TobyChristensen.com » Toby Christensen’s Work

Hanging in Hawaii

toby_christensen — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:14:08 +0000

I’ve been here for weeks now. It’s probably time that I do some writing. So I want to share with you the fun and magnificence of the island of Kauai! This is by far the most magical place I have experienced on the planet. Yesterday as I laid on the beach and watch the dolphins play in the surf I was overcome with a sense of gratitude and wonder. The way the earth welcomes all of us, the way the other beings that share the planet with us welcome us. It is amazing. The interesting thing so far has been the weather. There has been a tremendous amount of rain. In the past this of course would be a disappointment since all I lived for was laying in the sun and playing in the ocean. But this rain has made the island so lush and so alive! The other aspect is that the rain is primarily in the morning and the afternoons have been beautiful and sunny. So the term paradise really fits. I have been drumming and doing some private sessions, and working on some new music that will be released this fall. I am trusting that the magic of this island will be felt in the magic of the music. The longer I stay more connected I feel to the indigenous spirit of this great island. As I have talked to some of the locals and some historians in the area the power of this place and the blending of cultures leaves me spellbound.

Tonight I will be jamming with my friend Francesco. We are preparing for a performance of one of the local clubs which should be a blast! The mix of old and new, the healing drum with modern music, the voice of the heart and the rhythm of the drum, combined to bring a gift to all that listen. A powerful time on the island full of fun! I will update regularly and I’m looking forward to those who are coming to visit. By the way, there is still room in the September workshop for those who would like to attend!!!

Aloha,

Toby

Music For March- World Unity

toby_christensen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:56:31 +0000

This is my favorite song my World Unity CD. It is dedicated to the peace makers. So enjoy the sounds and think of ways you can bring more peace and harmony to the world! As a famous musician once said, Give Peace a chance!

WORLD UNITY - A track from Toby Christensen's World Unity CD

Kauai Wellness Expo – Fun Energy and Celebrities!

toby_christensen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:54:40 +0000

While on Kauai last month I had the pleasure of attending the Kauai Wellness Expo. What a great event! I was in some great energy and met a bunch of people who are committed to making the world a better place. One such person and one of my favorite people in the world is Danny Hoshimoto. Danny is kind, loving and the true embodiment of Aloha. He is also a master raw dessert maker! I enjoyed many of his amazing creations while at the expo. Below are Danny and I posing while I take the shot! and Danny creating his favorite Coconut Cream Ambrosia. It is the most delightful food I have ever tasted!!!

Another aspect of the expo are the celebrities that hang out incognito. You never know who you will run into. I have seen music great Taj Mahal, actors Jeff Bridges and Pierce Brosnan, Bill Kreutzmann from the Grateful Dead and many others. While walking about I ran into a friend who I just came to know is a world famous Qigong Master, Francesco Garripoli. This guy is amazing. Each morning he leads the people at the expo through a Qigong routine. Here is a little scoop on him from a website I found. Francesco Garri Garripoli is the Chairman of the Board of the Qigong Institute and enjoys being an author, television producer, Qigong practitioner and wellness advocate. He began his formal training in Eastern healing in Hawaii in 1977 after leaving a full medical school scholarship. His documentary Qigong: Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century, airs on PBS Television, where he has produced programs for 20 years. Francesco teaches Qigong workshops around the world and through www.wujiproductions.com and is a past Chairman of the National Qigong Association. Author of Qigong Essence of the Healing Dance and Tao of the Ride, Francesco currently resides on Kauai, Hawaii at the non-profit Kahuna Valley Retreat facility www.kahunavalley.com . Here I am with Francesco, he is also a prolific song writer and guitar player.

I also ran into this person who requested to stay anonymous. Any ideas????

We shared some of Danny’s raw chocolate delight and then it was time for me to hit the beach. Thats the report from the Kauai Wellness Expo 2010. ALOHA!

