Start Drumming: A Guide for Women’s Wellbeing & Inner Wisdom

“Imagine a practice that calms the nervous system, soothes body and mind, deepens connection and empowerment – that’s drumming.” – Jane Hardwicke Collings

The Permission You’ve Been Waiting For

Since sharing my research on women and drumming and publishing The Beat of Your Own Drum, I’ve heard the same thing over and over from women everywhere – podcast hosts, conference attendees, random conversations in the street:

“I’ve tried drumming, but I’m not very good.” “I have a drum but don’t dare play it.” “I feel like an impostor.” “I don’t have enough rhythm.” “I’m too embarrassed.” “I don’t know where to start.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I used to feel exactly the same way. Now, drumming is as natural to me as breathing, and I want to help you get there too.

Why You Think You’re “Not Good Enough”

The biggest block to starting a drumming practice isn’t lack of ability, it’s believing you need permission or training to make noise.

For most of human history, music-making, dancing, and singing were communal activities, integral to daily life. Nobody questioned whether they were “good enough” to participate. From African drum circles to Native American powwows, from European folk dances to Asian temple chants, music belonged to everyone.

The discomfort we experience today is recent – the result of a society that professionalised creative expression. We’ve moved from a culture of participation to one of performance and perfectionism, where fear of judgement overshadows the joy of creation.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth: for centuries, drumming belonged to women – until it was systematically stripped away along with our spiritual authority and leadership.

It’s time we took it back.

A Solution for Modern Overwhelm

Exhausted from overthinking everything? Seeking advice, reading books, trying to think your way to clarity while your mind spins endlessly?

Drumming bypasses mental chatter. Within minutes, the rhythm shifts your brainwaves, drops you into your body, and opens a channel to inner wisdom that words can’t reach.

It’s not about becoming “good at drumming.” It’s about remembering a language your body already speaks.

How to Start (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

There is no “right” way to drum. We aren’t talking about doing a performance here, but self expression with the drum. So play intuitively.

In fact, I invite you to prioritise playing intuitively as a way to learn to drum, over learning set rhythms, for 2 reasons: if you learn set rhythms first, it might prevent you from playing intuitively and it might also reinforce the idea that you “aren’t very good at drumming”. Learning to drum intuitively is about you learning to trust that you can express yourself through your drum, and let whatever wants to come happen. It takes a bit of time and experimentation, but it’s an easier route than following a set method.

All you need is a drum (a frame drum with a beater is easiest, but any drum works) and a willingness to play intuitively.

Commit to drum for just 5 minutes a day with intention, and you’ll see shifts within weeks. Last year I led groups of women twice through a 4-week “drum microdosing” practice, with just 5 minutes of intuitive drumming daily. Every participant reported 50-70% improvement in the wellbeing aspect they’d chosen to focus on.

If you need a bit more guidance

My workshop : “Start Drumming – A Workshop for Women’s Wellbeing & Inner Wisdom” is available to watch for free here.

You’ll discover:

• Why drumming was deliberately removed from women’s hands (and why reclaiming it matters now)
• How rhythm bypasses mental chatter and connects you to inner wisdom
• The science proving drumming reduces stress and shifts consciousness
• Simple ways to start a practice – even if you think you’re “not musical”
• How 5 minutes daily can transform your relationship with yourself

No sense of rhythm required. Just curiosity and willingness to explore something ancient our culture forgot.

Want to go further?

• Read: How to Choose your first Drum – a free guide
• Explore: The Beat of Your Own Drum – my book on drumming for women’s transformation
• Connect: Follow me @sophie_messager for regular drumming insights and practices

The drum is waiting. Your body remembers. It’s time to reclaim your power.