Colin and his Speaker Fees
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Cacao Ceremonies
Cacao Ceremony
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to truly feel your heart open and experience a deeper connection with yourself?
Just think of what an experience like that could do.
Ceremonial Grade Cacao helps us to achieve this.
Check out our events page for more details... here
Benefits
Below I have included a detailed list of benefits that Ceremonial Grade Cacao offers.
For thousands of years ancient tribes have considered ceremonial cacao as the “Food of the Gods” and saw it as a very sacred plant with healing properties.
Not only was cacao used in ceremonially, it also aids in the opening up of the heart's circulation.
BENEFITS OF CEREMONIAL GRADE CACAO:
- 100% Plant Based
- 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries.
- Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron.
- Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain.
- Contains More Calcium Than Cow's Milk
- Increases blood flow from the heart to the brain
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Beautiful connection to the heart
With our ceremonies we ensure you have a pleasant, heart connected experience.
If you want to discuss this further, I'm happy to chat!
We do have yoga mats, pillows and blankets but have limited numbers so bringing a blanket with you pillow optional and a toga mat if you have one for the Crystal Sound Bath afterwards would be advantageous.
We will always begin with...
1. the traditional sageing and welcoming as you enter into the pre-prepared sacred space.
2. the cacao ceremony itself - which is a really lovely experience which includes setting intentions and some other really heart connecting interactions.
3. After the beautiful experience of the ceremony you will receive a relaxing crystal sound bath which will enhance the amazing focus and healing benefits that ceremonial grade cacao offers. The bowls are made from 99.99% quartz crystal singing bowls with ‘perfect pitch’ turning to 432Hz. Making them extremely powerful when it comes to relaxation and healing health of the body, mind, relaxed, renewed, regenerated, reenergised and refreshed!
Please remember this is not just a casual meetup for ‘drinking chocolate'. Ceremonial Grade Cacao has amazing attributes to ones health and carries a cost of around £50 for just 484grams!
Once you’ve experienced ceremonial grade cacao you will know the amazing difference. Even organic cacao powder does not meet the quality of ceremonial grade cacao because unlike cacao powder, none of the essential fats have been removed.
Ceremonial Cacao works with the heart and opens up not only better blood flow to and from the heart, but also reconnects us with nature, love, empathy, release and more importantly - celebration, gratitude, empowerment both personally and collectively as a group!
Today, chocolate is usually laden with extra ingredients such as sugar, milk and preservatives and people often see it as either a guilty pleasure or junk food. It can still give us that feel good effect but the medicinal properties are close to none because so much of the good stuff is stripped away during processing and the fact that cows milk destroys the amazing healing enzymes in the chocolate.
Here’s some much more detailed health and nutritional benefits that you may not know about *Ceremonial Grade Cacao*
Cacao is said to be a "complete mineral supplement!"
Here’s why:
Cacao is rich in; magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, chromium, manganese, sulphur, copper & phosphorous!
Many of these essential and trace minerals are difficult to get these days, even through a balanced diet as our soils are mineral depleted. Processing of food also seriously reduces mineral content.
Magnesium:
Cacao is the worlds #1 source by weight. Magnesium is an alkaline mineral that promotes heart health through relaxing the heart muscle and reducing blood pressure. Magnesium also lessens symptoms of PMS, balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones and elevates mood.
Iron:
With over 300% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) of iron in each ounce (28g), consuming cacao is one of the best ways to keep our blood healthy, protect and repair muscles, help fight infections as well as assist oxygenation of the body.
Zinc:
Cacao is the fourth highest vegetarian source of zinc and provides a little more than 20% of the RDI in each ounce. Zinc maintains a healthy immune system, speeds wound healing, aids growth through protein building and synthesis, triggers activity of many different enzymes and also promotes healthy hair, eyes and skin.
Copper:
Assists in the production of neurotransmitters and gives skin smoothness and suppleness. It is required for healthy bones, red blood cell formation, connective tissue and nervous system functioning. It also assists with hypothyroidism and certain types of mental illness. One ounce of cacao provides over 50% of RDI.
Chromium:
Is a trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar, detoxifies the liver from alcohols that build up during the fermentation of sugars and starches (from eating processed and refined food) and assists in cleansing the blood.
Manganese:
Also a trace mineral, supports bone development, speeds wound healing, sustains healthy skin, stabilises blood sugar and strengthens the immune system.
Sulphur:
Some of the healthiest cultures in the world have high sulphur diets.
It assists in liver metabolism, functioning of the joints and cartilage, assists the antioxidant defence systems of the body, peps up the immune system and it is widely touted as the beauty mineral – strengthening hair, nails and skin. It also helps detoxify the liver and support healthy pancreas functioning.
Antioxidant Levels are off the charts!
