Abstract -
African drumming and dancing (ADD) improves self-consciousness, reflexivity and heightens attentiveness.
Dance and rhythm are composed of multiple steps in time and space. Learning each beat/dance step
separately focuses attention on specific body parts like the arms, neck, feet and spinal column.
This increases self-consciousness and by extension improves the quality of life.
The meta-theory of the study is Richard Shusterman's somaeastics -
understanding of the body as formable and a place of "sensory aesthetic appreciation".
Body, mind and culture constitute the basis of both conscious/unconscious, actions/reactions.
Therefore, to maximize human potential requires increased consciousness of body and feeling.
The basic empirical material is interviews with practitioners of ADD in Sweden.
The study found ADD-exercises engage physically, mentally and emotionally.
Experiences like the feeling of strong commitment or responsiveness cultivated through these drills are
transferable to other areas of daily life such as to improve relationship with family and friends,
coworkers and other social contexts.
Keywords: Self-consciousness, body, soul, culture, drums, dance, experience, mindfulness
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