The history of cacao and its many traditional uses in ceremonies, rites of passage and rituals teaches us how this heart-opening plant ally can act as a gateway; connecting us to the present moment as well as to compassion and unconditional love for ourselves and others.
Your cup of cacao is an invitation to really slow down, connect with yourself and take a moment to be present away from the noise of the external world. Something as simple as the preparation of your cacao can become a way to create a mindful moment within your busy day; a wellbeing tool to bring more presence and intention into your day-to-day life.
The importance of pause and presence for self-care
In a fast-paced and demanding world it’s more important than ever to carve out time for yourself to tend to the needs of your mind, body, soul and heart. Self-care and rest aren’t something to be earned, they are the foundation of your well-being, yet most of us struggle to give ourselves permission to pause.
When there’s always a mile-long ‘to do’ list waiting for your attention, it can feel frivolous or unproductive to take the time to simply be present with yourself. But, by learning to master the art of pause and presence, you give your mind and body the chance to rest, restore and recharge by activating the ‘Rest and Digest’ relaxation part of your nervous system. This leads to feelings of greater calm, safety and well-being. By regularly taking a moment for yourself and turning it into a committed practice, you begin to cultivate the qualities and tools that can help you to better manage the stresses and challenges of life.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated! You don’t need to check into a retreat or have the "perfect" morning routine or latest app or gadget, it can be as simple as pausing and being fully present with whatever it is you’re doing, even if you take just five dedicated minutes a day to focus on the here-and-now.
The preparation (and drinking) of your cacao is one simple, yet powerful, way that you can begin to weave the medicine of presence into your daily life. By creating a mini daily routine or ritual, you begin to build a trusting relationship with yourself; one that says "I prioritise my well-being and I tend to my needs with love, compassion and care". Cacao becomes an anchor to the present moment and a bridge to well-being and self-care.
How To Prepare Your Cacao Mindfully
What you’ll need:
- 5 minutes. (Or more, if you have time)
- Your cacao-making ingredients and utensils. (See our simple recipe guide here)
- A mug. (We recommend having a special mug that you use only for your cacao. This helps to create a sense of ritual, distinguishing your cacao prep from other daily activities to really honour your mindful moment.)
- Music, to set the scene. (Choose something you find relaxing.)
The Steps:
- Play your music.
- Place your hand on your heart and take 3 deep breaths (optional: inhale through the nose and exhale fully through the mouth with a gentle shhhhh or aaaaah sound).
- Return to your regular breath but maintain deep and slow breath through the nose throughout, using the breath as an anchor.
- Affirm either aloud or in your mind “I am fully present in this moment and I meet myself with love and care”.
- As you begin to make your cacao, tune into your senses. Take a moment to notice what you can:
Hear - the music, the sounds near and far, your breath.
Touch - notice the different textures, temperature and feel of what you touch.
Smell - take in the delicious smell of your cacao.
See - look at what you are doing with real presence and curiosity, take in every detail.
- As you move from step to step while preparing your cacao, slow down your transitions. Intentionally slow all the way down and make a point to pause and notice. Perhaps you start to sense a shift in your mental or emotional state the slower and more mindful you become?
- Once your cacao is ready, place your hand over your heart again. Feel your heartbeat under your palm and give thanks to yourself for this moment.
- Slowly, mindfully and with love, pour your cacao into your cup.
- Before you take your first sip of cacao, take a moment to offer gratitude to the lands and hands that grew the cacao. As a practice, when we give thanks and offer gratitude, we enter into a beautiful relationship of reciprocity.
- Drink each sip with full presence and awareness as you continue with your mindful moment.
The more you return to this practice, the deeper your connection with yourself will grow. By slowing down and honouring yourself in this way, with the help of cacao, you affirm to yourself that rest is safe and that you are worthy of being on the receiving end of such loving care.
Learning to anchor yourself in the present moment is a skill that can have a ripple effect across all areas of your life, ultimately leading to much more fulfilment, peace and contentment. As it is safe (and encouraged!) to drink cacao multiple times a week, or even daily, it is the perfect companion for anyone on a journey of self-care and self-discovery.
~ written by Wren Swift