Claiming Your Genius – The book is almost here

toby_christensen — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:39:00 +0000

Here is a little taste from the intro of my new book. Stay tuned for more …

In 1998, I went to Africa. In my wake across the Atlantic, I left a flotsam of failed relationships, addictions, dead dreams, phenomenal financial success and catastrophic financial failure. I had recently been homeless; everything I owned destroyed by fire a short time before. So that by the time I arrived in the heart of West Africa, I was an empty man – no sense of home, no identity, no purpose, and no material wealth. A being starving for something different, looking for answers to questions I didn’t even know I had been asking, seeking a different way to pattern my life that brought both the success and the happiness that had eluded me.
And it was there in Africa, in the tiny country of Burkina Faso, that I encountered a way of being that helped me recognize what belonged in that void that haunted me every minute of every day. It was there in Burkina that I reconnected with my purpose, with my heart, and with the drum.

It was both a blessing and a curse living in a village without running water or electricity. As is their custom, they welcomed me like their own. For two weeks, I ate what they ate, drummed with the tribal drummers, slept on the ground among the people, joked and cried with them and generally experienced first hand the spirituality, community and teachings of the Dagara people. In doing this, they helped me re-birth my genius into the world again. For that gift I am blessed and grateful.
My purpose in writing this book is to share what I learned during my stay in Burkina Faso. I will also share what I have learned in my fifteen years of putting those Dagara teachings into practice personally and how I have adapted those teachings to flow more easily with a Western mind without diminishing their effectiveness. The tools are deceptively simple, but phenomenally powerful and profound. These principles and truths will help you fill your own void, will help support you and celebrate you in discovering your own genius. They will help you see that deep within you resides a power to help you express this genius. The power that holds this magical place is the realization that you are intrinsically good and choose to create life-affirming situations in your life.

Blessings,
Toby

World Unity – Wake Up

toby_christensen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:59:50 +0000

This blog is the operations central for the HEALINGDRUMMER WORLD PEACE PARTY that will take place December 20th. For the past three years I have ended every event with a few minutes of DRUMMING FOR PEACE. What I mean by peace is summed up in the statement below. I’m not asking anyone to change their mind or agree with me in every way I only ask that we focus on our similarities so strongly that we have no time to fight about our differences! Check Back for details.

To honor this passionate cause I produced a CD called World Unity. The following are the words on the jacket. The song posted is Wake Up! It is my call for people WAKE UP to PEACE!!!

“This CD is dedicated to the Peacemakers of the world. It is for those who realize that we are held lovingly in the arms of the universe, and that since we are here not only to survive, but to THRIVE together, then we must begin to act with peace and harmony in all that we do. This is to act peace with the air, the water, the land, the animals, and with each and every one of our fellow humans. May we all find through this music the ability to focus on our similarities so strongly that we have no time to fight about our differences! WORLD UNITY is WORLD COMMUNITY”

Let’s make it happen!

It is with this intention I ask you all to join me in a wold wide campaign and join the HEALINGDRUMMER WORLD PEACE PARTY! Stay tuned and enjoy the music. I will post new tracks every 2 weeks!

Peace,
Toby

Please click the audio play button below.

Wake Up - The Opening Track from Toby Christensen's World Unity CD

New Tattoo

toby_christensen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:47:37 +0000

While in Cincinnati last week I had the good fortune, and the good organization of my trusted handler Suzanne, to visit my friend Dana. Dana is an amazing guy who’s life makes mine look boring! He is one of the great tattoo artists of our time and I have the pleasure of wearing his work on my body here and there. So anyway I thought I’d show you a photo of the new tat!

Here is the master at work. When Suzanne took this shot she had to remind me to breathe, relax and SMILE!!!

And here is the final product!! So my trip was not all work. I did have some fun!!

Consecrated Medicine Drums

toby_christensen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:34:18 +0000

Consecrated Medicine Drums

This is a powerful new vision I have been given inspired by those who are taking their healing work to a new level!

As Drummer’s, Shaman’s and Healers step into a greater level of power in their healing, the tools they use need to be in alignment with the level of power they are connecting with to do their work. As I have watched people step into expanding their skills and adding sound to their healing practice it is my desire to provide them with the very best tools possible. With this in mind, I have begun to produce, on a very limited basis, drums that are prepared in the same way I prepare my own personal tools. Drums consecrated as healing tools. Embellished with sacred objects, ritual and ceremony.

