Calling in creativity with ceremonial Cacao
- Sandy Edwards
- May 10, 2023
- 4 min read
We cannot compel the Creativity Muse… but we sure can entice her with (pure) chocolate
Sitting quietly with a hot cuppa and/or some chocolate can create a bubble of bliss in an otherwise hectic day. Making yourself a Cacao ceremony takes that experience up to a whole new level of enjoyment - and usefulness.
If you’ve ever sat staring at a blank page; fruitlessly fiddling with pencils, brushes, or gemstones (insert your medium of choice), this one is for you.
I am excited to share with you what I have discovered about this gorgeous plant medicine! Cacao has become one of the most potent tools on my journey of self-discovery and, needless to say, if it can help me it can help you too.
Just to be clear this is no ordinary hot chocolate. I have been drinking mainstream cacao for some time but it wasn't until the end of 2021 that I came across the ceremonial product which (as you might hope) is an altogether superior beast. And here’s why!
Not all Cacao is created equal
It has been my treat to work with Sacred Earth medicine Cacao, which is 100% organic and certified as ceremonial grade. Presented in a thick gold-wrapped block this Cacao is the pure paste of the Cacao bean pressed into a chocolate mold. The best way to enjoy it is in reverence, honoring both the plant, its long and sacred history, and yourself by carving out a sacred piece of time and space to savour and draw the most benefit from the luxurious experience.
More valuable than Gold
Cacao is known as the food of the gods - in ancient times it was reserved for Peruvian royalty and high priests.
It’s not just the excellent flavour and drinking experience that makes it valuable. It has significant physical health benefits, and its chemical compounds put the brain in beneficial states of concentration and creativity. I would argue that, in our deeply distracted world, this has never been more important.
An intentional Cacao ceremony drops a person out of the concerns of the conscious mind and draws them, mind and body, into the present moment.
Because of these effects, Cacao is a gorgeous accompaniment to meditation and creative expression.
Benefits
Cacao is the best and purest part of chocolate, and the richest source of an interesting chemical compound, theobromine. While theobromine is not essential for human health, clinical trials have shown it can have positive effects on the body, including:
reducing blood pressure (dilates blood vessels)
strengthening tooth enamel (unless sweetened);
improving concentration
improving visual information processing
lowering cardiovascular risks by raising levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol
mental health benefits including ‘strong feelings of calmness’
improving cognitive performance
reducing inflammation throughout the body, and
has ‘shown potential as a treatment for asthma… due to its ability to modulate airways’.
Studies continue and if you’d like to read on for yourself check out these links as a starting point: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335269/ https://www.nutritionadvance.com/theobromine-benefits/
-> Just remember theobromine can be toxic for pets, especially dogs, so do make sure to keep it out of their way.
My personal experiences
A Cacao ceremony is subtle but powerful magic that helps me melt and move past creative blocks. It gets me out of my mind, out of over-analysis and procrastination and into taking action. It is delicate, not forceful (you will not 'get high') but when I surrender to flow, it inevitably leads to creative releases that leave me feeling peaceful, aligned, and with plenty of ideas to act on.
Cacao makes me feel languid. My senses become heightened and I return to the present moment. This is quite noticeable for someone who has lived a lot of my life in my head! I have a heightened awareness of my own body and the space it occupies, and enjoy very simple things, like breathing and moving, more than I would otherwise. At the same time, I feel like my mind is sharpened in some primal way - as if I have a greater than normal awareness of what is going on around me - what I can see, smell, and hear.
I often dance while taking Cacao as it helps my body to start expressing things without words, and this often leads to pages and pages of journaling, during which I can move through mental blocks and see new ideas for moving forward in life, relationships, and my business. I feel these ‘creative downloads’ are more sophisticated and holistic than what I’d produce in an average brainstorm.
Any downsides?
Short answer - no. Cacao does seem to make my heart beat a little faster, but it's not uncomfortable and there are no jittery shaky feelings as accompany coffee. All the same, I make sure to do my ceremonies in the morning, because Cacao is stimulating and stays in your system for up to 12 hours.
Shop organic ceremonial grade Cacao: https://sacredearthmedicine.com.au/ (About $20 AUD will get you started with a 100g block).
Again I'll point out this is not a way to get high so please don’t expect that kind of intense experience, but if you’re ready for a gentle way to entice your creative Muse back in to dance (while benefiting your body), this one is for you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the read, and if you give it a go don’t forget to come back here and let me know how you go :)
Warmly,
Sandy
PS: Ready to get some cacao and give it a try? Learn how to at this >> link
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