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RHYTHM BLISS
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Join the 40 Day Mindful
Hand Drumming & Movement Journey
Starting Monday, October 7, 2024 you'll embark on a 40 day journey into the ancient healing power of the drum. Throughout the "Rhythms of Radiance" journey you'll release stress, boost your brain power, calm your mind, and have tons of energizing fun!
Your Journey Includes:
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24 x live stream classes or replays (4 per week!)
Rhythm Meditations and Chants
Weekly Inspiration Videos and Reflection Assignments
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Community connection
Djembe, frame and 'lap drum' instruction on mindful hand drumming, and dozens of popular West African, Afro-Cuban and Middle Eastern rhythms
Using rhythm as a meditation tool
Instructor support
Mindful movement practices
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Dr. Gabor Maté, World Renowned Trauma Expert and Best Selling Author
"Drumming can be powerfully helpful and healing in times of stress, anxiety and trauma. I have experienced Alexandra’s teachings first hand. I highly recommend her work to anyone looking to use the enchantment of rhythm for wellness, stress release and healing."
Rhythm Bliss: a Powerful & Holistic Approach to Drumming!
All levels welcome - you don't need a drum or musical experience. Just a heartbeat!
Mind
Drumming has been scientifically proven to release stress, and improve cognition and memory! Quiet your mind through rhythm meditation, then "hit the brain gym" when you learn new rhythm patterns and techniques.
Body
Reduce blood pressure, decrease the pain response, and release stress, all while learning how to drum! On this Journey you'll connect compassionately with your body through hand drumming, mindful movement, and breath practices.
Spirit
With each live stream session/replay, you'll come away feeling rejuvenated, with joy in your heart. When you enrol, you'll join a global heart-centred community - hundreds of drummers connecting together through the spirit of the drum!
YOU DON'T NEED A DRUM OR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE- JUST A HEARTBEAT!
Inside the Journey -
4 Weekly Live Stream Classes & Replays
Music-making, movement, meditation & community -
all of your wellness needs in one place!
Starting the week of October 7, 2024 you'll embark on a 40 day journey into the ancient healing power of drumming. Release stress, boost your brain power, calm your mind, and have tons of energizing fun. Enrol today and get early, instant access and begin your practice now!
Our live stream sessions are pure magic, and something you just HAVE to experience firsthand. Four times a week, over 500 members join in from around the world to connect to the universal heartbeat together, spreading and sharing good vibrations. If you miss a live class, don’t worry. We post replays of all weekly classes for the duration of your Journey Pass (ending November 17, 2024) so you can do them on your time.
We start the week off with our “mildest” beginner session & proceed with increasingly “spicy” classes:
Spice Level:
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"Suave" Mondays
Online Live Stream Every Monday at:
11am - 12:20pm Pacific | 2 - 3:20pm Eastern 7 - 8:20pm UK / 8 - 9:20pm Central Europe
Class Description: In this, our most gentle ("suave" in Spanish means mild or gentle), least spicy class, we focus on stress release, mind/body connection, bolstering immunity and uplifting and supporting each other in rhythm. Ideal for beginners and those who enjoy playing at a mild spice level, in these sessions, we will learn proper body positioning, basic hand drumming techniques, ancient West African and Middle Eastern Rhythms, universal patterns and modern variations, and end with a gentle yoga stretch and soothing Gong Bath.
Spice Level:
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"Sabroso" Wednesdays
Online Live Stream Every Wednesday at:
11am - 12:15pm Pacific | 2 - 3:15pm Eastern 7 - 8:15pm UK / 8 - 9:15pm Central Europe
Class Description: "Sabroso" in Spanish means tasty or moderately spicy. On Wednesdays we learn beginner/intermediate "free hand style" frame drumming technique and Middle Eastern rhythms (djembe option provided). Classes include a mindful movement warm-up, breath practices, body scans and left/right brain integration to receive the most health benefits from our hand drumming practice. We end this class with a joyful mid-week dance party hosted by DJ Miguelito!
