Keep the Fire Burning: Sound & Cacao

Event Description:

You are invited to this unique, whole-hearted experience, guided by Gabriela from Nawi Wellness. This one of a kind event is a weaving of life experiences, a true representation of Meso-American culture and an opportunity to invite the magic of ceremonial Cacao, as a special addition to your rituals and holistic wellness.

On this occasion we welcome special guest, Glenn Barry, a First Nation Gamilaraay and Irish man who grew up and is based in Yugambeh/ Bundjalung Country (Gold Coast/ Northern NSW). Glenn's focus is cultural education and music, sharing healing through many formats, including the Yidaki/ didgeridoo. To have Glenn joining us is truly special as we will be gathering in solidarity with our First Nations brothers and sisters, on the day before NAIDOC week begins, so bring your loved ones for a moving time of rest, reflection and honour. Everyone is asked to wear all black to signify this year's theme and to represent strength, life, power, grief and rebirth. Remembering that loved ones include partners, family members and friends; come along with those you would like to share this special and unique experience with. You can look forward to group activities, drinking ceremonial Cacao together, a journey through the traditions and history of this sacred plant ally, unique sound journey, opened by Glenn sharing Yidaki healing, PLUS optional extra time to connect with your host and with those attending at the café downstairs. 

Please start arriving from 9:45am, making ourselves comfortable in the Arts space upstairs, this allows us time to get settled & acquainted in a relaxed manner, ceremony & sound experience will be between 10am-12pm, and then we have the option to relax together at the unique café downstairs, with a drink or a meal & continuing conversation. The SOBAH café is on premises and will be open until 3pm, serving light snacks, delicious Indigenous inspired meals & different types of drinks. Beautiful Burleigh beach is also within close proximity if you'd like to explore further wholesome activities with your loved ones, to add to this magical day!

About your facilitator:

Gabriela was born and raised in El Salvador, Central America, she is descendant of the Mayan/ Pipil/ Spanish civilizations. In addition to her cultural roots Gabriela has also studied Cacao with wisdom keepers from the Americas and has received guidance on preparing Cacao and holding sacred space. Every detail is shared with love and respect, your facilitator has received blessings from elders in Guatemala and Ecuador to share this ancient wisdom with community. Gabriela is also a Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama breathwork teacher and intuitive musician who believes in the scientifically proven significant benefits of sacred sounds. Gabriela sings, shares poetry & spoken word; additionally, she plays more than 20 world instruments and carefully selects from these to enhance each unique sound experience.

About our special guest:

Glenn Barry is a First Nation Gamilaraay and Irish man who grew up and is based in Yugambeh/ Bundjalung Country (Gold Coast/ Northern NSW). Glenn is passionate about the development and delivery of cultural mindfulness programs. His focus is the specialised and educational arena of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and services. Glenn shares his music and healing through many formats, including the Yidaki/ didgeridoo. 

About the space:

SOBAH is Australia's firs non-alcoholic craft beer company, established in 2017 they are proudly Aboriginal owned and led. They function from philosophies of Gamilaraay Lore, embodying respect for people, place and environment, engaging in positive reciprocity. SOBAH are breaking down the stigma of socialising sober whilst raising positive awareness of Australian First Nations culture. 

SOBAH have also reimagined the brewing experience since opening their brand-new haven of taste and community, in 2023 in the heart of Burleigh Heads. This is a brand new space, aesthetically gorgeous and providing a variety of enjoyable experiences; from brewery tours, to their delicious café which highlights first nations flavours, to an air-conditioned art space upstairs which is utilized for markets, classes, workshops, events and more!

It is exciting to support and collaborate with this Indigenous & conscious company for our next gathering, limited spaces are available for this exclusive event so book yours now!


Sacred Cacao Ceremonies:

The use of Cacao in ceremonies and circles has cultural roots in Indigenous communities from Central and South America; ceremonial Cacao is intentionally created for ritual use, paying homage to traditional practices of production and consumption.
Ceremonial Cacao is 100% Cacao paste of the highest quality. It is made from heirloom strains of Cacao native to Central and South America. Ceremonial Cacao is organic, ethically sourced and minimally processed. Cacao gatherings involve community, a sacred circle, music and of course, ceremonial Cacao. The medicine of Cacao can support a deepening connection to your heart and acts as a gentle guide through transformational consciousness shifts. 

PREPARE:

*Bring a yoga mat, cushion, eye mask/ pillow, water bottle, journal/paper and pen. Feel free to also bring a small blanket or anything that will help you feel more comfortable.

*Wear comfortable clothes. Please dress in black to on this occasion. 

*Light meal is suggested approximately two hours prior to prevent any discomfort.

*It is important to arrive with a clean body. Ensure you are well hydrated and avoid high amounts of caffeine, alcohol, gluten, dairy and fried foods for at least 12-24hrs prior to our gathering.

Please NOTE:

The space is on the second level, up several stairs and not wheelchair accessible. 

Ceremonial Cacao may not be suitable if taking antidepressants, hypertension medications or if you have a serious heart condition; please speak to your Doctor prior to ingesting. Ceremonial Cacao has many powerful natural health benefits, it is packed full of vitamins and minerals, however some of these in combination with the above pharmaceutical medications, may interfere with the effects of the medications.