All Psyched Up: Rhythm

By Linda Hancock on September 21, 2024.

This week one of my clients stated that he doesn’t like the word “routine”. Instead, he said that he prefers to state that he has “rhythm”.

When I asked him to describe his rhythm, it seemed very much like a routine but, to him it had a more positive connotation. This is a man who is very interested in music and not only has signed up for a course but also plays piano and guitar.

There are so many things in life that have rhythm and we need it in order to survive – like one’s heartbeat and other biological systems. Poetry, architecture, dancing and seasons have rhythm.

Recently, I have been taking courses to help individuals who have had trauma experiences. It is interesting to note that rather than just handing out prescriptions to mask symptoms, the cutting-edge research is recommending activities and self-care that have not necessarily fit the medical model for mental health issues but instead introduce rhythm.

In San Quentin, for example, inmates are taught to do the hula and report that they have had wonderful results. Bessle van der Kelk who wrote the book “The Body Keeps the Score” reports that yoga is a great form of treatment.

If we go back to our childhood, we will remember how we were taught to do the basics in rhythm. The book “Everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten” encourages us to value the simple things that keep us healthy. Sleep, regular nutritious meals, exercise, playing with friends, staying safe and laughter are all beneficial.

Think of the importance of drumming circles, where individuals strike their drum in what might seem to be a unique manner but, within minutes, become a rhythm that can encourage synchronicity with the body and listeners.

When I was in grade nine, we used manual typewriters and I was always thankful for our teacher who had us click the keys in rhythm with music that she had determined would give us a words per minute score. As we progressed, she played new tunes with faster and faster beats.

Do you remember the 1963 hit by the Cascades “Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain”?

This week I have been thinking about people who do not have a good rhythm. Their life is often chaotic and unpredictable. Try dancing with a partner who doesn’t have any rhythm. Not very satisfying, is it?

Do you have a rhythm to your life? What are the benefits that perhaps you haven’t considered?

Perhaps my client has latched onto a wonderful concept from which we all can learn.

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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