The Consecrated Medicine Drums begin with a consultation with the person desiring one. We talk about the elements that will create the energy that will support their work. We decide how many crystals and what kind, the configuration of the cowry shells, which help expand the healing energy and what other objects are needed. Then I construct the drum after opening sacred space. After the drum has been embellished, the healing 5 Element rhythms are played through the drum and the drum is placed on a powerful healing alter in the middle of a Lemurian Crystal Healing Grid for 48 hours before being carefully placed in the carrying case and shipped to its new caretaker.

These drums are constructed from hand made tribal drums from Ivory Coast West Africa. The finest drums on the planet, and require a minimum of 72 hours to construct and consecrate before they are shipped. When you are ready, shoot me an email at toby@healingdrummer.com.

The cost of these custom drums is $800 plus shipping

Here are some pictures of consecrated drums on the alter.

Amazing Reunion – Joel Bisset

toby_christensen — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:26:31 +0000

I have been engaging in the appreciation of those who have positively influenced my life. Of these people there is no one more noble, kind, and compassionate than Joel Bisset.

I don’t ever remember not knowing Joel. I have no idea how or where we met. I just remember that he is in every memory of my younger days. Joel and his family lived close to mine, and we were inseparable. Joel was and continues to be, the support person for the ones who stand in the spotlight. In doing so (to my great joy), Joel has been brought into a spotlight of his own. Joel was always the one who would come to band practice even if he was not in the band. When we needed something or we were hauling equipment to a gig…Joel was always there to lend a hand. A great musician in his own right, Joel taught me tons on the guitar. Second only to Paul McCartney, Joel plays Blackbird like it is nobody’s business.

I just got a great Idea. I am going to publicly ask Joel to play this song for us and I’ll post the video on this blog!! WHAT DO YOU THINK JOEL?? WILL YOU PLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEE??????

OK, so, when I reconnected with Terry and Guy, of course I asked if anyone had heard about Joel. Of course Joel will always be a part of our lives! I have come to know he is a father, with very successful kids, a husband with a loving and delightful wife, and most of all, Joel is a kind man of impeccable character, true to his core values, and still willing to go to any length to lend a hand. Joel is the example I use when I define the word “friend”.

My favorite story with Joel is the day we were playing drums at his house and his mother came into the living room and looked at me and said, “You can’t play drums like that, you are white. White people don’t have rhythm like that.” Then laughed cheerfully and went about her business. 20 some years later when I was in Africa, an elder of the Dagara Tribe said, “What dye did you use on your skin to make you look like a European? White people don’t play the drum like that. I know you are really African”. Here I am standing in the southern part of the Sahara Desert thousands of miles from home and who do I think of? Joel Bisset’s mom. She has passed into the world of the Ancestors and it saddens me that I was not able to tell her this story. You never know how a statement you make or an action you take will affect a person’s life.

I am pleased to see that Joel has become an accomplished drummer and plays regularly at his church. I got a chance to jam with Joel when I was in Seattle on my last trip. He is a KICK ASS drummer. He holds the beat like a mountain! ROCK STEADY!!! We did a couple of percussion solos at the gig and really rocked the house. All I did was show Joel the beat I was doing on my djembe and he got on the kit like a jockey on a race horse.

Joel, I am so glad to be back in touch with you. My heart is filled with joy as I reflect on the great nobility, trustworthiness, and trueness of heart you bring to the world. THANK YOU!

…and I’m waiting impatiently for a video of you playing Blackbird on your guitar!

Loving a Drum – By Mary Dusing

admin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:53:39 +0000

Loving a Drum

Today at 10:23am

I got my first hand drum about five years ago. I was absolutely helpless to resist its lure and so this oversize piece of African art followed me home from a conference. Once it took its place of honor in my home, I studied it intently but never played it – something I laugh at now.

The deep carving around the stem depicts what seem to be okapis, but could just as easily be almost any African antelope. It is hand-carved from a single piece of wood by some anonymous African craftsman. The skin is made from the back of a goat and smells of the business end of one – despite my best efforts. It is marbled in browns and greys and it carries the line of the spine, which in tribal lore signifies that the animal was a willing sacrifice. I have since added a hennaed phoenix design to the skin as well. I did not expect that bringing this piece of Africa into my home would reignite my own passion to travel there. I would catch myself looking at it and inventing the story of the carver, the goat, the village and the people who crafted it.

