Why Cacao is Part of My Daily Ritual
Image courtesy of @kakaodrinkingchocolate
Interested in the benefits of cacao and making it part of your daily ritual? In this post I’ll share my experience with cacao, the benefits, how to create your own ritual, what to look for when buying cacao, and my suggestion on where to purchase it.
What is Cacao?
Cacao refers to cacao beans harvested from the cacao tree. All chocolate is made from cacao beans but not all are made equal. What you see in grocery stores as cocoa powder or “raw” cacao powder is often separated from the cacao butter and overly processed. Chocolate treats are usually made by recombining the cacao butter later on.
Cacao beans undergo a fermentation process and roasting at low temperatures. Ceremonial-grade cacao contains all the cacao butter which has a higher nutritional value and higher concentration of the plant compounds that elicit cacao’s ceremonial effects.
Image courtesy of @kakaodrinkingchocolate
What Are the Benefits of Cacao?
As if sipping a healthy, delicious hot chocolate isn’t good enough already, there are other great benefits to cacao for the body, mind and heart. I experience it as clarity and focus in a relaxed state.
Cacao can support with:
Opening the heart
Quieting the mind
Calming the nervous system
Boosting creativity
It’s a sacred plant-medicine that can be used with meditation, journaling, dancing, creating, connecting with loved ones and more. Also if you’re looking to swap cacao for coffee, you don’t have to worry about withdrawal side effects.
To learn about the science of cacao and the natural compounds found in it, read this short article.
My Experience with Cacao
The first time I experienced cacao was in a group ceremony in Costa Rica in 2018 while I was doing my Bio-energy training. It tasted like a really healthy version of hot cocoa with a little spice. It was a pretty memorable night because the ceremony was followed by an uplifting concert. I felt connected to the music and the group at a level that’s hard to put into words.
I rediscovered cacao in 2021 during a time I was feeling worn out and wanted to experience what it meant to lead with my heart instead of forcing things to happen.
I’ve found that the more present and grateful I am as I sip cacao, the richer the experience. It’s easy for the mind to say “live a heart-centred life” but cacao helps me feel my way there. The music I’m listening to touches me deeply, I get flashes of insight and inspiration, emotional healing, and a sense of possibility.
I experience the Spirit of Cacao as a wise, loving, feminine being who nurtures and inspires me, and will deliver the hard truth eloquently when I need it. Often she facilitates our time together in silence, just activating a sacred doorway inside me so I can connect with my own heart. If my intention is to connect specifically to her guidance, she offers it like a patient mother encouraging her child.
How I Use Cacao in My Daily Ritual
Update: Since writing this, I’ve noticed that my most healthy relationship with cacao is on days that I have at least an hour undistracted to connect with it. This way I can be fully present to the beneficial effects of cacao rather than it being simply a hot chocolate. I encourage you to do the same.
I usually pair cacao with journalling or writing my blog along with uplifting music. It grounds me, invites me to slow down and check my spiritual e-mail.
I always journal about:
The first insightful message that comes through on my first sip.
What does my heart need today?
What does my heart have to give today?
My amazing friend hand-crafted a custom cup for me so it’s extra special and I’m reminded of how supported I am each time I use it.
My favourite handcrafted ceramic tumbler and journal
The ritual starts the moment I start preparing my cacao. I start by offering gratitude to all involved in the creation of the cacao I’m about to consume—the Spirit of Cacao, Mother Earth, the ancestors, the farmers, and everyone else who contributed to bringing cacao to my door step.
Then I set my intention for the ceremony and welcome the first sip mindfully into my body. From there I sip it over 30-45 minutes and notice the insights that pour through. Sometimes my intention is purely to calm my mind and feelings.
What I’ve Noticed Since Starting My Daily Ritual
Cacao has changed my life. I’m a busy mom with 2 kids but I make time for my daily cacao practice. I get excited about every aspect of it—the taste, the spiritual insights and the grounding vibe.
This small daily ritual ripples out into my day with awareness, love and possibility. I remember thinking, “Oh this is the feeling everyone’s searching for—feeling alive.” But we’re often attempting it in unhealthy ways—through recognition, overworking, overspending, binging Netflix, etc.
Passion and joy can be found in simple moments like sipping cacao which can then set the direction for the rest of our day. If we set the trajectory right each day, we keep moving in the direction of our dreams and over time, big things happen. Ever since I started my daily ceremony, I’ve seen significant changes in my life.
My mind is less noisy because perspective comes during my morning ritual. I can be more present the rest of the day as a result.
I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone and build a successful practice as both a massage therapist and a healing facilitator by listening to my inner guidance.
I’m not fooled by all the hustle anymore because I know there’s no future moment where I’m going to feel more valued or alive. I stopped looking outside myself for the answers (apart from Human Design and the Gene Keys).