Spice Level:
"Caliente" Fridays
Online Live Stream Every Friday at:
11am - 12pm Pacific | 2 - 3pm Eastern 7 - 8pm UK / 8 - 9pm Central Europe
Class Description: "Caliente" means hot in Spanish and some previous hand drumming experience is required for this class. This session includes: • Intermediate Hand-Drumming Techniques • Basic Bass Drum, Bell Patterns and Stick Drumming Patterns • Rudiments and Rolls (practice patterns) • Popular West African, Latin and Middle Eastern rhythms, polyrhythms and solo phrases • Correct drumming posture and alignment • Relaxation techniques including yogic breathing (pranayama) and gentle stretching.
Spice Level:
"Picante" Sundays
Online Live Stream Every Sunday at:
11am - 12pm Pacific | 2 - 3pm Eastern 7 - 8pm UK / 8 - 9pm Central Europe
Class Description: "Picante" in Spanish means spicy and this is our spiciest or most rhythmically complex session of the week. This percussion ensemble class is for those with drumming experience who have a keen interest in improving their skills. We will play traditional West African, Latin and Middle Eastern rhythms, focussing on solo techniques and stick patterns to accompany the hand drums, as well as bass and bell coordination exercises.
Take a closer look at what else Rhythm Bliss has to offer...
Whether you are joining to heal yourself, learn a new skill, become a better drummer, connect with a heart-centered community, boost your brain power, release stress/anxiety, or have TONS of energizing fun - this 40 Day Rhythms of Radiance Journey is for you!
Here is just some of what's included in your journey Pass:
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40 Day "Rhythms of Radiance" Fall 2024 Journey
STARTS MONDAY, October 7, 2024
"Rhythms of Radiance" is a 40 Day opportunity for us to support each other as a community as we release negative emotions and stress, get grounded in the groove, and allow our inner light to shine through rhythm meditation, movement practices and weekly home-play assignments. You choose your level of commitment to suit your goals and time constraints. This is a great opportunity for us to develop a consistent rhythm and movement meditation practice as we work on a specific aspect of our personal development.
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Getting Started with Rhythm Bliss
9 VIDEOS | 1 AUDIO
Your rhythm adventure begins here! In this course you’ll learn all you need to know to get started with the Rhythm Bliss Mindful Hand Drumming and Movement program. We’ll explain the Rhythm Bliss Method, mindfulness as it relates to hand drumming, how to discover your unique rhythm “palate” to achieve optimal health benefits from hand drumming, preparing your space for practice, advice on what to drum on, and much more.
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Foundations & FUNdamentals
14 VIDEOS
Learn proper posture and alignment for mindful hand drumming, how to hold your drum and basic hand drumming techniques as originally taught to Alexandra by master drummer Babatunde Olatunji. Our goal is to drum mindfully for health and wellness and therefore we play the drum quietly and gently in order to protect our ears and joints. You will get an opportunity to practice the basic techniques learnt in the section, along to meditative musical accompaniment.
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Movement Practices
12 VIDEOS
Alexandra draws from her decades of experience as a dancer, yoga and pilates instructor and offers a selection of movement practices which can easily be done at home (no props required) as a daily practice. Some of the movements and stretches are designed specifically for hand drummers. These practices range from the gentle chair yoga to energizing kundalini dance exercises and are always offered with modifications to suit all ages and levels of ability and mobility.
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Intermediate Techniques
3 VIDEOS
Learn the Slap (or PATA) Technique, and the Tap Technique. This course also includes a video for practicing the PATA technique.
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Frame & Flow
38 VIDEOS
Learn Middle Eastern rhythms, and how to play the frame drum in the "free hand style" technique. You'll also learn how to use a frame drum for all Rhythm Bliss classes. All levels are welcome to participate in this course which includes short Movement Practices.
