Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac.

INTRODUCTION

With the indispensable support of a team of volunteers, Red River Health is planning to offer “Drum Flow Sessions” to veterans at the Fargo VA Medical Center. This initiative aims to provide a valuable service to veterans and I am immensely grateful to all those who are contributing to the endeavor. My experience is that drumming sessions or group rhythms help ease the mind, relax the body and create community. Here is the story behind these sessions.

ORIGINS

For years I have wanted to share the martial art that I teach (Aikido) with more people. I have been especially eager to introduce Aikido to veterans. As a martial discipline, Aikido is a powerful tool for balancing and neutralizing an attack, fostering a sense of centeredness and a resilient awareness. The practice creates an immersive feedback loop, anchoring our attention in the present and promoting centeredness. Despite its demands, Aikido leaves practitioners feeling invigorated and grounded. This experience aligns with what modern psychology defines as a “flow experience” or “flow state”. In a flow state, one’s engagement in an activity is so immersive that all peripheral thoughts fade. These self referential thoughts are replaced with an attentive presence, a fluidity of movement and spontaneous creativity.

After practicing Aikido for over 30 years, I can see that our practice isn’t for everyone. The body must be fully engaged in moments that are definitively martial. However, I can also see that some of the benefits of Aikido practice are available through other activities. For example, a few years ago I started cross country skiing. This exercise also facilitates a flow state. The demand for a smooth, efficient glide centralizes the importance of good form. There is a consistent feedback loop which naturally emanates from ones actions, and mistakes matter. These are some of the essential ingredients needed in a flow state practice. 

SERVICE

A staggering fact that I learned a few years back is that every 24 hours, 22 American military veterans die by suicide. Twenty two souls a day. This statistic underscores an urgent need for supportive programs for veterans.

Over a year ago I watched a documentary called Resurface. The film tells the story of veterans who are restoring their lives through the experience of surfing. A long time surfer and veteran created a program for his peers. With the help of a team of surfers, veterans were introduced to the practice of riding waves. One of the main characters of the film summarizes the benefits of engaging in this practice by saying:

“I used to wake up every day thinking about how I might kill myself, now I wake up wondering what the waves will be like today.”

Surfing is much like skiing, and much like Aikido, with a very tight feedback loop. If you lean too far forward, the board dives into the water, too far back, and the nose of the board sails skyward. Meanwhile, there is the an ever changing shift and roll of the wave itself. Surfing requires constant attention and adjustment, making it another form of moving meditation.

RHYTHM

My interest in rhythm grew as I noticed how music could enhance my skiing experience. I observed how I would naturally harmonize the rhythms of sound with the rhythms of my stride. Despite my lack of any musical background I found myself curious about rhythms. After watching a documentary about professional drummers and their inspirations, I noticed myself exploring rhythms more. This practice led me to believe that if I could engage with music through rhythm, anyone could. The idea of Drum Flow Sessions grew from there.

DRUM FLOW SESSIONS

I began sharing these ideas with friends and colleagues. We began workshopping gatherings with some generously donated equipment. As things progressed a group of volunteers and I reached out the VA. Eventually we brought some percussion equipment to a meeting with administrators of the VA’s Whole Health program, and together we dove into some rhythm. When we finished a short flow session, the VA was ready to introduce sessions on site. We will begin those sessions soon.

Meanwhile our work developing Drum Flow Session at 824 Main continues. We are currently hosting sessions at 6pm every other week. I am excited to open sessions to the public soon. While these sessions are designed to facilitate a flow experience, they are also important for the development of a team of volunteers who can facilitate sessions at the VA.

I think our work here is just beginning. In addition to facilitating Flow Sessions for other communities in need, we hope to provide Drum flow sessions commercially for business or organizations looking to enhance cohesion, community and collaboration while reducing workplace stress. Let us know if you would like us to facilitate a session for your business or organization.

SUPPORT

The support of others has been instrumental in building this program. In addition to volunteers, several people have donated percussion equipment and other skills to the effort. While the VA has secured funding for building their percussion library, we are hoping to keep building our own instrument library at 824 Main. We are also in need of administrative assistance as this work continues. It is our hope to involve other percussionists and other percussion communities in our project. All of these advancements will require financial support so please consider making a contribution.

If you would like to support this program please use the QR code below to make a financial contribution. If you would like to provide support in some other capacity please email the clinic directly.

Thank you all so much!

Robert Angotti

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