Cacao Ceremony and Sound Bath - Wellington

Here comes another opportunity to connect to the nourishing, loving spirit of Cacao and celebrate the gift of life surrounded by community and  the elevating sound scapes created by the amazing Yee Lay Lau. 

 ~WHEN & WHERE? 5th March, Thursday, 6-8pm Berhampore Communty Centre, Adelaide Rd. 

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - please read below how to book 

~ BOOKING Contribution of $40 per person, $70 for two We have limited spots and we need to know the exact number of participants in order to prepare the cacao.  

To book, please contact Radha   020 4077 5534 or radha.heartawakening@gmail.com & send your payment to 38-9018-0117320-01 (If you have prepaid and you can't attend you can nominate someone to come in your place) 

~WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY? A bit of history: The tradition of drinking ceremonial cacao originates in the ancient culture of the Mayas in Central America, who called it "ku-ku", "above sacred". It was believed to carry the spirit of Fertility and Abundance. The Goddess of chocolate, Ixcacao, was also known as the "Queen of Love and Pleasure". Later cacao was served in ceremonial context in nowadays Mexico, in the Azteca and Olmec cultures where they called it "cacaulatl" or "xocolatl". What we will do? In a ceremonial circle we will share a cup of bitter delight and allow it to awaken our Heart and soul.  We will guide you through a heart awakening meditation and will hold space for music, devotional singing, dancing, storytelling, sharing... for anything that comes form the heart. Every ceremony is completely unique and different, sometimes quiet and contemplative, sometimes joyfully ecstatic, but always Real and Raw. 

~WHY IS CACAO A MEDICINAL PLANT? Cacao is an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and antioxidant that protects the heart and is densely packed with nutrients - proven to be the most pharmacologically complex food in nature! It can improve your memory, reduce heart disease, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy.  Cacao contains the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of wellbeing, as well as anandamide, known as the bliss molecule that leaves us feeling blissful and euphoric, moderating pain perception, as well as assisting in regulating appetite and mood. When high quality beans are prepared for ceremony, all the mood enhancing neurochemicals in cacao become particularly active. It increases blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin, and the whole body is nourished.  

Sacred Cacao ceremony participants report heightened awareness, focus and intensified sensations. Cacao healing for the body, but also for the soul and spirit as it is heart opening and an amazing meditation aid.  

The cacao served is first quality ceremonial grade and comes from its native land - Guatemala. When a plant grows in its original soil, all the original qualities are present.  Radha works with Keith's cacao, carefully and ethically sourced premium beans that are made into paste in the Guatemalan highlands around the magical lake Atitlan. Cacao shaman Keith was among the first westerners to revive the ancient tradition of drinking cacao. 

~WHAT IS REQUIRED? For the ceremony itself, please wear comfy clothes and bring a cushion or a blanket to make sure you're relaxed and comfortable.  Bring an instrument, a story to share, a poem to read, a song to sing. Or nothing - bring silence and your most authentic self. Drink a lot of water before and after ceremony to avoid dehydration and avoid eating heavy food 2 hours prior. 

************************************************ Facilitated by Radha and Yee Ley 

Radha was among the first people to bring cacao ceremonies to New Zealand. She encountered the cacao plant in ceremonial context in 2012 while living in its native lands of Central America for several years. It was love at first sight and her relationship with the spirit of this super food grew as she learned how to prepare the rich cacao drink from the tree to the cup. Having participated in various ceremonies facilitated by shamans, healers or friends in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, Radha started facilitating ceremonies herself in 2014 in Europe. An experienced space holder being a yoga teacher and a retreat facilitator, she loves sharing her passion for community, authenticity and self-knowledge in combination with the cacao spirit.  Radha serves only best quality ceremonial cacao by chocolate shaman Keith Wilson. 

Special Guest - Yee Ley Lau, Weaver of sound, intuitive healer and facilitator of possibilities,  who will contribute with a soulful sound bath,  triggering pure bliss.  http://www.yeeleylau.com/