book. The intertwining of these events reinforces the notion that healing is not a linear path but rather a rhythmic progression—a series of beats that contribute to the symphony of our lives.
As I dwell on my musings, I have come to appreciate the mix of cool “nerdy” concepts embedded within the narrative. These insights not only reflect my love for exploration and learning but also reveal a deeper understanding of how interconnected we all are. The themes explored in this chapter echo my identity and the passions that drive me forward.
In sharing this piece of my heart, I hope to inspire others to delve into their own rhythms, finding what resonates with them personally. Whether it’s through music, art, or any other form of creative expression, embracing these elements can foster a greater sense of wholeness. My journey continues as I uncover new layers of healing and connection, one beat at a time.
As we all share in the dance of life, let’s celebrate the beauty of our unique rhythms and the journeys that shape us. Here’s to the anxious, the hopeful, and the resilient—the symphony of our stories is just beginning.
Welcome to My Creative Mind
Encompass the power of music often emerges as a beacon of hope and healing. The journey of mental health and self-discovery is intertwined with emotions, experiences, and, at times, struggles. Recently, I penned a poem that encapsulates this journey, highlighting the vital role drumming and rhythm play in fostering resilience. Here, I unravel the layers of this poem, revealing the profound insights that emerged along the way.
At its core, the poem celebrates the enchanting cadence of life—the laughter of children, the beat of drums, and the overwhelming feelings of joy and connection. It opens with a vivid scene where laughter intertwines with music, painting a picture of youthful exuberance that pierces through the noise of everyday life. Yet, amidst this celebratory atmosphere, the poem dives deeper into the contrasting experiences of joy and struggle, resilience and despair.
One of the most striking elements of the poem is its use of double entendres, creating layers of meaning that invite readers to reflect on their own experiences. For example, when discussing the teacher’s enthusiasm for the “Drumtalk,” it symbolizes more than just a lesson—it’s a journey of self-exploration, a shift in perspective that opens the door to new possibilities. This duality serves as a reminder that the stories we share can resonate on multiple levels, echoing in the minds of those who encounter them.
As the poem progresses, the narrative shifts from the joys of collective music-making to the darker undercurrents of personal struggles. The juxtaposition of a DJ’s vibrant life in the Dallas rave scene against the challenges of anxiety and depression paints a poignant picture of the highs and lows we often navigate. The dance floor becomes a metaphor for life’s unpredictable rhythms, encapsulating the essence of temptation, excitement, and the quest for meaning amid chaos.
The poem also touches on the importance of self-care and creative expression. As the speaker grapples with their mental health, they discover the therapeutic power of drumming, introducing significant moments of healing through rhythmic practice. Words like “paradiddle,” with its rhythmic significance, evolve into symbols of personal growth and self-regulation, emphasizing that artistic endeavors can serve as powerful tools for healing.
Breathwork emerges as another vital aspect of this journey, highlighting the connection between music, movement, and mental well-being. Techniques like the Lion’s Breath become metaphors for courage, offering insights into how simple practices can help alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of control. Through these practices, the speaker learns that resilience is not a destination but an ongoing journey—a dance of breath, beats, and moments of clarity.
Ultimately, the poem serves as an affirmation that healing is possible through our passions and creativity. By intertwining music with mental health, the message is clear: we can reclaim our voices and navigate life’s complexities through the rhythms we create. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but with each note played and every rhythm explored, we can find purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging.
As you read this poem, I invite you to reflect on your own journeys. How do you find solace in music? What rhythms resonate with your life? Embrace the idea that, like the poem suggests, we all have the potential to create our own unique expressions of resilience. In the symphony of life, may we all find our rhythm and dance our way toward healing.
A Journey of Rhythm and Resilience
In the air, the laughter weaved,
A symphony of joy tucked, then retrieved,
As drums echoed, a heartbeat’s thrum,
Then a young boy shouted, “That felt good!”—a simple sum.
With enthusiasm bright, her lesson laid bare,
How this moment, golden, was truly rare.
“Drumtalk,” she said, “will ignite their minds,
A new realm of learning, a space to find.”
In those moments, I was meant to weave,
Divine guidance showed me vibrant reprieve.
Yet on the path of health, tensions ran high,
My Christian roots met the wild, soaring sky.
In the room where shadows twisted and swayed,
The scent of nights where freedom played.
Yet in the haze, vibrant dreams ran thin,
My spirit waned, unraveling within.
A DJ in Dallas, I spun tales so fair,
Yet the weight of choices began to ensnare.
I stepped away from the pulsating floor,
Seeking solace in beats I could explore.
Exhaustion merged with echoes profound,
In the children’s ministry, my heart was bound.
I faced the tug-of-war of faith’s cruel jest,
Barely standing, craving more than rest.
An end to disco’s seductive embrace,
A bittersweet shift, a step toward grace.
My spirit wrestled when destiny tried,
Finding my footing, my soul was untied.
A cycle of night into day began to spin,
The battle within felt like a game I’d not win.
Medications offered but only a tease,
Fighting shadows still, seeking sweet release.
Gazing long at my drum kit’s pride,
In practice, I found a way to confide.
Twenty minutes of rhythm, a haven created,
In the waves of sound, my fears abated.
Breath by breath, I mended each seam,
Finding my footing, reclaiming my dream.
Lion’s breath echoed, a roaring release,
With each note played, I called for peace.
Yet storms would come, complacency’s snare,
I drifted away with the weight of despair.
But through the night, dread dared to tread,
I summoned my strength, faced what I dread.
Inhale, tongue out, a fierce lion’s roar,
With each beat I drummed, my spirit did soar.
Paradiddles whispered, a sacred refrain,
A language of healing that washed away pain.
Learning to grow through practice anew,
The challenge became a bridge to break through.
As I merged music with all I would face,
I found in each struggle, a promise of grace.
Returning to roots, I sought to redefine,
In hands beating drums, my soul learned to shine.
Counseling woven in rhythm’s embrace,
A journey of healing, a dance of pure grace.
Bilateral rhythms began to unlock,
Uniting both sides, a balance in stock.
Logic and passion, together they spun,
In the cadence of life, the chase was won.
Through the beats, I’ve learned to commune,
In music’s embrace, I’ve carved my tune.
With every paradiddle, new strength would arise,
In the rhythm of life, resilience defies.
Now, a journey unfolds, life’s canvas untold,
With each note played, my spirit turns bold.
In echoes of struggle, I’ve learned to ignite,
A song of my story, a dance into light.
Table of Contents
by 
by