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AfroCuban On-Demand Classes with "Toto" Berriel
10 VIDEOS
Learn a variety of AfroCuban techniques with special guest, master drummer Israel "Toto Berriel" - a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator. For 12 years, he played with the world’s best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, where he mastered the Afro-Cuban repertoire. Toto is an exceptional performer and a naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound. Although deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions, he is also comfortable with jazz, soul, and funk.
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West African On-Demand Classes with Yoro Noukoussi
11 VIDEOS
Learn intermediate and advanced West African techniques with special guest, master drummer Yoro Noukoussi. Born in North Benin, Africa and chief’s son of the Waama people, this multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter learned the art of storytelling and drumming from his family as they traveled the region sharing their cultural traditions. Now living in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, Yoro is in great demand as a performer, having mastered the donga (talking drum), kokomba (congas), and djembe. He is a wonderful teacher and a dynamic and mesmerizing performer, drawing you in to the sights, sounds, and rhythms of West Africa.
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Rhythm Meditations
& Chants
Over a dozen AUDIO MEDITATIONS and Jam-Along Videos
Our collection of rhythm meditations and chants are here to support you in whatever you need. We have rhythm meditations for calming the mind, energizing the body, forgiveness, increasing flexibility and flow, building courage, cleansing the energy centers, getting grounded, releasing stress, and more!
Current Members of Rhythm Bliss Share Their Experience
Shakti Mi, Founder of Prana Yoga College
"Alexandra's love of rhythm and movement is infectious and she is a highly skilled and inspired drum and yoga teacher, with a huge wealth of experience and insight to share. She is open, non-judgmental, passionate and caring."
"Everything in the universe has rhythm, everything dances."
Maya Angelou
All of this for as little as $3 per class!
Enrollment into the Upcoming 40-Day "Rhythms of Radiance" Journey starting October 7, 2024.
4 x Live Stream Classes Each Week (Beginner to Advanced), with replays available!
Unlimited Access until November 17, 2024 to the Rhythm Bliss Online Academy with Hundreds of Hours of Courses, Jam Alongs, Movement Practices, Rhythm Meditations & More!
Incredible Global Community. Join Hundreds of Members Worldwide Live Online Each Week.
Your Rhythm Journey Awaits! Enroll Today.
LAST CHANCE: DOORS CLOSE MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
This Journey is For:
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Complete beginners (you don't need a drum!) to experienced drummers interested in receiving optimal health benefits from hand drumming
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Yogis, spiritual warriors, or wellness gurus
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Anyone who wants to quiet their mind but prefers an active (vs sedentary) meditation practice
LIMITED TIME OFFER: 50% OFF
40 Day Journey Pass
112 56
$
$
One-time fee, USD
Interested in Canadian pricing? Click here.
Enroll now and receive instant access to our introductory videos, on-demand classes, and meditations - the perfect way to get warmed up for the Journey!
7-Day Money Back Guarantee
If Rhythm Bliss is not your jam, let us know within the first 7 days and we'll give you a full refund.
Your Instructor - Alexandra Jai
Hailing from Santiago, Chile, Alexandra Jai is a hand drumming and yoga teacher, rhythm facilitator, accompanist, and performer with over 30 years of experience. Following a transformative and deeply healing drumming immersion with Nigerian Master Drummer Olatunji Babatunde in her late teens, Alexandra plunged heart-first into the study of global percussion traditions and the rich cultural tapestry of rhythm.
A lifelong student of rhythm and movement, Alexandra Jai studied traditional African, Afro-Cuban and Middle Eastern hand drumming from master drummers across the globe.
Alexandra founded Rhythm Bliss to spread joy, serenity, and healing by blending the ancient art of hand drumming with yoga philosophy in a way that's easily accessible and relevant to our hectic, modern lives.
Alexandra's Teaching Style
Join Our Incredible Global
Community
Join over 500 Rhythm Bliss members from around the world!
Many of our members say one of their favourite things about Rhythm Bliss is being able to connect with a global, supportive community.
When you get to experience the magic of hundreds of heart-centered people connecting through the spirit of the drum - you experience the true power of mindful hand drumming.
