Slow down. Take a deep breath. And let go.
Take another deep breath, and release.
Feel the invitation that is calling you. Feel inside. Acknowledge all there is. Connect with the body. Connect with the elements. Rest here for a moment. Recognise the fresh air and bathe your senses in the colours of Spring flowers. Hear the ocean’s breeze and the air rustling the leaves. Listen to nature’s gentle music. Nestle in the loving vibration of Mother Earth.
As your inner landscape is shaking you may feel new sensations, old sensations, in between, and what has been out of balance. You may feel that you want to work yourself out of levels of noise, want to tend to your body, nurture your thoughts and allow moments of silence to wrap you in their wisdom. And inside your heart, you may feel that you want to allow yourself to experience more beauty, more connection and more trust.
And you grow deeper roots. Along the roots, go back in your timeline and meet the Elders that hold the wisdom. They’re guiding you, praying for you and are awaiting you coming home. It is here that you will be hearing their song, prayer and guidance. Take a deep breath and trust that you are guided and loved.
Co-creating a new Global Culture
The current situation opens wounds that are related to feeling safe, feeling trust and feeling inner stability. Fear is very present. And yet, alongside the fear, there is an awakening of the heart space. Within this vibration, there is a resonance of trust, hope, love & global connection. The global slow-down has created a breathing pause. We are invited to understand life on earth as one organism. It's a complex system as everything is deeply interwoven. It's a wonderful time to look into a new direction. How do we want to live, work and feel? What is really important and with whom do we plant seeds for the transition?
Now, the path to the intuition is less clouded and we are invited to connect more deeply with the Self. This Self is part of the web of life and of a greater transformation that is happening. There is a necessity. Trust. This might not always be easy, as we need to harmonize the Self and learn to balance both active and receptive qualities within, and open from a place of unity. Mind, body, heart, soul and spirit come into play. Let's be gentle with ourselves and support each other in this exceptional time as we are birthing a new way of living and being.
I've listed personal recommendations of what I consider valuable during this time. I'm here for you and you can reach out to me for support via mail happy@cacaomama.com. With love, Serap
Medicine for the Mind
Slow down. Accept the invitation to slow down and to rest. For some of you, this is easy, and you enjoy the time at home. For those of you who are used to working in high levels of stress, this might be a challenge. Give yourself some extra time to slow down. Doing is seen as a masculine quality, as the action is directed outwards. Receiving is seen as the feminine counterpart, with the contemplation moving inwards. Observe lovingly how you react to the slowing down, and allow yourself to be active as well as receptive.
Dealing with Information. There is a lot of information available. A lot of bad news and terrifying pictures are broadcasted. I only read news, and when I do so, the area around my belly button gets tight. At the same time, I feel a pressure in my throat and in my head. I feel fear, or helpless or even despair. The instinct sets in: "Am I safe? Am I protected?" So be wise. Educate yourself without filling your temple with fear-based news constantly. Fear is a vibration that weakens your energy field and immune system. Let us simply be aware that there is also good news. Good news, real conversations, a good documentary generates awareness, joy and gratitude, and this is very good medicine for your wellbeing, your health and immune system.
Pockets of Silence. Silence is a precious commodity, especially when you live in a bigger city. You hear cars, aeroplanes, machines working all day. Even electricity makes a constant sound. (Un)consciously, this causes stress. But in many places you now hear the voice of nature: birds are chirping, leaves are rustling in the wind and bees and insects are hatching from their nests. Your senses react positively to these sounds: your nervous system relaxes. You don't have to react, filter, process all the time. Create little pockets of silence where you consciously listen to the sound of silence and Nature. Nature grounds and uplifts your energy.
Meditation. There are many types of meditation; mindfulness, loving-kindness, gratitude, zen, mantra. Information is beautiful provides an infographic, which visually captures the different meditation techniques. If you prefer to be guided in meditation, the internet offers various meditations. Search on channels like Soundcloud or Youtube. Or you can visit the website of your favourite teachers. Many now offer meditations for free or for a small fee. We also have created an online meditation to meet and meditate together Sacred To Me.
Medicine for the Body
Immune system. Naturally strengthen your immune system. Take vitamin C. Sleep when you're tired. Eat regularly. Avoid alcohol and too many sweets. Support the body with movement. Dance. Stretch. Drink water. Do things that give you joy and uplift your energy.
Breathe. Breathing is a wonderful tool to bring you straight into the body. You only need a couple of minutes. Sit or lie down in a relaxed but focused way. Close your eyes and breathe consciously in & out. Breathe in, first into the top of the lungs, then deeper into the belly. Follow your breath and visualise the breath flowing from the lungs into your whole body. Breathe into the head, into your thoughts, the shoulders, the arms and hands, the lower belly, the legs and the feet. Feel how your entire body is enriched with oxygen. Breathe into your heart and rest here for a moment. You will feel the energy flowing more evenly inside offering you extra space. Repeat this exercise whenever you feel you need fresh space.
Self-Care. Give your body love and attention. A beautiful ritual for self-care is oiling straight after the shower. If you have a bath tub, take a warm bath with salt or herbal extracts beforehand. Oil your entire body and give it some extra attention. I love simple olive oil and I sometimes add a few drops of lavender, geranium or spruce. The oil covers your skin like a fine coat and gives a feeling of protection. The feet and the earlobes react especially to the gentle massage, because there are many acupuncture points here. Oil your feet and earlobes before going to bed. It is a super calming practice.
