I Whispered an Intention Into a Cup of Cacao and Something in Me Shifted

Alexis Chacin
May 20
4 min read

Written by Alexis Chacin, of Ecstatic Living Florida

The cup is warm in your hands. The cacao smells like earth and chocolate and something older than language. The facilitator says, 'Take a moment with your cup. Whisper your intention into the cacao.' You feel a little silly. You whisper anyway.

And then something happens. You feel the heat move down through your chest. You feel something soften. You feel — for the first time in days, maybe weeks — actually here.

This is a cacao ceremony. And what's happening to you is older, deeper, and more available than you probably realize.

What is a cacao ceremony?

A cacao ceremony is a guided ritual centered around drinking ceremonial-grade cacao — pure, unprocessed cacao from carefully sourced beans, traditionally from indigenous farms in Central and South America. Unlike commercial chocolate, ceremonial cacao is unsweetened, unprocessed, and prepared with intention.

The ceremony itself usually involves a circle, an opening invocation, the offering of cacao with an intention, music or meditation, and a closing integration. It's part heart medicine, part community, part inner journey.

Is cacao actually a medicine?

Yes — and not in a metaphorical way. Cacao contains theobromine (a gentle cardiovascular stimulant), anandamide (the so-called 'bliss molecule'), phenylethylamine (associated with love and connection), and tryptophan (a serotonin precursor). Together they create a soft, heart-opening, energetically lifted state without altering perception.

Indigenous cultures have used cacao for thousands of years as a sacred substance — for ceremony, for healing, for connection to spirit. The science is finally catching up with what the ancient traditions have always known.

What happens during a ceremony at Ecstatic Living Florida?

Our ceremonies at The Womb in Lake Worth Beach follow a gentle arc. You arrive, settle in, and join a circle of community members. A facilitator opens the space — often with sound, breath, and a simple invitation to set an intention.

The cacao is prepared with care, sometimes with rose, cinnamon, or chili. As you drink, you're guided into a meditation, a movement practice, or sometimes simply held in silence. The heart opens slowly. You may feel emotional. You may feel deeply grounded. You may feel both at once.

We close with sharing — anyone who wants to speak can. Then community time, often with tea, sometimes with food. Nobody leaves without being seen.

Why does cacao open the heart?

On a chemical level, cacao gently increases blood flow and lowers stress hormones. On an energetic level — and this is the part that's harder to explain but easy to feel — cacao seems to soften the protective armor we carry. The chest opens. Breath deepens. Tenderness becomes possible.

This is why so many people find tears in cacao ceremony. Not sad tears. Tears of release, of recognition, of finally letting yourself be soft for an hour or two.

Is cacao ceremony safe?

For most people, yes. Ceremonial cacao is non-psychoactive and non-addictive. However, because of its cardiovascular effect, anyone on antidepressants (especially MAOIs), heart medication, or with sensitivity to caffeine should consult their doctor before participating. We always offer a smaller dose option, and you're never required to drink the full cup.

How do I prepare for my first cacao ceremony?

Eat lightly that day. Hydrate. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring an open mind and any intention you'd like to bring to your cup. You don't need to believe anything specific — ceremony works whether you understand it intellectually or not.

Most importantly: come willing to be present. That's the only real prerequisite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to share or speak during the ceremony?

Never. Sharing is always invited but never required. Many people sit in beautiful silence the whole time, and that's its own kind of medicine.

What if I don't like the taste of cacao?

Ceremonial cacao tastes earthier and richer than commercial chocolate. It's not sweet. Most people grow to love the taste, but if it doesn't resonate, you can take small sips with intention rather than drinking the full cup.

How often does Ecstatic Living Florida host cacao ceremonies?

We host cacao ceremonies regularly at The Womb in Lake Worth Beach, often paired with sound healing, breathwork, or sacred circle gatherings. Check our events page for upcoming dates.

Can I bring a friend who has never done anything like this before?

Absolutely. Some of our most beautiful ceremonies have included first-timers who came along with a friend. The container is designed to be welcoming for anyone curious, regardless of experience.

Will I feel anything if I drink cacao at home?

You can absolutely brew ceremonial cacao at home, and many people do. But the ceremony — the community, the held space, the music, the facilitation — creates a depth of experience that's hard to replicate solo. Both have their place.

Vanessa Morales is the founder of Ecstatic Living Florida and has spent the last decade building spaces where people can heal in community. She lives in Lake Worth Beach with too many plants and just enough candles.