Background

Notes from a different drummer

Learning the unforced rhythms of grace

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

                                                                     Henry David Thoreau

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

                                                                      Mat 11:28-30 (The Message)

 Introduction 

Our approach or philosophy of life is basically a distillation of our own experiences, sadness over the status quo in culture and its institutions, meditations, spiritual direction sessions, courses we’ve attended, conversations that we’ve had, movies that we’ve watched and books that we’ve read. To name but a few factors that we are aware of. For how can we know all the sources of the notes that finally make up the tune? 

Who or what is the different drummer?

There are a few possibilities

1. A different life style from the dominant one that is mainly used in the West to describe a successful life. The effect of the latter on the soul is devastating because its focus is so strong on promoting the ego.
2. Our soul, that deep inner voice that knows what we really need and long for.
3. God/Divine Being/Love who speaks to our inner being. 

It might not be necessary for us to choose a single possibility from the above because all three are to some degree applicable and can be used interchangeably. What it boils down to is that deep voice who calls us to a soulful life filled with deeper meaning and purpose. And fact of the matter is, we know when we are spoken to or when we hear the different drummer.

The following diagram provides an overview of our philosophy of life. For a more detailed exploration of the different themes, see the Notes from a different drummer under the labels that appear directly beneath the Pages-section.

Image by George and Matilda Angus

(Click on the image to enlarge)