Cacao + Self-Care
Event description
Cacao + Self-Care
An exploration of mental & spiritual wellness
Two sessions;
1) in person April 24, 2PM - 6PM @ CERES
2) online May 6, 6:30 - 8:30PM (zoom)
All participants receive half a pound of cacao to use at home.
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We live in a society and time in life of increased stress and disconnection from nature and one another. This disconnection has resulted in spiritual dis-ease, mental and emotional imbalances.
We are doing our best in a world that is not necessarily the most conducive to our wellbeing. The rise in depression and anxiety in our society is a response to the pressures, stresses and lack of community amongst so many other things.
It can leave one feeling helpless and hopeless.
This workshop draws upon western psychological understanding of the human mind as well as spiritual support from the plant medicine cacao to bring healing, understanding and compassion to ourselves, and our experiences.
Audrey’s own journey has been the spark of inspiration to bring this workshop to life. Having spent 2+ years facing daily panic attacks and chronic anxiety, seeking support from the conventional and less conventional fields of medicine, it wasn’t until Audrey began working with cacao that she was able to shift her understanding and relationship to her anxiety. In 2019 she met Kamil and introduced him to this medicine. Kamil was impressed not only by his experience with the medicine but by the research he found regarding cacao and its ability to support in the treatment of depression.
(more info about facilitators below)
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The Sessions //
In the first session Kamil will provide a psychoeducation regarding threat/fight-flight system, negativity bias, and rumination in the context of psychological distress. Most importantly you will learn practical tools regarding grounding/relaxation, unhooking from unhelpful thoughts, mindful-self-compassion and how to tame your biggest enemy, your inner critical voice, all of which can help improve mental wellbeing.
We will hear from Audrey about her experience using cacao as a support to work through anxiety. There will also be space to share our own experiences. To close out the session we will drink a cup of ceremonial cacao and drop into a guided meditation and sound healing.
After our afternoon together you will leave with practical tools, mediations (recordings to use at home) and understandings to work with and incorporate into your daily life along with a half pound of cacao.
In our online session we gather to reflect on any impact the practices have had, to refine and share in a safe supported space.
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The Facilitators//
Audrey Warren is deeply connected to the medicine of Cacao, working with this plant since 2014 when she met her teacher Keith Wilson, known affectionately as the Cacao Shaman, in Guatemala. She has been facilitating ceremonies in the USA and Guatemala and Australia. In 2017 Audrey began working with Mayan daykeepers (spiritual guides/elders) and has formed a strong connection to the Mayan wisdom, culture and traditions. She has permission from her Mayan teacher to work with this medicine. Her ceremonies offer depth alongside a lightness where joy & reverence are woven seamlessly throughout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ceremonial Cacao //
Chocolate has been used for thousands of years as a medicine. Not only in ceremony to connect with spirit or to offer in rituals but also for a wide range of ailments. In this context we are working with cacao due to its incredible physical, nutritional, emotional and spiritual benefits.
Which we will learn more about in the session but include; mood elevation, calming/relaxing and an increased sense of gratitude.
Sound Healing //
You will take a journey across Tibet, India and South America and bathe in the healing frequencies of flutes, gongs, didgeridoo, crystal and Tibetan bowls, chimes as well as various percussive instruments. The cacao alongside the sound journey will leave you feeling grounded, peaceful and mentally balanced.
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*For the purpose of this workshop we will be focusing on depression and anxiety in the mental health space. You do not need to have a diagnosis of either of these to attend.
This workshop is intended to provide you with insights, tools and understanding, it is not a “cure” nor can it replace ongoing treatment but can certainly be a support in your journey to self care and dealing with mental health.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.