Grounding is defined as a process of connecting with Earth’s electrical energy. When we do so we receive benefits, true medicine for our body, our mind and our soul. The simple process of taking our shoes off and standing on the soil, the grass, tree roots or rocks is grounding. Breathwork is grounding. Yoga is grounding. Swimming in the ocean, a lake or a river is grounding. Meditation is grounding. The resonance from a drum is grounding. And using a sacred plant like tobacco in the form of hapé is grounding.

A drum journey is a shamanic practice using rhythmic drumming to induce a meditative, trance-like state. It helps participants access deeper consciousness, connect with spirit guides, and receive insights. Common in indigenous and spiritual traditions, it’s often used for healing, visioning, and inner exploration, guided by steady, repetitive beats. I made my elk skin drum with the help of a skilled First Nation elder in Canada. I named it Birdsong. I also use a synthetic skin drum that has a lower resonance, when the Journey needs to go deeper.

Hapé is a tobacco snuff used by indigenous communities in South America. Often times used in conjunction with psychedelic ceremonies like Ayahuasca or Psylocibin to clear and detox the bodies energies, sharpen the mind to set intentions and provide calming, grounding effects to our emotions. Hapé must be respected, used intentionally and in a safe environment. I serve hapé outdoors as this is in my mind the only setting for it. You do not need to use hapé if you do not wish to. You can still gain the benefits of a Grounding Journey without it.