Although the fall tends to be a time when nature slows down, my autumn season was just the opposite.  I’ve been actively involved in a busy yet productive cycle of soundwork. Along with Gary Diggins, I co-facilitated a series of didgeridoo workshops that brought together a configuration of players who ranged from beginner level and to more advanced skills. I’m not sure who learned more, facilitator or student.  Playing the didgeridoo, let alone teaching the basic techniques to others, seems to be a continuous learning curve for me.  Given my learning challenges, it was important for me to prepare diligently for each workshop.  I had to outline my roles, identify what I could impart, write out a script at times, and then hope for the best.  I had never co-facilitated a workshop of this nature before and so this new role required me to step up to the plate (or mouthpiece) in a mindful way.

Also in the spirit of ongoing training, I chose to repeat the Level One Soundwork Practitioner’s training program again.  This is a seven-week series conducted by the faculty of Toronto SoundSource, including Gary.  The content builds upon the foundation of understanding that I previously explored while, at the same time, providing me with new ways to serve others through soundwork as soulwork.  The material focuses on seven primary stages of development and how to take either an individual client or a grouping of people back to earlier stages of growth through sonic play, voicework, and other protocols of soundwork.

Over the last few months I have also been experimenting with my ability to play more rhythmically, both on the didgeridoo and on hand percussion instruments.  I have incorporates a tape recorder into my practice sessions as this helps facilitates a deeper level of listening as I build up my repertoire.  Recently I purchased a Hapi drum, which is a wonderful percussion instrument that goes well with my favourite didgeridoo.  Both are pitched around the note D and so they work well together.  I am working toward playing these two instruments at the same time so as to provide more variety when I am soloing on the didgeridoo.

By the way, it was this time last year that “Tman” and I launched our new CD, Birth Stories.  I have wonderful memories of creating this sound journey and not I have wonderful memories of playing and sharing the finished product with others.  An organization in Calgary called Heaven’s Fitness bought a total of 30 CDs.  The owners use them for their Pilates, Nia, movement, and yoga classes.  In this spirit, my goal within the next few months is to move Birth Stories out to yoga studios in the Greater Toronto area.  For instance, Musedium (at 401 Richmond St.) took three copies recently as they are keen to support new and local artists.

In other departments, I have also assisted Gary in working with a group of adults from the Geneva Centre for Autism.  We shared a wonderful morning with the group in Gary’s studio.  We used the elements of water, air, earth, and fire as a map for engaging the participants in both receiving and making sound.  Playing an Ocean Drum and rainstick, for instance, was a new experience for some of the individuals.  What seemed to be most successful was the act of me playing long drones on the didgeridoo and directing that sound into each individual’s heart.

In a related area, I am currently working with another soundwork colleague, designing a sound workshop for youth and adults with learning disabilities.  We are hoping to market and launch this program in April 2010.  It is so important that I share the wonders of soundwork with others.  In fact, I am planning to open my own sanctuary where I can take individuals on sound journey.  This will help me gain experience and will enable me to work with other’s who have taken the Soundwork Practitioner trainings.  Admittedly, I do miss the performance aspect to playing just now.  As you may know, I like to step out.

Finally, I should mention that I am a member of the Danforth Jewish Circle.  Recently we held a women’s retreat. I brought my didgeridoo and I shared for me what I consider my heart/soul work with the women who attended.  I had this wonderful experience as I was sounding over one woman, around her body and over her chakras that as I finished this healing, the women lay down on the floor one by one.  It was a great example of true giving and receiving.