For most of human history, our relationship to nature was vital to our survival. As part of this essential relationship, communication with nature and nature spirits was a part of everyday life for many. Today, there still remain peoples who remember this importance, such as the Indigenous tribes.
Indigenous peoples only make up 5% of the world population, yet they care for and protect 80% of its biodiversity. In communities such as the Maya, part of the wellness of the people is known to be reliant upon the plants. They don’t just see plants as exterior things of the Earth. Plants are living, breathing beings with spirits and wisdom to share that have the capacity to heal human ailments, whether emotional, physical, or spiritual. It is in this way that the Maya nurture an intimate relationship with the Earth and are able to receive her medicine in profound ways.
“Plants have long been primary teachers for those who travel deep into the heart of the world, for those who seek the soul teaching that only the wild can bring.”
~Stephen Harrod Buhner
The thing is, our relationship with nature is STILL important to our survival and to our thriving. By learning from the indigenous perspective of plants, our relationship can begin to have a new level of depth with the plants such as cacao in our daily lives.
When you have a relationship with another being, you speak with them, think of them dearly, give thanks, honor them and respect them.
It is the same with plants. It is the same with cacao when you seek it out as a teacher and guide, beyond a tasty drink or superfood. Plants have so much more to offer beyond that. They have the capacity to offer new consciousness. We just need to open our minds, gently, softly, little by little.
Practices to deepen your relationship with cacao:
- Commit to a seven day cacao dieta. For seven consecutive days, eat a healthy diet, free of dairy and any other stimulants such as coffee, black tea, and other plant medicines. During this time, dedicate a minimum of thirty minutes daily to sitting in meditation or prayer with cacao. Document how you feel before the seven days, and after. Each day, observe how your mind and thoughts shift throughout the day after drinking cacao. To best get to know cacao’s pure spirit, we recommend drinking your cacao free of sweetener or additional superfoods for the seven days.
- During your cacao rituals, open up to having conversations with cacao. Like you would with a mentor or guide. Speak from your heart, and create enough space for stillness to develop your intuitive ear. The spirit of cacao will begin to speak with you.
