Ritual Grooving

Throughout the ages, men have engaged in a variety or rituals in order to get in touch with a higher spirit, with each other, or just to pass the time. Ritual drumming was in vogue for a while. Men would gather in a circle, like Native Americans at a pow wow, and drum and chant.

We've got our own bonding ritual, which I call Ritual Grooving. Me and the boys (and I use the term loosely; we're all over 40) get together about once a quarter for an evening jam session. Our core group consists of yours truly, Michael Dittmar, Marty Estkowski and Marc ("the Rocktometrist") Swanson. If we can get others to join us, so much the better. We used to be all acoustic guitars, but we've since branched out to include electric guitar and bass.

Here's the ritual:

1. Pour the beverage of your choice (I've got a mini-BevMo in my garage).
2. Tune the instrument of your choice (Thank you, Lord, for electronic tuners!).
3. Choose a song (We have a pretty good selection of classic rock, country, blues and contemporary Christian charts).
4. Play the song.
5. Repeat steps 1-4.

I admit, it's a simple ritual, but hey, it works!

Seriously, if you love to play music, there's something undeniably wonderful, even spiritual, that happens when a song comes together. When you're locked into a solid groove, and the harmonies are just right. In my September 22nd post, I talk about music as a doorway to the soul. That it is. And it's a gift, too, straight from the Creator.

Gotta run. Tonight is music night. Woo hoo!