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Cacao contains Phenylethylamine PEA, an adrenal-related chemical that is created in the brain that also makes us feel good! It gets released when we are in love and increases relaxation, mental clarity, and focus. Cacao also is also the only plant known to contain and increase the amount of Anandamide, known as the “bliss chemical,” in the body. This neurotransmitter is one of the chemicals in the brain that is released when a woman gives birth, aiding in a feeling of unconditional love and connection, the feeling that is felt when a mother first encounters her child. Cacao is also a good source of Magnesium. It increases communication between the left and right brain which is expressed as being able to see things from a wider perspective and to see connections between concepts/ideas not seen normally, thereby increasing creativity and inspiration.

 

Cacao facilitates meditation, energy healing, connection to your higher self, the universe, and the divine. Due to its physiological effects, emotionally and energetically it is felt as very heart-opening, allowing us to connect with the vibration and feeling of unconditional love and to that of the divine healing energy of unlimited potential. When used with intention and in combination with meditation, yoga, self-reflection, art, music, and other creative endeavors, it helps inspire creativity and flow states. It facilitates connection to your true self, your partners, your community, environment, and nature, by helping you drop processes of the mind that produce, anxiety, destructive criticism, judgment, and other self-sabotaging thoughts, beliefs, or ideas.

 

When used in combination with psychotherapy or deep emotional healing work, or even deep conversation, it can facilitate the release and processing of emotions. This high vibrational plant medicine can loosen dense energy in the body; aiding the release of tension, trauma, and blockages that are stored in the muscle, connective tissue, and energetic memory of the body.

 

From my personal practice and work with Cacao, I have developed a simple Ceremonial Cacao practice, known as the “Yoga of Chocolate.” The “Yoga of Chocolate” and/ or a Cacao Ceremony are simply the act of taking a few moments out of the day to count your blessings and give thanks to all that you love and are grateful for in your life.

 

It’s taking a moment to become present and connect with your heart, your breath, the Earth, the Universe, and all of its elements, and recognizing your interconnectedness with all things.

 

In gatherings and ceremonies, Cacao allows you to share this practice with others. It is a great beverage to share in social settings as it facilitates deep and meaningful connections and conversations. Since it is slightly stimulating and is also mood-enhancing, often people feel more comfortable sharing with others from the heart and expressing themselves authentically after consuming Cacao. Drinking Ceremonial Cacao as a daily ritual or in moments of celebration is a practice in gratitude, mindfulness, and unity. It is a practice in developing more connection and overall more joy, compassion, and happiness in your life.

 

If you are interested in purchasing Pure Ceremonial Mayan Cacao from Guatemala, I am taking orders here. This cacao is different from store-bought cacao as it is completely Raw and Ethical, directly sourced from an indigenous Women's Collective in Santiago Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. By purchasing this cacao you are supporting the women of  the Casa de Amor Family Farm, in San Antonio, El Tun y La Chirimia.

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