For the Love of Cacao- the Power of Ritual

Anyone that knows me can attest to my deep affection if not slight obsession with Cacao. The Mayan's called it "the blood of the earth" and it was once valued as highly as gold and traded as currency.

At least once a week, I try to get up before the sunrise. I set a sacred space by clearing the room with sound or sage. I lay out my yoga mat, light a candle, burn incense and set out selected crystals. Then I ask my highest, most loving guides/angels/helpers to come forward in love, support, and guidance. I also have a pen/notebook close by. If something is bothering me, I ask for guidance on the issue. Then I blow my intention into the cacao and take a sip. Then I simply sit, drinking my cacao and allow the moment to unfold. I stay present with the silence or listen to soft music.

What I found in those early morning hours is nothing short of magical. The energy is different before the rise of the sun. This is my secret place to rest and recharge from the business of the world. Before my day grows hectic with work, emails, mom duties and day to day life.

Cacao allows me to feel a deep connection to the earth, to my ancestors, and to Spirit. It is both comforting and wise.

The beauty of ritual is the magic that arises unexpectedly. I will often begin to jot down random thoughts or ideas. What do I want to create in my life? What seeds are asking to be planted? Where do I want to go? It helps me become clear about what my heart truly desires- and honest about what is holding me back.

I often don't have an idea of where the meditation will take me or what insights will come forward. Yet that is the part that I love- the mystery, the unexpected gifts and insights that come from this ritual.

Getting up before dawn may sound daunting and often times, it can be. I'm tired and will hit snooze 5x before dragging myself out of bed at 5:30am or 6am. But you know what? I've never regretted the time spent in solitude in the morning. What I do often regret are the days that I don't make space for ritual.

Rituals are an important part of self care. It can be a few yoga poses before getting out of bed, a special cup of tea in the afternoon or listening to a guided meditation on Insight Timer on a work break. In the fast paced world we live in, I believe ritual is needed now more than ever. We need to discover what recharges us. What gives us nourishment?

I often tell myself "I don't have time." But what I found is that if I can allow 5-10 minutes for self care- I can find more time. I often wish I had gotten up earlier. But even with a short pause, I am more centered and productive the rest of the day.

In life, I can keep my foot on the gas pedal and drive myself to exhaustion...and I often do. But I learning that faster isn't always better. Sometimes it helps to pause, get my bearings and develop a map. This helps me actually see where I want to go.

© 2021 Regina Kitzmiller

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