Medicine for the Heart
Get in touch. Community is important. Through sharing we learn that every person is affected in one way or another, invoking a sense of compassion. In community we feel more connected and less alone. See how your family and friends are doing and also get in touch with neighbours. Some people are especially affected at this time. Send a loving message to people who have no family or partners and live alone, or those who have a tendency to isolate themselves.
Practice Gratitude. The ability to express gratitude is one of the greatest gifts given to humans. Take a moment and look inside yourself. What are you grateful for? It can be very simple: a good meal, a good conversation, a smile. Recently, I read about the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address (which you can find at the end of this article). Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations — Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora) is recited at the beginning and the end of social and religious meetings. One person reads out loud and gives thanks to many aspects of life. When the speaker comes to: Now our minds are one, the others repeat this line. It is also said at the beginning of the day. So powerful to begin a day with 'Greeting the Natural World'. The magic of gratitude is that you focus your attention on what you have. If you open the vibration of gratitude and thank for one thing, many more things come to mind that are worth being grateful for. Our planet is so beautiful and gives us gifts every day. Gratitude leaves us with a feeling of fullness.
Ritual Dream Time. Dreaming is not very encouraged in our society. Everything is always so busy and mind driven. But dreaming has an intelligence and power. It opens the door to imagination. Dreaming nurtures the creative and intuitive side. When the senses are fully awake and you are completely soaked in the moment. It's like entering a different dimension. This dimension has many names. The Australian Aborigines call it the Dreamtime. It describes a state when body, soul and spirit become one and dream greater solutions into being. To me, active dreaming is an essential part of my work. Set up a space and make sure, you have some me-time, dream-time. Create from within. Use your hands, write, paint, meditate, play instruments or simply do nothing. Open to receive. If you ask a question beforehand, you might receive unexpected answers.
Medicine for the Soul
Imagine change. During this time we experience two major currents. One current houses people who want things to go back to normal. This may be comfortable, but in the long run not very sustainable. For we live and consume large amounts of resources at the expense of other living beings. In another current there are people who welcome change and say that nothing will be the same again. Many healers, wisdom keepers, tenders, activists feel that they have prepared exactly for this time. Global meditations are an invitation to bring our hearts together in peace and visualise change and wellbeing for ALL living beings. In this short time of slow-down alone the planet is showing its first signs of recovery. You are invited to join a group that speaks to your senses.
What matters? This question is like a magic light that brings you deeper into your connection with yourself and the Earth. Look at your life and take one aspect like health, relationship or work. Look at this aspect in 3D and try to grasp it with all your senses. What do you see? What do you feel? What are the connection points? With whom are you playing? Are you enjoying the play? What is dear to you? What do you nurture? You may want to sit with this question and allow yourself to take a greater and greater perspective on your life. You may invite new solutions to enhance the play.
Be creative. Wisdom, insights, new offerings and creative projects are being birthed in this time of transition. Teachers offer their medicines in (online) ceremonies, dance classes, mantra chanting, yoga classes and individual sessions. This has set off a creative force that invites everyone to think about the question: What can I give? You are invited to allow yourself to connect with your gifts. There is always something to give: a conversation, time, compassion, understanding, attention, a good meal, a shared ritual. This is a powerful way to connect with the creative force inside of you. It is the force that will allow you to create new ways for yourself if nothing will be the same again and co-create a new global culture.
Prepare a cup of Cacao. The Cacao Spirit is a dear friend and teacher to connect with yourself and with the living world around you. Prepare a Cacao with intention. Invite Cacao to your ritual, to connect with your family, to connect with the deeper truth inside of you. Cacao speaks to the body, the mind, the heart and the soul. Find inspirations in our new section Cacao in Ceremony and enjoy the sense of grounding and opening.
Our Offerings
- Cacao Lover April Gathering 1st - 30th April 2020. We offer a special Cacao Lover edition in April. We have softly concentrated the Cacao Lover experience to one month and have reduced the tuition fee by a third to support our community.
- Sacred To Me - Online Meditation. Join Serap for a one-hour guided online meditation to align yourself in a loving and grounded way.
- The Cacao School. We've updated and opened The Cacao School, offering you free resources, wisdom, insights and blueprints. We've also added new information to Nutrition & Science, the Global Market and History & Spirit. Enjoy surfing.
- Cacao in Ceremony. Setting space for a Cacao Ritual.
Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
Greetings to the Natural World
This Thanksgiving address was used by the six nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) to open and close major gatherings or meetings. The prayer was also sometimes used individually at the beginning or end of the day.
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Waters
We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms- waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.
Now our minds are one.
The Fish
We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.
The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.
The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one.
The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.
The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.
*This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was developed, published in 1993, and provided, courtesy of: Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project All rights reserved. Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World English version: John Stokes and Kanawahienton (David Benedict, Turtle Clan/Mohawk) Mohawk version: Rokwaho (Dan Thompson, Wolf Clan/Mohawk) Original inspiration: Tekaronianekon (Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan/Mohawk)