It would be almost a year before I did more than pet this drum and I can still remember vividly the angst of playing it for the first time (mostly because that still exists). But a strong bond developed between that drum and me such that I came to love this instrument in its own right. My ‘playing’ is still fairly spotty and I play less these days than I did a while back. Definitely less than I should. And let’s just say that I will probably never make a living as a professional drummer. But there is a joy in beating on it long past the place where my hands throb. There is a freedom in not caring if I mess up, in letting my hands find weird new rhythms known only to them, in letting my spirit soar out with the wild booming.

According to the West African culture where the drum was made, the drum is one way that a person speaks to the Creator. The skin of the drum is the ear of God, the stem and bowl of the drum the birth canal and womb of the Mother. By playing we give our fear, anxiety, stress and hatred to them. Thru the drum these things are transformed and re-birthed into the world as love, joy, and healing. I have certainly found that to be so.

My collection of drums had grown to four – possibly due to my association with Toby Christensen and the steady influx of really beautiful drums from Ghana and the Ivory Coast. I gifted two of those so that someone I loved could have a way to transform his sadness, so that his son could find love in a life that contained so little. So these days I am down to just two and that feels right for me. One for me and one for you to come over and join me in a really bad ass jam session….or just a bad one. With the drum it doesn’t really matter. Guaranteed to make you laugh!

Curious? Get on over to Suzanne Singh’s (merlin@healing drummer.com) and get yourself a drum. Or maybe take in the drum circle with Toby himself at the Zen center in Hamilton! on Tues (info from Suz as well). It may just change your life.

Feel free to repost this note.

C’mon and drum

Here’s What They Are Saying About Toby

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:18:04 +0000

On his recent US tour HealingDrummer Toby Christensen taught courses on Shamanism and Sound Healing. He continues his practice as a practitioner as well. Because of his dynamic private sessions Toby’s gift as a teacher is not always acknowledged. Here is what Dr. Johnson had to say

Endorsement: Toby Christensen is so much more then a practitioner, and he is more than a brilliant “teacher”, in sharing his gifts – he introduces you to your own! I took my first workshop with Toby not knowing what to expect. After all, while I have known and appreciated him as a very talented drummer, I had no idea of his depth and clarity within Spiritual realms. What a joy to experience his insights, patience and practical application to the world of Spirit! I learned so much during this first class – techniques I use to this day -, that I look forward to and take his workshops every time he comes to town.

Charlene Johnson, PhD

and others said… First of all “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you” from every fibre of my soul ~ for yesterday and everything else! I seriously can’t express how blessed I feel… to have the opportunity to meet both of you and be involved in your lives (albeit a small part, with all the people you know and the things that you do) it’s amazing to be a part of it and I’m excited to learn from you! You make it all so comfortable, safe and genuine… “THANK YOU!”

Master Tobias
I know I’m a bit late to the party, but I just read your Newsletter – so pure and honest and inspiring, I just wanted to let you know what a great job I think you’re doing living the teachings, being a role model, not up on a pedestal, but truly being with people in the struggle and in the ascent. I find it rare the people that can do both without littering the place with their crap. Ok, that sounded bad, but you know what I mean… and you have struck the balance, My Friend. I bow to your mastery.
Hope I get to see more of you in 2009.
Love & Light

And in Canada, this is what one person wrote after their session with Toby

okay, that was very, very WOW!

thanks!

It is great to hear from so many people being touched deeply by the HealingDrum. As Toby brings his gift to the world in a bigger way we know that he is held in the blessings of those who have been touched by his work. I know he is grateful for these kind words and we at HealingDrummer and TobyChristensen.comare too!

Michael Franti- Cool Song

toby_christensen — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:56:51 +0000

When in Park City Michael Franti did a great song where he brought the kids in the crowd up on stage. Here is his video of the song. I encourage you all to support Michael’s music!! He is an Extraordinary Peacemaker!

Rhythm of 7 Deepening The Heart

toby_christensen — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:04:01 +0000

OK, here it is! I promised at the International Sound Healers Conference that I would post this so here we go!

