What is a Breathwork & Cacao Circle?
When I first started my healing journey, really learning who I was and what I was going through in life, I turned to natural wellness such as yoga, meditation, sound baths, breathwork and cacao ceremonies.
The first time I had cacao, I was at a weekend yoga, meditation retreat. I had just started trauma therapy earlier that year to work through some past childhood and adulthood traumas. I can honestly say that the retreat was the hardest thing I could have done at that time in my life but also the most rewarding. During the retreat, we had a cacao ceremony and after that I continued to go to cacao ceremonies until I learned from amazing teachers.
So why do cacao with my breathwork? Breathwork can triggering for people and being a trauma informed coach, I felt that it is important to give people the space and energy to open with themselves and others alike.
What is a cacao ceremony? A Cacao Ceremony is a spiritual practice that involves drinking ceremonial-grade cacao on a 1:1 basis or in a group setting to facilitate connection, healing, and self-exploration. It originates from ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions and has gained popularity in modern times for its ability to promote mindfulness and personal growth. It is said to be hundreds of years old.
Sacred Cacao or Ritual cacao is made from ground cacao beans, oat milk (some use water), rose petals, natural sweetener, all mixed together to form a liquid drink. It can taste bitter if a natural sweetener is not added. I like to add cinnamon to mine as well (so let me know ahead of time if you are allergic) Cacao is high in iron, magnesium and B-complex vitamins.
What you can expect to experience during a cacao ceremony? People usually sit in a circle, in my case we do not because of going into breathwork after. I have you set an intention going into the breathwork facilitation. Whether that is getting clarity, letting go, finding love for oneself or all of the above, as I did in my first experience. I put on heartfelt music after we set our intentions, we lay in a comfortable position on a yoga mat to begin the breathwork session.
Experiences during the ceremony/circle:
A cacao and breathwork circle is a heart opening journey with love and understanding for yourself.
It is said to be a healing therapy to assist in releasing blocks, follow your heart, and recognize habits or patterns.
You can have enhanced creativity
You are given the space to meditate and silence your mind, connect with yourself.
Balances your feminine and masculine energies within the body.
Connect to your higher self, your own truth and power
Are there health benefits of cacao?
Yes, there are health benefits of cacao. They include but are not limited to assisting in the help of healing the mental, physical and spiritual body. Cacao has a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Cacao increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins. It is aid to enhance the immune system and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Cacao enables you to recognize and let go of repeated patterns and or bad habits. Cacao is also packed with natural caffeine and can give a burst of energy. For me it does the opposite, I sleep the best, the night after drinking cacao.
How does cacao help with breathwork?
After sipping on the cacao while deeply thinking about an intention and setting the intention, you will lay comfortably on your yoga mat to begin breathwork. The cacao helps tap into inner self and bring to the forefront joy, sadness, love or all of it so you can share (if you feel called to) with yourself and others what has come up for you and what you feel is your truth in that moment. Breathwork can trigger many people and the way I practice breathwork, is intentional. As you find your rythm of breath, I will watch over you and ensure that you feel grounded and safe. At the beginning of the session, I always make sure that you are okay with touch to assist in grounding and it is okay if you are no. If you are not, and you begin to feel uncomfortable, I ask that you sit up, open your eyes and place your palms to the floor or do tapping which I teach at the beginning of class.
Breathwork and or cacao is not for everyone and if you feel called to do a 1:1 session instead, please feel free to contact me. I am a Certified Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator and want you to get the most out of your journey.
Cacao opens the door. It’s up to you to walk through it. - Keith Wilson
