Gathered around a wood burning fire sinking into ourselves with each sip of cacao voicing the stories deep within our hearts.
There has been a palpable shift in what our communities are yearning for. A return to simplicity ease tradition and nature - a desire to not only rediscover but claim our true essence. A knowing that our online connections no matter how deep don't hold quite the same potency as gathering in person.
We all have stories within us that yearn to be told. Stories whose power and lessons grow when we give them voice while being witnessed by others.
Throughout human history our ancestors have gathered around the fire sharing stories. Sharing dreams hopes and fears. Sharing love laughter and tears. And for generations cultures around the world have used cacao as an honoured catalyst to open their hearts in communion with both themselves and others.
We want all of it - the stories the connection the ceremonial cacao the fire (although our fire will an indoor wood-burning fire :)
For this Cacao ceremony we will gather in community side by side hearts and minds open to share. Returning to the primal way that is inherent to us as humans.
*Included in the cost of your ticket is an optional 20 minute call with Angela or Nicole (either before or after the ceremony) to support you with integration or any areas of your life that need a little more attention.
What is a Cacao Ceremony?
Cacao ceremonies are an ancient practice that have been around for thousands of years.
Both in ancient times and today, Cacao has been used by many in the Amazonian region as a ceremonial medicine for spiritual and medical purposes. Cacao is a connector and heart opener. It is a catalyst to help us unite with our true nature, view our lives with clarity, set powerful intentions and connect with nature in order to understand its delicate balance and divinity.
Why Cacao?
When approached with intention, cacao assists you in coming out of your head and into your heart. This is true on an emotional, mental and physical level. Cacao helps your body & mind become more receptive and open to all forms of emotion, connection and creativity. The new year is time to create space internally, get clear on what is working & what is no longer serving you. From this place of clarity you will set intentions and create fertile soil for what you desire in the coming year.
Science can now corroborate what ancient cultures have known for millennia: cacao is a powerful plant medicine. The cacao bean is packed with incredible nutrients like:
- Theobromine - an alkaloid compound resembling caffeine that helps to boost mood, improve focus and support heart health.
- Tryptophan - an amino acid that converts to serotonin, helping to boost mood, cope with stress and improve sleep quality.
- Phenylethylamine - a monoamine alkaloid compound that acts as a central nervous system stimulant to help improve focus and cope with symptoms of burnout and fatigue.
- Anandamide - an endogenous cannabinoid known as the bliss neurotransmitter, playing a role in improving moods, memory, sleep and pain perception.
- Magnesium - a mineral with a multiplicity of benefits that include improving both sleep and energy, calming nerves, supporting heart health, relieving muscle tension, boosting mood and cognitive function, and reducing inflammation.
KAKAO
For our ceremony, we will proudly be using Kakao Ceremonial Drinking Chocolate. KAKAO is minimally processed, as nature intended, and uses the whole cacao bean. From tree to cup, KAKAO is cultivated with intention and integrity. This means that the lands, the farmers, and every stage of the process is handled responsibly with respect for all parties involved. We are honored to share the vision of Makenzie and Michael, our friends and founders of KAKAO.
About your hosts. Cousins, Angela and Nicole
(& some photos of us on a recent retreat to Sedona, Arizona below)
I’m Angela,
I love heart-centered connection, creating safe spaces for people to share their truth, sharing cacao with my community, and I have an insatiable curiosity about our world, our souls, our hearts, our pain and our joy.
I’ve spent my career as an executive in various leadership and coaching roles as well as wearing just about every hat in the start-up space. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching senior executives through leadership challenges, team dynamics, and self-awareness that comes from leading in a high-growth company. The honor of leading people is one of the blessings I’m most grateful for.
As a teacher and leader, my cup is most filled when I’m able to bring my whole self, and my whole heart to my offerings. Cacao has changed my life in more ways than I can count, and I’m excited to share this blessing with you!
I’m Nicole,
My joy comes through connecting with people on a deeper level, and through that connection, guiding them the light within.
In my career as a nurse practitioner, my value of whole being healing prompted me to expand and ultimately shift my practice from the hospital setting to private practice where I’m able to deepen my work through psychotherapy and integrative healthcare. This allows me to create a space where people feel safe to reveal their pains and joys, expose the softer parts of themselves and feel empowered through connecting with their own healing power.
I’m in my power when I bring my full self to each encounter. When I merge the spiritual, scientific and playful parts of me. When I accept both the positive and negative, and allow all to exist within and around me. When I’m rooted in my connection with the Divine, with myself and with all of life.
May this be a space where you feel safe to bring your whole self. A space to discover the fullness of who you are and the things that lay in the depths of your heart. A space supported with the gifts of cacao and the communion with one another.
Event Venue
Sacred Fire, Snowdon Avenue, Toronto, Canada
CAD 40.00