The Hawaii Adventure – Aloha

toby_christensen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:43:16 +0000

Well I have made my way to the island of Kauai where I will be living for the next month. I am renting a house from my friends Kirk and Sandy. Special thanks to them for providing this wonderful creative environment for me to bring new music and healing into the world, Thanks Kirk and Sandy! Here is a photo of the HealingDrummer Studio, Hawaii.

The weather here is FANTASTIC!! 80s and slight breeze every day. My day consists of catching rays in the morning at the local beach, then hitting the mixer in the afternoon and evening. The island is a great transition from the mountains of Utah. I have been very busy in Park City getting the final touches on my new CD. The final tracks have been completed and they are heading into full production. The new release is titled “WORLD UNITY” . It will be ready for release the beginning of August so keep checking www.healingdrummer.com for presale benefits. Here is the image that will become the cover art for the CD.

WORLD UNITY is my best CD so far. I am very excited for you all to hear it. The project was started over a year ago in the old studio in Vancouver, WA then moved to the new location in Park City. It also contains tracks gathered on my trips throughout the world. This CD has a different flavor than anything put out so far. It is much more complex than the other HealingDrummer CD’s and really has an authentic World Music flavor. It combines instruments from every continent playing side by side with the HealingDrum. Most tracks are upbeat and very inspiring. Aaron the Webmaster and CD producer will be putting some sound clips on the HealingDrummer website ASAP. Those of you who have attended my events have heard me say this about drumming in general, but I have held a strong intention for this CD to have a very powerful impact on the planet. I have dedicated the CD to those of us who take the time to acknowledge the similarities we have with each and every person on the planet, and in doing so we have no time to fight about our differences. As Michael Franti says, “You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it into peace”. I hope World Unity inspires you to do your part to unify the world in peace.

While working on “PEACEFUL HEART” I have managed to get a break in. Here is a picture of Secret Beach where we hiked to swim with the wild dolphins. I have been blessed to have net a wonderful group of locals who are taking me under their wings and sharing many of their sacred places with me. Special thanks to Danny Hashimoto, Na Oka, Robin the “Beach Man” and the others in the community who have been so hospitable. The spirit of Aloha is alive and well here.

On the island I am working on the next two CD’s. One to be released in September called “PEACEFUL HEART” this is a CD designed to bring healing to those who need a place of peace and calmness. It is also a dynamic use of sound energy for Body Workers, Reiki Practitioners, Massage Therapists, Energy Workers and a great tool for those who meditate or just want to create a calm, nurturing space. Being at Secret Beach today was a great energy to connect to while I compose this CD. This album is a combination of synthesizer,Drum, and beautiful voice overlays. Lisa Needham, a vocalist from Park City laid the vocal tracks before I left for Hawaii and I must say they are inspiring. The blend of the instruments and her voice create a hauntingly entrancing mood that opens the energy system and relaxes the body. I am anticipating the release of “PEACEFUL HEART” around October 1st. Keep checkin in at www.HealingDrummer.com for the release dates and promotions.

As “PEACEFUL HEART” comes to completion, Tracks are being laid for “Djembe Groove”.A most unexpected union has occurred, the HealingDrum is dancing to the rhythm of pure joy provided by the Ukulele! Yes, you red correctly. The uke has joined the HealingDrum family to bring the energy of joy and laughter to the music of “Djembe Groove”. One of the first contemporary musicians to bring the Ukulele to modern music is George Harrison of the Beatles. In his words, “Everybody should have a uke its so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh! It’s so sweet and so old- some are made of wood, some are made of Armadillo’s. I love them,the more the merrier. everyone I know who is into the ukulele is “crackers”. So get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves. Love from George (Keoki) Harrison”

Taking George’s advice and longing to bring joy and laughter into the world I sought out the best ukulele resource in Hawaii. Sam Bonanno at Larry’s Music Boutique in Kapaa. After two sessions of uke school with Sam I acquired a couple of ukulele’s that will be featured on the new CD. Here I am with Sam Picking out my new toys!!!

Well this is it for now. I look forward to hearing your comments as we walk the path of Peace, Joy and Laughter together.

Peace,

Toby