How to hold a gratitude cacao ritual?

What is cacao?

Cacao is traditionally a bitter beverage made from the same seeds that are used to make cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate. For centuries in Central and South America it has been used as a medicine, food, and an important part of rituals. Recently, it has emerged as a superfood that compliments well-being and activities like yoga, meditation and ecstatic dance.

What is a cacao ritual?

A cacao ritual or ceremony is a simple, heart opening practice that you can use to set an intention for a sense of well-being in your life.

Tips and tricks

It's best to work with a mind that is relaxed and connected to the unconscious that brings awareness. This helps to create long-lasting connections with positive emotions associated with gratitude and to keep your intentions present throughout the day. 

Choose the space where you will be holding your ritual. It can be your room, backyard, balcony or kitchen table. Take a few minutes to clean, prepare, smudge, declutter or whatever you need for your space to be tidy and comfortable. This will remove any distractions and make you feel light and grounded. 

2. Prepare the Cacao

This is a simple ceremonial cacao recipe.

You will need:

• 1.5 tablespoons of cosmic cacao crumbles
• Half a cup of hot water 
• Half a cup of warm plant based milk
• 1 to 2 Medjool dates
• A pinch of cinnamon 
• A pinch of cayenne pepper

Mindfully prepare your drink. Handle whatever you use with awareness.

 Connect with each element. Smell and touch the ingredients. Be aware of your surroundings and be thankful for the space you are in. Mix altogether and leave a little foam. You can listen to relaxing meditation music.

3. Open the space

Every cacao ritual is begins by “opening the space.” You do this by following these steps:

1. With a straight spine, sit on your chair or cushion.
2. With both hands, lift your cacao up to your heart center and close your eyes.
3. Set the clear intention of letting go of all other plans and ideas and focus on the here and now.
4. Breathe in for five seconds, hold that breath for five seconds, and then release it in a five second count.
5.  Repeat that process three times.
6. Smell your cacao, breathing deeply.
7. Return your cacao cup back to your heart center and take a moment to be aware of all of the different sensations you may feel.

4. Count your blessings

Keep your eyes closed, hold the cacao cup at your chest, and take a deep breath. Then say what you’re grateful for this year out loud.

Enlist everything that sparks sincere  gratitude. You can start your sentences with “I feel grateful for….” I am thankful for…” “I am very grateful for…” 

If you find this difficult start by general notions like being alive, being healthy, your loved ones and the things you have. The amount of statements does not matter as long as they are honest in this moment.  

5. Set your intention

After you’ve said everything you’re grateful for, set your intention.

Setting an intention is coming up with a specific sentence or phrase that reminds you of something you’d like to accomplish during the day. 

Identify your needs and make it in first person, a time and make sure it is within your possibilities. For example: “This year I will work on what makes me happy.”, “This month I will finish my school project.”,  “Today I will take deep breaths whenever I feel anxious.”

6. Drink your cacao!

Mindfully bring your cacao up from your heart center and take your first sip. When you do, close your eyes and experience it fully while it goes through your body. Enjoy the rest of your cup.

7. Close the Space

Take as much time as you need to finish your cup. And close the space.

1. With a straight spine, sitting on your chair or cushion, mindfully put down your cup of cacao on a surface.
2. Comfortably place your hands on your knees.
3. Close your eyes, repeat your intention out loud, remember it throughout your day. Take a deep breath in and deep breath out.
4. Open your eyes and begin your day!

Cosmic Cacao thanks you! 

With each ritual you commit to your well being and choose to work on it. This makes you a happier, more mindful and conscious human being in this world and a better person who can help others in need. 

How do you feel after this ritual? Do you practice other rituals and ceremonies? We would love to hear from you!