The Better Breathers Club drum circle.
The Better Breathers Club drum circle.
Pictured, on far right, is Chris Hurdle, drumming facilitator.
Pictured, from left, is Danielle Wessel, RN, PhD, Pulmonary Rehab Nurse Manager, and Cora Hurdle, RN, Pulmonary Cardio Rehab.
Pictured is Ashely Whisner, Cardiopulmonary Tech and Liason.
Pictured is Liz Messer, RN, Navigator, Cardiopulmonary.
The American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club Program has for fifty years, connected people living with lung disease with one another through education, support, and meetings.
BBC members learn better ways to manage and cope with lung conditions, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and more, while getting the support of others in similar situations. Meetings offer a fun and stimulating combination of guest speakers, problem-solving discussions, and social activities. Led by trained facilitators, these support groups give folks the tools needed to stay active and healthy, leading the best quality of life they can.
The first Thursday of every month, the folks gather in the pulmonary and cardiac rehab unit at Clermont Mercy Hospital. As they file in, they are greeted by a staff of pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation professionals. Folks are greeted in a warm and friendly manner, and most are on a first-name basis. The attendees are mostly folks who have had pulmonary rehab and are now seeking ways to stay connected to one another, to the professionals who helped them through rehab, and to continue to learn better ways to improve their pulmonary functions. Many are also accompanied by family members.
A table of snacks, drinks, and pizza fills the buffet table. Folks chat with one another and it feels like a party atmosphere.
Chairs are set in a big circle and in the middle are many-sized drums and instruments. Each participant is encouraged to choose a drum or percussion instrument borrowed from the memory unit. The meeting begins and the theme for this evening’s meeting is “Rhythmic Breathing Drum Circle.” It is designed to enhance breathing techniques through the calming and rhythmic influence of drumming.
A short talk is given about box breathing, also known as four-square breathing. It is a simple technique of inhaling to a four-count, holding breath for a four-count, exhaling to a four-count, and then waiting for a four-count before starting the process again.
It is a highly effective technique for calming the nervous system. This practice is used by athletes, police, and the military to enhance performance and improve focus. It promotes better sleep, lowers blood pressure, helps manage symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, improves pain management, and mindfulness, leads to a more positive mood, and offers a greater sense of control, by fostering calm thoughts.
The facilitator is Chris Hurdle, and as he winds down the lecture about box breathing, he begins drumming out a rhythmic beat and the circle of participants begins drumming all around on their different instruments. Soon there is mesmerizing drumming and breathing all around. One can feel the soothing sound and as everyone is drumming harmoniously in sync, the breath seems to instinctively follow the rhythm into boxed breathing. The energy in the room is vibrant, while at the same time calming and hypnotic.
The drumming goes on for about ten minutes and then a facilitator or participant begins to change the rhythm, and as the group synchronizes to the new beat, once again all are drumming in harmony. Soon another facilitator shows up who is a drummer at the East Fork Full Moon Healing and Family Drum Circle. He begins leading the group in yet another more varied beat and again all are drumming in harmony. It feels like a spiritual or mystical experience. Cora Hurdle, RN, encourages participants to close their eyes as they drum and feel their breath go in and out. She tells the group to listen, feel, and breathe the beat. As one looks around the circle, smiles appear on faces and a sense of peace, contentment, and joy seem evident.
A drum circle is an informal gathering of folks who together play drums and other percussion instruments to create music in the moment. There are no wrong notes. It is just about participation, listening to what others are playing, and joining in. Drum circles have ancient roots in Asia, Africa, and Native American cultures, and have been part of cultures all around the world for thousands of years.
In New Orleans, it can be traced back to Congo Square. In Puerto Rica they are called bombas, in Hawaii, they are called luaus, and by Native Americans powwows.
No musical experience is needed. When everyone is playing together there is a feeling of connection. Some folks may be following a basic four-count beat, some folks may be adding syncopation or embellishing the beat. Some folks may be drumming, while others may be using bells, shakers, rattles, and whatever sound instruments one can conjure up.
Drumming is an ancient art form that has been popular for thousands of years for its therapeutic effects. Health benefits include calming stress, boosting immunity, improving mental clarity, and honing motor skills. Just being willing to try drumming can open a whole new world of fun, relaxation, and even friendship. Drumming releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and also help decrease pain.
Sound vibrations generated by drumming help clear away negative emotions, promoting a feeling of well-being.
Physically the act of the hand movements and tapping of the feet helps stimulate the flow of blood through the veins and arteries. So the positive effects of breath work and drumming go hand in hand ( no pun intended).
Daniele Wessel RN PHD is the Nurse Manager in the pulmonary Rehab department, who orchestrated the start of the Clermont Mercy BBC in 2022. Wessell saw a need for the folks who had completed their insurance quota of 36 rehab treatments for their pulmonary issues, needing some type of maintenance program. These folks had been coming three and four times a week for pulmonary rehab and wanted to continue on with a supportive group offering continued education and exercises.
The group is open to the public.
One does not need to have been treated at Clermont Hospital, nor have participated in their pulmonary rehab program. Wessel reached out to the American Lung Association and they, along with administrative personnel at Clermont Mercy, helped Wessel get the group off the ground. Food is catered by the hospital and the hospital staffs the meeting with respiratory, cardiac, and pulmonary rehab RNs and technicians.
Each month something different is offered at the BBC meetings. Various speakers and subjects are covered, along with breathing exercises and sharing.
For anyone interested, the BBC meets the first Thursday of every month from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mercy Clermont Cardiopulmonary Rehab, 2055 Hospital Drive, Suite 120, Batavia.
For additional information, the American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org has videos and resources on their website to help and educate those with lung issues.
Breathe in Breathe out!