Discover the power of a cocoa ceremony

Cacao Ceremonies are centuries old and originate from Central and South America. At a cocoa ceremony, people come together for meditation and connection during which raw cocoa is drunk. A strong and spicy drink, so not to be compared with winter chocolate milk with whipped cream.

The cacao bean is a spiritual plant and therefore falls under plant medicine. Physiologically, this means that when cocoa is drunk raw and pure (with vegetable milk and a herbal blend, for example) it slightly dilates the blood vessels in your body and lowers your blood pressure. In addition, ceremonial cocoa also contains a lot of antioxidants and serotonin, which can make you feel happy

Spiritually, drinking raw, ceremonial cocoa opens your heart to love and gentleness. A cocoa ceremony therefore brings you connection with your own heart and with the people participating in the ceremony.

Back to Amsterdam, where Michelle invited me to a cocoa ceremony in her yurt at the back of the lovely green garden. Quietly, everyone introduces themselves to each other. We are with a fine company of other women, Michelle and me.

There is incense, candles are lit and Michelle lands us a meditation. Then we quietly drink our cup of cocoa. Nothing can be heard of the Amsterdam street noises when Michelle then takes us on a sound journey. Through her gong and singing bowls, her voice and other instruments, I enter into a deep meditation enhanced by the cocoa. We take our time. Quietly, we are given space to sit, lie down and listen to the sounds around us.

When we open our eyes again about an hour and a half later, I feel peaceful and calm. But also inspired and I feel like I have been on a fine inner journey.

Michelle describes her Mahara Amsterdam as travelling and moving. To yourself, to coming home, to new friendships and insights. She does this with various ceremonies and meditation evenings, but also through her shop and her holistic hair salon that you will also find in Mahara.