A student recently asked me why drumming is considered a grounding activity. As someone who is already spiritually inclined and perhaps feels a strong connection to the metaphysical realm, they were looking to cultivate a deeper sense of grounding and connection to their physical body.

In case you are not familiar with the term “grounding” or “grounding out” it refers to being in ones body, being fully present in the here and now and not being spaced out with a wandering mind.

While I couldn’t provide a scientific explanation, I can offer some insights based on the nature of West African drumming and music I have personally studied and experienced from the West African and Congolese diaspora and of course in the New World like Cuba, Haiti, Brazil and more.

These traditional forms of music and dance are designed or have evolved to stimulate movement and energy in the body, individually, spiritually and collectively. The rhythms and beats for the most part are intended to get people moving, to unleash a sense of vitality and expression. This, in turn, can create a unifying energy that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

These rhythms we study, learn and play have been around for a long, long time and have been used with in their own cultures and context, they have deep and different meanings and usages as well. I have written much more about the specifics in other articles on the website here,

In terms of grounding, drumming can be seen as a yang force, (in the Chinese/ Asian philosophy of yin and yang), a downward or contracting force that helps to anchor the body and mind. When you play the drums, you need to focus and concentrate to stay in rhythm and groove, which can cause you to “drop in” , stop the minds chatter and become fully present in your body. This mindful, embodied state can help to quiet the mind and bring a sense of calm, clarity, and connection to one’s physicality.

The physical act of drumming itself can also be grounding, as it engages the body’s motor skills, auditory system, and tactile senses. The vibrations of the drums, the feeling of the sticks or hands on the skin, and the rhythmic patterns all combine to create a multisensory experience that can be deeply immersive and grounding. The feelings from drumming together with others, this unification also centers us and helps us to feel present and undistracted.

Ultimately, the experience of drumming as a grounding activity is unique to each individual, and can vary depending on a person’s unique energy, body, and spiritual profile. “Every body is different” as they say!

However, by embracing the physical, sensory, and communal aspects of drumming, one can cultivate a deeper sense of connection to their body and the world around them, which can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-awareness.