Cacao Ceremony - Sacred Space, Community, & Meditation,

I am excited to experience my first cacao ceremony along with all who attend this event.  While I have had cacao before, I have never experienced it in this setting, and so I will be learning right along with all other first-timers.

Shelly Meyer of Elan Body Mind Solutions in Jasper, IN has been my mental health/trauma-healing coach for the last six months.  We have become friends and when I found out that she leads cacao ceremonies, I immediately invited her to offer one at my studio in Paoli.  We will be co-facilitating the event with Shelly providing the majority of the guidance that evening. She will be leading us through the cacao ceremony and some drumming, journaling and meditation. I will be leading some yoga and movement throughout the evening.

The word “cacao” comes from the Mayan words “Ka’kau” meaning “heart blood,” and “Chokola’j” meaning “to drink together.” The premise of a cocao ceremony is that like many herbs and other plants, cacao holds certain qualities or characteristics that can help to support one in their journey of healing and self-discovery. The Mayans and Aztecs saw cacao as sacred and used it in community rituals and ceremonies to assist in their connection to Spirit.  It is said that cacao supports us in opening our hearts, living into harmony, peace and love, and helps to ground us. 

Here is how to prepare and how to arrive:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. Please wear layers as the building can be drafty.
6. Yoga mats, bolsters, and blankets will be provided.  Feel free to bring your own pillow or blanket if you're more comfortable with that.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.
7. Please bring a journal... and a drum or rattle if you have one! 
8. 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 aware that cacao is a stimulant. 
9. 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.
10. Bring a water bottle.
11. 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. However, also always take care of yourself and step out if you need to for any reason. 
12. Be ready for unashamed heart opening and eventually a greater awareness of yourself and who you were really meant to be.
13. Last but not least, Turn OFF your phone.  We will ask that you remove any watches or fitbits that have alarms, buzzing or vibration, including Apple watches.  This is a time to set all of those things to the side for a couple of hours.

If you have any questions, please contact Kara or Shelly.

soinbody@gmail.com  Kara's cell is 574-536-4407

shelly@elanmindbodysolutions.com