Why a Cacao Ceremony? A Heart-Opening Experience in Asheville, NC

What is a cacao ceremony?

History of cacao

Cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, has a history as rich and complex as its taste. It's debated whether human-use of cacao originated in Ecuador by the Mayo-Chinchipe people or in Mexico by the Olmecs over 5,000 years ago. Some oral history even credits monkeys for first showing humans the cacao fruit inside its tough outer shell. Although the fruit's origins are up in the air, there is no doubt that the food was revered as divine and sacred to many Mesoamerican civilizations. Archeological evidence & modern day practice reveals that cacao was consumed during times of celebration, such as marriage or festivals, and to forge connection between groups. It was considered a gift from the gods, and used as a heart-opener and to help aid emotional release. It's plant species name, Theobroma, even translates to "food of the gods". Today, cacao is still consumed for its healing, heart-opening and delicious benefits.

What to expect

This experience is around 2 hours long. It begins with an overview of the ceremony and intention setting. After questions are answered and everyone is ready to go, we begin building our alter. This alter can be charged with flowers, crystals or any other possession you'd like to infuse loving energy into. We will then move through meditation and breath work designed to open up the heart space before flowing through a 45-min all levels yoga practice. To allow our bodies to deeply rest after movement, you will be able to lay back and relax while sound healing instruments are played around you. Now that our bodies, minds and hearts are prepped, we will begin our cacao ceremony. This ceremony uses Mayan-inspired smudging, directional and meditative practice to offer love to ourselves & others as well as remove any blockages in the heart space.

What is a heart-opener?

Heart-opening

A heart-opener is any practice, ritual, etc. that is created to open up the heart space. Spiritually, this means allowing stuck emotions we've become numb to to flow, and showing love to ourselves and others in ways we might not normally. Some folks report and new lightness in themselves and the world around them after these practices. Anatomically, heart-openers increase blood flow to the chest area and safely increase your heart rate while keeping your nervous system calm. They also release hormones such as serotonin & oxytocin which are linked to feelings of happiness, love and connection.

Practices to open the heart space

Practices from several wisdom traditions around the world are used to open the heart. In yoga, asanas, or poses, and breath work related to the Anahata heart chakra are thought to improve your ability to give and receive love. Tibetan Buddhists practice Metta, or Loving Kindness, meditation to energetically send love to themselves, loved ones, acquaintances, and even those they are in contact with. Some frequencies have even been linked to allowing folks to experience feelings of love when played. Lastly, cacao was used in the Mayan, Aztec and Olmec world to cultivate love & connection and to release emotion.

Who should participate in a cacao ceremony?

Benefits

If you want the world to seem a little bit brighter, to release stuck emotions, and to be flooded with feelings of love and happiness - then a cacao ceremony is for you. Cacao ceremonies induce a renewed gratitude for yourself and the world around you. From a health perspective, ceremonial cacao is fantastic for heart health and is dense in several essential macro and micronutrients. Consuming cacao releases hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine and anandamide, correlating to feelings of love, connection, happiness and bliss (no wonder we give & receive so much chocolate on Valentine's Day!)

Ways to prepare

Prior to your cacao ceremony, its encouraged that you come prepared with an intention, or something you'd like to get out of the ceremony. This could be an intention to release a blockages, show more self-love or simply to be open to whatever comes up! Journaling and meditation can aid in self-reflection prior to the ceremony as well. However, the most important way you can prepare is to come in with an open mind and heart.

If you'd like to book a cacao ceremony, you can text or email Anna Kate at +1 (704) 604-8281 or sugarmagnolia0516@gmail.com. Click below to learn more.

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