Out of all the whole foods that contain antioxidants, raw cacao nibs have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score of any food. It is higher than blueberries, red wine, green tea and goji berries combined. Way higher, as much as 4 times higher.
Antioxidants are measured by weight, so you would have to consume 100g of goji berries to get a similar amount of antioxidants to eating an ounce (30g) of cacao.
There are many different types of antioxidants and they are not all equal. Different antioxidants in different foods effect different parts of the body. At the time of writing, there is still a lot more research to be done into antioxidants and which foods are better for different health conditions. There still is no RDI for antioxidants and whether more of certain types of antioxidants are better, nobody really knows.
What we do know is that they are anti-aging as they protect and repair DNA and proteins from free radical damage. Antioxidants in cacao enhance blood flow, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and even reduce the build up of arterial plaque – increasing artery flexibility and reducing the incidence of heart disease. They may also reduce the incidence of cancer.
Essential Fats
Chocolate is seen by most as fattening, but this is because of the high levels of processed sugar and dairy that is mixed into the chocolate. Cacao has high levels of the monounsaturated fat oleic acid, which has proven to improve heart health. The primary saturated fat in cacao (stearic acid) is metabolised to oleic acid during digestion, so cacao is really very low in saturated fat. These essential fats can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
Cacao is also one of the worlds great weigh loss foods. Because it speeds up the metabolism, is nutrient dense and high in protein, the body gets all the nutrients it needs and no longer sends out hunger signals. In this way, its a natural appetite suppressant.
Cacao has only 170 calories per ounce. Which is bugger all when you think about it can do for you in so many other ways!
And It makes you feel gooooooood…
Cacao is one of the few foods in the world that helps our brain to produce more feel good chemicals. It has therapeutic levels of brain chemicals that positively affect mood, memory, appetite, pain perception, feelings of well being, rejuvenation, attraction and euphoria.
Check out all the neurotransmitters present in cacao:
Serotonin:
Is the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. Cacao increases serotonin levels, acting as an anti-depressant, reducing PMS and promotes a sense of well being. AND it enhances your libido.
Endorphins:
By stimulating the secretion of endorphins, cacao gives a similar pleasurable sensation to that of an exercise high. Cacao releases a similar amount of endorphins to that of a vigorous workout – say running several miles.
Phenylethylamine:
Found in cacao, has been called the “love chemical.” Phenylethylamine is created within the brain and released when we are in love. Its no wonder we give chocolate on Valentines Day! It also acts as mood elevator, anti-depressant, and helps increase focus and alertness.
Anandamide:
Is known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great. Cacao is the only food that contains both N-acylethanolamines, believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in the brain, and enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. This promotes relaxation and helps us feel good for longer.
Dopamine:
Stimulated by the Phenylethylamine and Chromium in cacao, it is well known that increased levels of dopamine magnify attraction and sexual desire. Wahoo!
Cacao also contains Tryptophan & MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors prevent the re-uptake of Serotonin and Dopamine, meaning increased neurotransmitter activity. So you can feel good for longer periods.
Anything else?
Cacao is a great source of dietary fibre which helps with regulate digestion and clean the digestive tract. It is a great source of protein and it is one of the worlds most chemically complex foods. Amazingly. cacao contains over 300 different compounds – some of which are still being researched.
Cacao also contains Theobromine.
WARNING! Theobromine is lethal to pets because their bodies do not contain the enzymes to regulate theobromine
Theobromine:
has been wrongfully vilified as toxic and stimulating in the same way as caffeine. But 9kg of cacao would need to be consumed before theobromine levels become toxic. In reality, theobromine has very little stimulating effect on the nervous system. It does however stimulate the cardiovascular system, dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and increasing nutrient uptake during digestion; which of course is a good thing!
Taking cacao regularly is also linked to longer life. There have been many studies that show that people who consume cacao (and even regular chocolate) live considerably longer than those who don’t.
Its seems the health benefits of cacao are almost endless!
Health Contraindications;
Cacao is a natural antidepressant, and is contraindicated with SSRI based antidepressants, which are ‘selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors’ making our cells more able to receive serotonin.
We do not recommend cacao if you are taking any sort of mood altering medications, such as anti-depressants which contain SSRIs. Cacao has the same effect, and when people are already on SSRI antidepressants, drinking a ceremonial dose of cacao can overload the receptors with serotonin.
This being said, we have had people attend our cacao ceremonies with SSRI enhanced medication. They received a much lower dose of cacao and they were absolutely fine. It's important to note that NOT ALL antidepressants have SSRIs, so it’s an important distinction to make.Too much serotonin in the system can cause headaches - if this occurs, drink lots of water and rest.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding.