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Babatunde Olatunji
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don't have a drum! Do I need one to use the program? If using a drum, what type of drum works best?
The short answer is you don't need a drum (you already have a lap drum!), there are cheap alternatives if you want one, and if you have any drum at home, you can make it work for the course.
Q: I'm not a musician. I'm not even sure I have "rhythm." Is this for me?
You definitely DO NOT need to be a "musician" and absolutely NO musical experience or ability is required. If you have enough coordination to walk, talk and chew gum at the same time, you have more than enough rhythm for the Rhythm Bliss progam. All the content is organized by rhythmic complexity or "rhythm spice," so that everyone from absolute novices, to more experienced drummers, can find exercises and rhythm meditations to keep them in their "Rhythm Zone" (You'll learn more about that in the course!)
Q: Will I become a good drummer using this program or is this just for meditation and relaxation?
In addition to providing this online training, I currently teach live group hand drumming classes to over 300 students per year. Some attend to relax, some for connection to community, and others to improve their hand drumming skills. What is abundantly clear is that those who practice at home become more skilled at drumming. Your timing, syncopation, left-right independence and improvisation skills will improve dramatically. That said, becoming an awesome drummer is not the goal of the course, but rather a sweet side-effect!
Q: Isn't hand drumming a social thing you do in groups? Why would I do this on my own?
The more you meditate in rhythm, the more profound the effects. The 40 day journey allows you to build a consistent practice for health and wellness. For some, Rhythm Bliss is a complement to drum circles and group classes. For others, getting out to live classes and events can be challenging or even impossible, or they prefer to practice at home on their own, at their own pace. Try it out and see for yourself!
Q: I live in a thin walled apartment with roommates. Will using Rhythm Bliss disturb my neighbours?
This program is not designed for you to play loudly. Playing gently allows you to properly hear the ambient sounds and instructions. We have students who practice in their apartments, on their laps, or with a towel in their drum to muffle the sound and get no complaints. They listen through headphones (which gives them the benefits of Binaural Beats - more on that in the program!) which keeps noise to a minimum.
Q: What traditions or styles of drumming do you teach in the program?
Rhythm Bliss draws from several rhythm cultures and traditions. I incorporate mostly West African, Latin, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into the program, as I have studied primarily with master teachers from these traditions and my roots are South American (Viva Chile!). Periodically, we feature master drummers from specific rhythmic traditions sharing rhythms from their culture. At Rhythm bliss, our focus is on cultivating the most vitality, connection and joy from a mindful hand drumming practice. The hand drumming technique which you will learn in this program can be applied to many drums and percussion instruments.
Q: I have an injury/arthritis/suffer from chronic pain. Can I still do this?
It's really important to listen to your body and STOP playing if you feel any pain while drumming. that being said, drumming has been scientifically shown to reduce the pain response. We have some students with wrist injuries and others with nerve damage in their arms who are able to drum, and many who report that the vibration of the drumming releases pain and discomfort and increases mobility. We encourage everyone to play really GENTLY (lubricating the joints) versus hitting hard (jarring the joints). Mindful hand drumming is about drawing awareness to physical sensations and adjusting your playing to fit your needs. Honour your body and work within your limitations.
Q: I'm not sure that I'm the woo-woo, New-Agey, drum circle, hippy type. Is Rhythm Bliss for me?
My mindful hand drumming students include doctors, administrators, teachers, lawyers, business people and others from all walks of life. And yes - lots of yoga enthusiasts, therapists, and even a few dread-locked, New Age, hippy types! Mindful hand drumming is beneficial to everyone regardless of age, gender, religious background, sexual orientation, able-bodiedness or ethnicity. If you have a beating heart, you can meditate in rhythm.
Q: What if I am not happy, is it easy to cancel?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied, let us know within 7 days of joining and we'll give you a full refund.
Q: How do I continue after the journey?
At the end of the Journey on you will have the opportunity to join Rhythm Bliss on a discounted monthly, quarterly, or annual plan.
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