A few years ago, I found myself in a circle of women, each of us preparing to craft something sacred — a shamanic drum made from kangaroo hide. What I thought would simply be a creative workshop unfolded into one of the most meaningful spiritual experiences of my life.
Honouring the Kangaroo Spirit
Before we even touched the materials, we were guided to honour the spirit of the kangaroo.
We acknowledged the life given so these drums could exist.
We offered gratitude, intention and presence.
In that moment, I felt a deep connection to the land, to the animal, and to something far older and wiser than myself.
The Drum-Birthing Ceremony
The process wasn’t rushed — it felt like ceremony.
Softening the hide…
Preparing the frame…
Weaving and knotting the cords…
Working side-by-side with women who all brought their own energy, stories and intentions.
With each pull of the cord, the drum slowly took shape. It felt less like crafting and more like birthing. She came alive with every knot, every breath, every shared moment of connection in that room.
Holding Her for the First Time
When my drum was finally finished, I held her gently and pressed my hand against the hide.
She felt grounding, ancient, powerful.
She held the energy of that day, the land beneath us, the kangaroo spirit, and the women who helped bring her into being.
This wasn’t just a drum.
She was — and still is — a reminder of connection, ceremony, and intuition.
Connection as a Healing Tool
Even though I don’t physically use my drum in my clinic, she has become a symbolic anchor for how I practice naturopathy.
Connection is one of my most important healing tools:
- Connection to spirit
- Connection to nature
- Connection to intuition
- Connection to our body’s own wisdom
The experience of birthing this drum reminded me that healing is not just physical — it’s emotional, spiritual and energetic. When I work with clients, I hold space for all those layers. My drum reminds me to approach every consultation with grounding, presence and deep listening.
A Reminder of Inner Wisdom
We all have something that brings us back to ourselves — a symbol, a practice, a sound, a memory.
For me, this drum is that symbol.
She reminds me that healing begins with connection — the kind that can’t be manufactured, only felt.
Learning to Play Her
Recently, I went on a drum retreat where I learned how to actually play her — not just hold her story, but express it. That experience deserves its own blog post, and I’ll share it soon.
For now, I wanted to honour the day she was born.
And the way she continues to guide me, quietly, in every healing space I enter.