What’s a Cacao Ceremony anyway?
For those of you wondering ‘what’s this thing here on the itinerary?’, Cacao Ceremonies are a celebratory ritual that opens the heart through the use of cacao. Ceremonies were conducted by ancient shamans, to prepare for or be propelled into journeys and modern-day Cacao Ceremonies are still conducted worldwide.
Cacao is a superfood and most people enjoy it as chocolate bar or in their smoothies due to their antioxidant benefits. Cacao is a heart opener and brain stimulator, you’re drinking something pure that if this becomes a regular practice, you'll notice your appreciation for cleaner foods.
With daily incorporation of cacao, don't be surprised if it affects your mood and energy in a positive way. Diet is always a factor, but we suspect that once you start and eventually make pure cacao a consistent element in your diet, your cravings for heavy carbs, sugar and salt will wane away and most of all, you'll be happier.
Remember, a Cacao Ceremony is not a “trip” or drug-induced ritual, Cacao Ceremonies are a facilitator of self-reflection and spiritual awakening, allowing one to consider who you are, analyze one’s hopes, wishes, and dreams, and let go of the past in order to grow from it and build a better future for oneself and others.
Thirteen things to know before going to your first Cacao Ceremony.
Come with an open mind - you don’t have to be a health guru or chocolate connoisseur to participate in a cacao ceremony so don’t fret. Cacao ceremonies do different things for everyone.
Expectations: Don't think you'll have a spiritual revelation. Simply come if you want some time to self-explore and over time, you will find that you were meant to receive what you needed at that night. Consistency and practice is always the key when going to this.
Expect to take off your shoes so if you have toes you’d rather keep hidden make sure you have socks to keep your feet warm. Body temperature starts to drop as you lay down and rest so bring a small scarf or light blanket.
Come with a very light stomach or an empty stomach. If you are new to this, come eating something very light. For those that are used to fasting and cleansing, come with an empty stomach. Cacao is very filling so drinking and eating cacao will start to stimulate your nervous system.
There’s no formal attire or uniform to wear during an official cacao ceremony so dress comfortably because you’ll be sitting and lying down.
Bring a yoga mat, pillow and scarf. Don't bring the whole camping gear. Respect the idea of less is more. Space can be tight. Embrace what may seem uncomfortable to be comfortable. Because you being present is all that is needed.
Be ready to drink cacao with no sugar or with some spices with water. Typical serving size is 3 oz or more. Authentic ceremonies will serve this to you without sugar.
Be ready to eat cacao with no sugar which will taste more bitter than in drink form. The person leading the ceremony will guide you on how to enjoy the bitterness If you are cringing as the chocolate melts on your tongue, allow the beauty of the alkaloids of chocolate give you the energy that you need. Instead of thinking that this tastes gross or you're not use to the taste, observe why you don't like it and what does it trigger in your body? Let the chocolate sit there, because maybe you do enjoy it. Think of it like exercising or stretching. You don't like it, but after awhile, it's a good pain and good discomfort that reminds you that you're working your body to reach its optimum. If you're coming into a cacao ceremony thinking that you're going to be on a Sugar High - you've signed up for the wrong thing. This is Food, not Candy.
Bring a water bottle.
During the ceremony, if you feel like the instruments are too intense or that the person next to you is loud, fidgety or even snoring, keep in mind cacao ceremonies are an experience and you are receiving what you were meant to receive. Don't fight the control. The purpose is to understand that It’s best to simply an awakening and experience.
Cacao ceremonies can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on who is leading it.
Be ready for unashamed heart opening and eventually a greater awareness of yourself and who you were really meant to be.
Last but not least, Turn OFF your phone.
Can’t wait to guide you in our very own ceremony in the DR!
Megs