I’ve been able to devote myself to writing this blog. You can bet cacao was part of the creative process. A little writing each day adds up.
You know that feeling when you’re listening to your favourite song and it fills you up? That’s what sipping cacao feelings like to me. Life would be really boring without music and I feel like it adds a soundtrack to my life. It’s helped me find balance between enjoying where I am and still being committed to growth.
From my cup to yours
Creating Your Own Cacao Practice
1) Prepare your cacao mindfully
Think about what you’d like to experience today as you measure and blend your cacao.
2) Offer gratitude
You may wish to thank the Spirit of Cacao, Mother Earth, the ancestors who’ve kept this sacred medicine alive, and all the people involved in getting cacao to your doorstep. There were many different hands that came together to deliver this experience to you—the farmers, drivers, production team, customs agents, fulfillment team, pilots, delivery team and more. Take a moment to appreciate all of it.
3) Set your intention(s)
What is it you desire to experience with your cacao today? What is it you desire to create?
Sample intentions:
My intention is to open my heart.
My intention is to be present and quiet my mind.
My intention is to feel inspired as I work on X.
My intention is to feel and let my emotions flow.
My intention is to receive guidance around X.
You can have as many intentions as you like. Just make sure that it feels meaningful to you.
4) Invite the spirit of cacao into your body
Before you take your first sip, welcome the cacao into your body either verbally or silently. Prepare your body, mind, and soul to receive it with reverence.
5) Follow your intuition
Each day with cacao can feel different so do what feels good today. Do you feel like dancing, journalling, relaxing, or working on a special project? Go for it. Let your intuition be your guide.
Need an uplifting playlist for your next ceremony? Check out Rhythm Infused on Spotify.
How to Choose High-Quality Cacao
While many brands claim to be ceremonial grade, it’s important to know what that actually means and do your research. If you’re like me and value a product that delivers an elevated experience (in quality and energetic frequency), these are the things to look for:
Native Cacao Beans
Most cacao has been genetically altered for mass chocolate production and is now grown in areas that weren’t a natural environment for cacao. According to research, the first strains grew in the Upper Amazon but it’s becoming increasingly hard to prevent cross-pollination with GMO varieties. Heirloom strains of cacao are those that grow wild in their native environment which include Mexico, Central and South America.
Whole Bean
Cacao that includes the entire bean, including the cacao butter, is the most nutrient dense and contains higher quantities of the compounds that elicit cacao’s ceremonial effects.
Minimally Processed
In ancient traditions, cacao is fermented, lightly roasted, cracked and stone ground which retains as much of the bean’s natural compounds as possible. Avoid hydraulically pressed, conched or tempered cacao.
Cultivated With Integrity
Choose companies that care about every stage of the process, including the lands, and the farmers. Look for fair-trade wages and emphasis on sustainability and regenerative farming practices.
Convenience
I’ve seen cacao sold in block form which adds an extra step of breaking it down. If you want the most convenience, look for cacao that comes ground and ready to scoop.
Ceremonial-grade cacao is not:
Cacao sourced from anywhere except where it’s natively grown in Mexico, Central or South America
Genetically altered cacao
Pressed, conched or tempered cacao
Cacao worked with ‘ceremonially’ (transparency in the production process will give you an idea of the quality/energy of the finished product and this is what makes it ceremonial-grade)
Introducing KAKAO
@kakaodrinkingchocolate
I personally drink premium ceremonial grade cacao crafted by KAKAO, which is made from the whole cacao bean, is only sourced from wild, native strains, is stone-ground for minimal processing, and farmers are paid above fair-trade wages. Every batch is cultivated with reverence.
KAKAO is involved in the entire process, from tree to cup and is dedicated to sustaining the now extremely rare strains of heirloom cacao which have dwindled because of the dominance of GMO farming. I love their transparency and what they stand for and it shows in the quality of their products.
Image courtesy of @kakaodrinkingchocolate
I drink KAKAO’s Signature Blend which already has everything you need to make it delicious—cacao, cane sugar, vanilla bean and chile. Just add hot water and mix in a high powered blender to make it creamy and serve.
The other benefit of KAKAO is that it comes in powder form ready to scoop while others may come in a block that you have to break down first.
New customers can use the promo code CONNECT10 to receive 10% off your first order.
If you live in the South Surrey or White Rock area, you’re welcome to contact me to place your order and pick it up in person to save you on shipping costs.
Visit flykakao.ca to learn more about cacao and their products.
Watch a 10-minute video on the history of cacao here.
This article was inspired by educational information provided by flykakao.ca.
Disclaimer: I make a small commission off purchases made online and in-person as a KAKAO Facilitator.
