Soul Portals Podcast, The Powerful Connection Between Mental Health and Spirituality: The Healing Power of Drumming – 63
The “SOUL” Journey from Spiritual Exploration to Musical Renewal
My teenage years into early adulthood marked a significant transition for me, a journey filled with spiritual exploration and the study of theology. I immersed myself in religious texts, from the Bible to the Quran, and found joy in sharing my insights with those around me.
As I transitioned into my 20s, life took an unexpected turn. I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I became known within the vibrant Rave scene as a DJ. This vibrant culture surrounding me was intoxicating, yet it led me down a path of confusion and substance use. Alongside spinning tracks, I embraced the role of a music producer, carving out a niche in Dallas’s independent music scene. This was significant for a city of its size, and I felt a thrilling yet disorienting sense of accomplishment.
However, by the age of 37, reflecting on these experiences, I realized they led to a profound sense of spiritual depletion. Despite being equipped with tools and opportunities to fulfill my divine purpose, I often ignored the path laid out for me, losing sight of my spiritual foundation.
After an abrupt life change, I found myself moving back to Longview, Texas, the place of my birth. This was a pivotal moment—a chance to reset and reevaluate my life and choices. The depth of this reset pushed me to step away from music production for a couple of years, allowing time for introspection and growth. During this period, I pursued education in counseling, specifically focusing on substance abuse, which marked a defining choice in my life.
I earned my CNA certification and worked in nursing and retirement homes, immersing myself in the service of others. This journey culminated in an opportunity to work as a substance abuse counselor within the prison system in Henderson, Texas. Later, I moved to Nacogdoches, where I connected with a church community and rediscovered my passion for music.
Picking up the Djembe for the first time was transformative. The spiritual connection I felt while playing this hand drum resonated deeply within me. Engaging with the tactile elements of music allowed me to explore frequencies and dynamics in ways I hadn’t experienced in a long time. This new connection led me to understand that my musical presence in the world needed to evolve.
In this conversation with God, I realized that creating music was not just about me; it was about serving others. This revelation was a gentle nudge, reminding me that my journey in music should foster connection and healing rather than self-indulgence.Feel free to adjust any parts to better reflect your voice and experiences!
May You Soul Find Rest
Welcome to the “Soul Portals” podcast series, where hosts Cedric Speyer and DeeAnna Nagel embark on enlightening conversations with psychospiritual pioneers. These trailblazers share their voices of wisdom, offering unique insights into the journey toward human wholeness. Their sacred paths and professional experiences serve as ‘portals’ that invite us to explore broader vistas of the soul’s journey. While you may not find their names on mainstream media, the depth of their insights sheds light on the essential aspects of ‘soul work’.
Soul work—coupled with the joy of play—transcends the simplistic blend of mental and emotional well-being, personality traits, and practical skills. It dives deeper into our spiritual capabilities, urging us to align with our life’s purpose. This journey not only allows our individual talents and unique paths to flourish but also invites us to respond to the world’s needs, empowering us to listen to that inner voice that reaches far beyond our individual selves. Join us as we uncover the richness of soul work and the transformative power it holds.
HOST
Cedric M. Speyer, M.A., M.Ed., RP, is an author, Registered Psychotherapist, and presently a mentor to coaches, counsellors, and therapists. He pioneered E-counselling in Canada, overseeing 100K online cases before establishing InnerView Guidance International (IGI). The vision of IGI brings together the historically separate domains of mental health and spiritual awareness in a new synthesis for the helping professions.
CO-HOST
DeeAnna Merz Nagel, D.Th., LPC, LMHC, BCC, is a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified coach. DeeAnna teaches the ethical integration of alternative and psychospiritual approaches for coaches and therapists. She holds several certifications in the healing arts including Reiki and aromatherapy. DeeAnna’s doctoral studies focused on multifaith spiritual direction.
Casey Muze is an expert keynote speaker on mental health, music, and the connection between the two. He is a prominent figure in the field of drumming therapy, with extensive knowledge of bilateral adaptation (a core principle of EMDR). Having spent his formative years in various parts of East Texas, Casey has a profound understanding of effective interventions for disadvantaged youth, especially in the realm of substance abuse. He has also developed specialized programs to promote cognitive development and emotional wellbeing in young children. With a strong commitment to holistic care, Casey applies his unique therapeutic method to a wide range of those with developmental and remedial needs.
TAP IN TO THE CONVERSATION BELOW
The conversation surrounding mental health and spirituality is a complex and often debated topic that invites a rich tapestry of opinions and perspectives. This dialogue tends to evoke varied responses, likely because it explores the intricate and nuanced relationship that exists between our psychological well-being and our individual spiritual beliefs. Among the many facets that compose this relationship, one of the most profound connections I have discovered is through the transformative action of drumming.
When I reflect on the question, “When did you discover drumming?” my response is often deeply introspective. I don’t view my experience as a mere discovery of drumming; instead, I believe that a soul connection was established between me and the art of drumming, orchestrated by a higher power that transcends my understanding. This harmonious relationship continues to evolve and deepen each time I sit down to drum, revealing new layers of insight and connection that enrich my life in ways I never anticipated.
Drumming, for me, is an experience that transcends the physical; it is profoundly personal, as it intertwines my spiritual essence with every beat. It provides me with a unique and powerful avenue to connect with God, helping me tap into the very rhythms of life itself. Each beat resonates within me, creating a rhythm that aligns seamlessly with my spirit, echoing my thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. The cadence and tempo of drumming function not merely as physical movements; they serve as a gateway for a more profound dialogue with my higher self, drawing me closer to the essence of who I am.
Moreover, my journey with drumming is deeply rooted in my background, enriched by historical accounts and the study of diverse rhythms and musical notations from various cultures around the world. This expansive knowledge enhances my drumming experience, allowing me to weave the threads of pace, dynamics, and rhythm into a rich tapestry that deepens my connection with my higher power. Each strike of the drum serves as a powerful reminder to slow down amidst the chaotic hustle and bustle of life, fostering an environment for reflection, introspection, and spiritual communion that I find vital in today’s fast-paced world.
The interplay of spirituality and mental health is a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual and influenced by personal beliefs and lived experiences. For me, drumming has evolved into a meditative practice, an opportunity that allows me to check in with my mental state and align it harmoniously with my spiritual beliefs. Whether one views spirituality as a connection to God, the universe, or an expansive higher consciousness, engaging rhythmically through drumming can emerge as a potent therapeutic outlet, promoting mental well-being and offering solace in times of uncertainty.
As we navigate through the various pathways of life, finding a balance between our mental health and spiritual practices becomes not just desirable, but essential. For many individuals, myself included, drumming serves as a bridge that connects the realms of mental clarity and spiritual depth, offering a nurturing sense of peace and grounding that is often elusive. In a world where stress and anxiety frequently overshadow our existence, discovering our unique expressions of spirituality—whether through drumming, meditation, art, or other creative endeavors—can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and foster a more fulfilling state of mental well-being.
Fostering a holistic approach to our overall well-being can lead to profound transformations, allowing us to flourish across multiple dimensions of our lives. By embracing activities that resonate with us on both a mental and spiritual level, we can navigate the complexities of life with newfound confidence, clarity, and purpose. As you embark on or continue your own journey, I invite you to consider what activities or practices might serve as your personal bridge between mental health and spirituality. Explore these avenues with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage deeply with what resonates within you, leading to a richer and more meaningful existence.
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