The Healing Drum weekend took place the weekend of December 14-16, 2007 in Yelm, Washington.  Participants arrived over the evening and settled in their cabins.  Over tea and talk everyone took the opportunity to relax, the first step in healing.  We gathered in the meeting room, circling the ceremonial drum, and set the tone for the weekend with an opening  meditation called, "Winter Prayer of Release and Rebirth", written by Estee Taschereau. We finished with a simple wish:  "During this weekend event entitled the Healing Drum, take the time to honor what has been, sing a song to bring joy into the moment, and dance your dance to step into your next great journey".  Everyone was happy and grateful for this evening focus and release, and retired to their cabins for the night.    

Greeted the next morning with a wonderful breakfast and cheerful conversation, we moved through the day, with a casual lecture session on herbs and cleansing, drumming songs, individual healing sessions, and opportunity to explore the tones and personalities of the smaller drums offered to us for the weekend by Kaye Tahwakeena, our event organizer.

Each attendee found something they could appreciate during this weekend, and the day passed quickly.  No moment was left untapped, and the conversations continued into dinner and social time that evening.  Sunday morning was quick in arriving!  Following another fabulous breakfast we moved into the meeting hall, planning our next activity around the schedule of our chef.  Estee taught a class on EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, known as "tapping" by those who use this technique.  We had two great subjects to work with as practice.  First was for our chef, and after a couple rounds of "tapping" on her topic she dislodged a memory of a traumatic event that bothered her to that day.  Another round of tapping helped her release the emotional energy that she had stored, and she was able to leave the class and return to the kitchen with a lighter heart.  Our second subject was a long-distance request, to help a woman who was in training for a new career after a long disability, and was experiencing physical issues, further stressing her already nervous driving trip.  We collectively tapped on statements, led by Estee, to reinforce release, support, and guidance during these trying times.  Later it was reported back to us that our long distance lady was feeling better, and was awestruck by the support she felt.  What a great way to learn a new technique, seeing such quick results!!

After our EFT class we drifted smoothly into a drumming circle, and continued without words for what seemed like forever, but flowed quickly.  Each person moved gracefully into their own niche, some picking up individual drums, or healing peacock feathers, or beating on the big ceremonial drum.  There was dancing, and an incredible lift when all the men were gathered at the central drum, beating in harmony and alliance.

During the afternoon we casually drifted into smaller groups, for healings, talk, or individual EFT sessions with Estee.  We regathered one last time in the meeting hall for a closing meditation.  The weekend was truly a success!