Uplifting the Mind, Body and Spirit with a Daily Cacao Ceremony (2024)
Hello friends, so I’m going to be spending February switching up my morning routine by adding a cacao ceremony, which I will be updating you all on through these blogs. I hope you enjoy my journey as much as I hope to enjoy it myself - I have very high hopes and expectations. I was so excited to receive through the post and I cannot wait to tear open the packet and take in the aromas.
Cacao Origins
Theobroma translates to “food of the gods” in Greek and cacao is the Spanish adaptation of the word “kakaw” which is the Mayan word for the cacao tree.
Cacao has been used in ceremonial practices for centuries as both a spiritual and medicinal practice right back over 5000 years ago in what is now known as Mesoamerica, a region spreading from modern-day Mexico down to El Salvador and Honduras. It is said that the Aztecs and Mayan civilisations created the first cacao plantations, with both believing in a link between the cacao and the divine – cacao was a gift from the gods.
I’ve never been a big chocolate eater, I have a more savoury palate and my go-to comfort food was always crisps and nuts. I was never a big fan of hot chocolate either unless the mood took me, which usually meant I needed an indulgent sugar fix or was out on a chilly walk and was enticed by the thought of a bit of comfort in a mug.
Cacao is not chocolate. I should get that sentence out there right now, well certainly not in the sense of eating a chocolate bar or having a conventional bug of hot chocolate. However, cacao is the fruit of the Theobroma Cacao tree and it is the main ingredient in chocolate. Chocolate is processed and sweet whereas cacao is bitter.
Health Benefits
Cacao contains phenylethylamine, flavanols, and serotonin which are compounds linked to feelings of relaxation allowing for an improved feeling of well-being, as well as increased mental focus.
For the body, it contains theobromine which boosts energy and those flavonoids can also reduce blood pressure, increase good cholesterol (HDL’s), and improve insulin resistance. As it is a great antioxidant, it can also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
So the above are positive side effects of cacao and I’m more focused on the ceremonial aspect of drinking cacao as a spiritual and mindful practice to ease into the day ahead in the best way possible.
In Ayurvedic medicine, cacao is said to open your heart centre, allowing you to feel more connected to yourself and be able to listen to your heart more clearly. Through this heart connection, it is said that if you meditate after a cacao ceremony, you are more open to reaching a deeper connection to yourself.
The Morning Cacao Ceremony
During the month of February each morning, I will make ceremonial cacao as part of my morning routine. As the cacao is healthy, energising, and heart-centred, it makes it a great way to start the day and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.
The first thing to explore and get right for me will be the recipe, as I’ve seen many different ones. I’ll update you on how this goes over the coming weeks, but my initial thoughts are to start with a smaller amount, say 20 grams – I’ve read that cacao ceremonies use around 30 – 40 grams.
I intend to create a space in my home where I will light a candle alongside a Palo Santo incense stick, and set in place a crystal of choice. Palo Santo has a beautiful aroma and is from a tree called Bursera Graveolens, that grows in South America – the words Palo Santo translate to “holy wood” and is burned as an energy cleanser.
I will mindfully prepare the drink, sit quietly, reflect on my day ahead, give thanks for what I am grateful for, and set my intentions for the day. Then I will use this time to pull an oracle card and journal what has come to the forefront of my mind.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how this ritual impacts my overall well-being and look forward to sharing the journey with you over the next few weeks.
Caveat – if you are interested in this for yourself, please do a little research before trying it out. It’s important to check if this product is a good fit for you.
My Favourite Things This Week
Quote of the Week
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
Photo of the Week
First daffodils into the shops.
I love this time of year when signs that spring is well and truly on the way.
Favourite TV
I’ve been fascinated and intrigued by this documentary series on Netflix called Ancient Apocalypse. The series is about the work of journalist Graham Hancock who travels the globe hunting for evidence of mysterious, lost civilisations dating back to the last ice age. Hancock’s theories are not widely respected by archaeologists and he explains why in this series. It’s absolutely fascinating and I thoroughly recommend it.
My Question to You
What one new thing will you do this week to nurture your wellness?
Thank you for reading everyone, wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Jackie