Cacao Ceremony In Nature

The natural world is full of mystery, depth and possibilities for engaging our imagination, play and creativity. I have long used nature connection as a practice for well-being and personal growth, whether through the vision quest, solo wanders in the woods or just sitting quietly and listening to a new day come to life. The natural world brings us more alive and reflects back to us the places inside that need attention. 

When I discovered cacao ceremony, I knew that these two practices would be extra sweet together.  With a ceremonial dose of cacao in my body, my senses are more alive and life in general has a more luminous quality. When I'm outdoors, especially with a focus on the timeless and reflective qualities of the natural world, cacao brings these to life more fully and with more depth. 

I might make up a ceremonial dose at home and then go into the woods, or bring the drink along with me and sip quietly while attuning to the more-than-human world around me. As the cacao takes effect, my sense open, my heart expands and I am the natural world experiencing itself. It's not that I experience the wind blowing through that tree, but feel that there is no separation between us, so it's just a continuity of experience. These moments remind me that there is something much bigger than my little world of concern, drama and unfolding. There is this vast world living out it's life regardless of what is happening in my own world. When I surrender to this larger energy, I feel held and a part of the world, not a separate thing from it. 

So if you haven't tried it yet, bring your cacao ceremony to the woods, fields, parks, mountains, rivers and other natural places to discover that depth of connection available to us. It doesn't matter whether it's a completely wild place or urban park; the natural world is always around us. 

Remember to give yourself plenty of time and approach the natural world with curiosity and playfulness. And drink lots of water!