Drumming up inspiration in others

CTV Calgary: Inspired Meet this week's Inspiring Albertan: Judy Atkinson

A Calgary woman is bringing rhythm and harmony to people living with cancer and is our CTV Calgary Inspiring Albertan.

Wellspring Calgary is a place for people living with cancer to find fellowship and support.

Judy Atkinson discovered the effects of drum circles when she went to Mexico for a conference at a low time in her life and now leads the program at WellSpring once a week.

“I was going through a divorce at the time, I was a single mom and needed to get back into the work place. Decided I wanted to do something inspiring for me and then for others, so I discovered a drum circle at that conference in Mexico. Mid-week I went into this drum circle and came out on fire,” said Atkinson.

Atkinson wanted to share the feeling with others and formed an organization called Circles of Rhythm.

She now conducts drum circles all around the Calgary area and says it creates a sense of community.

“I think people are hungry for community. A place to come where they can feel warm, welcome, make a contribution, everyone making an equal contribution and feel like they're doing something meaningful and healthy in their life, so that's the main thing, that and the health aspects of drumming. It’s really healthy, emotionally and physically,” said Atkinson.

Linda Stewart participates in the Wellspring drum circle and says she has received great benefit from drumming.

“I just find that the energy is so good. It’s a community of people who are there to compliment each other, to have fun, to relax and I find that the energy from drumming really helps me a lot,” said Stewart.

Atkinson created what she calls the Rhythm Cradle and those who have participated say it's incredibly relaxing.

“Drumming wakes you up. Wakes up your core positive nature. I think that's what it's done for thousands of years and it definitely is doing that now in our modern world,” said Atkinson.

For using what she experienced during a low time in her life to brighten the lives of others, Judy Atkinson is our Inspiring Albertan this week.

For more information on Atkinson’s drum circles, visit the Circles of Rhythm website.

(With files from Darrel Janz)