~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Steve Aldrich

Drummer - Founder of Blessed Beats and Merry Meets

I've been participating in the drumming community for the past 12 years, both as a facilitator and drummer. Over the span of years it has been a personally enriching, insightful and spiritual sojourn that continues to bring blessings in everyday life sharing the intuitive wisdom that can be found from a shared community of everyday people coming together to make music while experiencing the spiritual realms who come to share with us their playfulness and wisdom.

I've had the blessings of learning from several drum teachers and artists, among them Layne Redmond who is one of the premier performing artists, historians and teachers of frame drumming. I highly commend her book 'When the Drummers Were Women", along with "Drumming at the Edge of Magic" by Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead fame.

My latest venture in bringing more community-based spiritual drum circle to the local community is being the founder and coordinator/organizer of Merry Meets & Blessed Beats (Fox Valley) here in the western suburbs. It was started in July of last year and we've hand many fabulous gatherings, social events and community building opportunities around the area.

I also currently facilitate a monthly drum circle at Light Heart Center in Winfield on the 2nd Saturday night and have been offering 'Drum Circle Basics and Essentials' workshops for those new to hand drumming and drum circles. I learn far more from sharing these workshops and sharing the process of shared discovery from those who participate in the workshops.

One thing that's always been true across the span of years is that drum circles and community sharing are not spectator events. By opening ourselves to the gifts, wisdom and enchantments of the spiritual realms, we find our authentic selves waiting for us to come dance, play and sing in the sojourns of our life, along with meeting other kindred spirits who wish to share them with us.

Blessed Beats to each and all.

Drumming Events are every third Friday night of each month.

When he isn't engaged in the busy life of corporate America, Richard Szponder devotes most of his free time to some form of creativity on the path of spiritual evolution.

"I believe we are all here to create our own experiences and that each lifetime is an opportunity for our souls to continue their evolution."

Having put a significant effort into finding his own purpose and happiness in life, he welcomes the opportunity to help others on their journeys.

"Spiritual counselors, intuitive advisors, and healing professionals of all types must first conquer their own inhibitions and come to terms with their own soul's purpose before attempting to help others."

Rich's ongoing studies include the symbolism and historical significance of the Tarot and further development of his intuition.

While on his own spiritual path, Rich discovered what he believes to be the purpose of life:to create and to love.As a writer, he is drawn to topics of spirituality and the occult.As a painter, he has created his own style of modern art he refers to as Industrial Abstractionism. His passion for life and laughter is evident in his seemingly nonsensical personality, but he takes his responsibility as a coach and advisor of others very seriously. Rich holds bachelors degrees in Metaphysics and Communications.He is affiliated with the International Metaphysical Ministry and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Metaphysical Studies.He lives in Houston, Texas.