I went to a drum making class with my dear friend Jeff Olsen. We hadn’t grown up with drums as spiritual tools, but our special friend Katie Jo shared centuries-old drum traditions from indigenous cultures around the world. 

When it came time to make our drums, Katie Jo walked us outside to beautiful bison hides soaking in crystal- and oil-infused water. She said the containers represented the womb and reverently explained, “We’re going to give these hides new birth as drums.” It felt sacred.

Before we handled the hides, Katie Jo lit a white sage smudge stick and carefully fanned the smoke around the work area. Then she came to me, knelt and waited. She obviously thought I knew what to do, but I didn’t. I’d never done it before. I asked. She looked up at me and said with a solemn tone, “I’m going to bless you.”

As she administered the smudge, I felt Katie Jo’s soul and heart. I felt the sacred nature of our actions and the spirit of the animals we honored. I felt the presence of ancestors and their ancient cultures and traditions.

I welcome spiritual power and healing from many traditions. There’s room in my soul for all. When we open our hearts to truth, we honor one another.