Meeting needs to the beat of a drum

Our Head of Income Generation, Wendy Sheppard, recently had the pleasure of attending a local Mind network event – a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore best practices across our network. One of the highlights of the day was an optional activity that left a lasting impression on Wendy.

I travelled to Warwick recently to join an annual event of charity leaders from across our local Mind network.

The event itself reinforced many things, but above all, why I choose to do what I do at Suffolk Mind and for the greater good of my community here in Suffolk. I truly meet my emotional needs for Meaning & Purpose, Community and Achievement.

On the agenda I spotted this line: ‘Drumming Workshop Activity ‘ – optional.

Optional I thought… ‘really?, who would want to miss that?’

Well, it seemed a few people did, opting to finish off some work, or catch up on their emails in the downtime. However, most of us went for it and those that didn’t hugely regretted it that evening and the next day.

We know that making even a little time for those things in life that don’t come around that often, are the very times when we all should be saying ‘YES!’

Behind the conference room was a bountiful space, packed full of drums of all shapes and sizes from around the world. Naturally, I went for one of the bigger ones.

As we all got comfortable with our drums and other musical instruments – like the sweet sound of, what can only be described as a double headed cow bell – there was a united, cacophonously loud noise from the room.

Under the gentle guidance of just two people, two groups were given a different beat to follow. Slowly, what went from an inharmonious noise of nothing started to become quite a nice sound, even to the untamed ear.

After about only 20 minutes of practise and guidance we had mastered it, the layers of beat and rhythm, suddenly coming together in harmony.

I took a moment to look around the room, feeling very pleased with myself and the part I had played by repeatedly beating my drum to the beat, despite the distractions. 

Together, we have all Achieved something beautiful and had lots of fun in the doing so. Getting out of our comfort zones to learn something new, or even practise what we’re already good at helps us meet that need for Achievement, which in turn boosts our self esteem.

So, the next time you’re at a conference or corporate event, I urge you to get stuck in with the optional activity – you never know what you’re missing otherwise.

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