Like coffee or tea, it is important to reduce the intake of stimulating foods. The theobromine in cacao, which is very similar to caffeine, has a stimulating effect. Thus we recommend using lower dosages (ex. a maximum of 1oz in a ceremonial drink).
Pregnancy
If pregnant, we recommend not starting with cacao if you don't already have a practice with it. If you do have a cacao practice, we recommend 1/4-1/2 of what you normally intake.
Breast feeding
While breast feeding, cacao is safe. Keep the disease low with 1oz of Cacao per ceremony. Just keep an eye out on the baby, and see if the baby likes it or not.
Physical Benefits
As mentioned above, cacao is packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for cardiovascular health. Cacao is also renowned for releasing dopamine and endorphins in the body, which soothe symptoms of PMS as well as depression, by boosting our mood.
Cacao contains anandamide, which is known as the bliss molecule. This is the same thing produced in your body when you workout and you feel a rush of good energy.
Plus, it helps to balance blood sugar levels, and create more blood flow to the brain — helping to strengthen awareness and focus. It’s also naturally packed with caffeine, which acts as a burst of energy, and is said to enhance creativit, as well as deep meditation.
For centuries, cacao has been used to heal the mental, physical, and spiritual body.
Emotional & spiritual benefits
Cacao is rich with emotional and spiritual benefits that have not only worked for ancient cultures, but also the new wave of people who are embracing cacao in the world today, and allowing it to open and heal them.
Heart Opening
Known for opening the heart, cacao will allow you to connect with yourself, and others, in a deeper way than before. Any fear will be replaced with love and joy.
Connection with your 'Higher Self'
Your higher self can be whatever you believe it to be — source, God/Goddess, light, or soul.
Cacao helps strengthen your connection to your higher self, which helps you connect to your inner power, strength, and truth.
You will find yourself exploring the pain that is plaguing you right now, and feel your way through it — because it’s only when we allow ourselves to truly feel it, that we can let it go. This will help you to live a happier, lighter life, where you don’t feel weighed down by your past. Releasing this pain makes space for more love and light to come in.
Enhances and deepens meditation
You will be able to connect to your inner spirit, which will help you to explore meditation on a much deeper and spiritual level.
You will find you are able to focus and be in the present with more ease, and this will help you to live more fully in the moment in your life, bringing peace to your mind and soul.
A pathway to creativity
Cacao is often used to bring inspiration and creativity together, and help you move past those inner blocks that are keeping you playing it safe, and not allowing your inner child to play. You will find that new ideas and expressions of yourself flow to you with ease.
Improved Yoga practice
Because of the benefit cacao has on every level — physical, mental, spiritual & emotional — it lends itself extremely well to other practices that combine all of these elements, such as yoga and chi kung. When you step onto the mat, you’l’ find your practice easier, you’ll feel it deeper, and it will have a much more profound effect on you.
Re-balance of your inner male & female energies
Male and female energies can be found co-existing within all of us, but often they are unbalanced. Some men have repressed their feminine energies, while some women have trouble connecting to their male energies, and vice versa. This isn’t helped by the fact that the world is currently in a state of imbalance when it comes to the masculine and the feminine. When you balance these energies within, you are able to live a more effective life, filled with complete harmony. Feminine energy allows you to receive inspiration, while masculine energy helps you to act on it.
Inner peace
Cacao can help to ease our everyday stresses and worries, as it encourages us to get more in tune with our positive, optimistic side. This is vital when we’re trying to face difficulties and challenges that arise in our lives — which they inevitably will, because as Buddhism states, all of life is suffering.
Other benefits
If there are things in your mind or your heart that are holding you back from living the beautiful life you’ve always dreamed of, cacao will help you get clearer on what these things are, and help you receive the strength to put them down, and pick up the things your self truly wants. This will help you live a healthier life in body, as well as spirit.
Career guidance
Maybe you’re in a job you hate, or you have no idea what your true calling is here on earth?
Cacao will help you gain clarity on your natural talents and strengths, connect with your creativity, and allow you to find your way to what lights up your soul. When you’re in this state, creation and abundance will flow to you.
FUN!
Cacao is a feminine power that can help you see that life is meant to be fun — this is what we’re here for. Allow yourself to fully surrender to this energy, and step into a higher dimension, where you realise that nothing here on earth is permanent, and all of life is simply a game to be enjoyed right here, right now.
How can cacao benefit you?
Learning to open our hearts is the most important thing we can do as human beings, This allows us to open wide to our true potential, be vulnerable, and embrace who our authentic selves.
It is through discovering who we really are, that we can reach our highest potential, and create the most beautiful life for ourselves, and those around us.
The more we connect to love and awareness in ourselves, the more we can make more loving and conscious choices for the greater good.
Please always do your own research “contraindications for cacao ceremonies”