Cacao Circles: A Space for Connection, Healing, and Heart Opening

Why gathering in ceremony with cacao is a practice of deep listening and presence.

In a world that moves fast, gathering in a cacao circle is a radical act of slowing down. Unlike grabbing a cup of coffee on the go, a cacao ceremony invites you to pause, connect, and receive. It’s an intentional space where we come together in community, honoring the wisdom of this sacred plant and allowing it to guide us inward.

Cacao has been used in ceremonial settings for centuries, particularly in Mesoamerican traditions, as a way to open the heart, deepen connection, and enhance meditation. When shared in a group setting, its effects are amplified—creating a sense of warmth, clarity, and emotional release.

Together we explore:
🌿 Guided meditation and intention setting to connect with the energy of cacao
🌿 A restorative sound bath with crystal singing bowls
🌿 The power of shared energy in community

This is not just a “gathering.” It’s a space where you can tune into your heart, find clarity, and allow yourself to be fully present. If you’ve been craving deeper connection—within yourself and with others—consider joining my next cacao circle. You don’t need any prior experience, just an open heart and a willingness to receive.

👉 Upcoming Cacao Circle: Friday February 28th in Palm Springs.

Ceremonial Cacao: Benefits, Contraindications & Preparation

What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is pure, minimally processed cacao paste made from whole cacao beans. Unlike commercial chocolate, it retains its natural fats and nutrients, making it a sacred plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous cultures in Central and South America for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

• Heart-Opening: Cacao contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that gently enhances mood and energy while promoting emotional connection.

• Mental Clarity & Focus: Theobromine and antioxidants support cognitive function and reduce mental fog.

• Nutrient-Rich: High in magnesium, iron, and flavonoids, cacao can support heart health, reduce inflammation, help fight disease, and promote relaxation.

• Spiritual & Emotional Healing: Used in ceremonies and meditation, cacao helps deepen self-awareness and connection to intuition.

Contraindications

• Heart Conditions: Theobromine can increase heart rate and may not be suitable for those with serious cardiovascular issues.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While generally safe, consult a healthcare provider before consuming in large amounts.

• Antidepressant Use: Cacao interacts with MAOIs and SSRIs, potentially intensifying their effects. It is not recommended to drink cacao if you are taking these prescribed drugs.

• Caffeine Sensitivity: Can cause jitteriness or insomnia in those sensitive to stimulants. Drink small amounts or avoid completely.

**Please consult your medical doctor for official guidance on your own health and personal needs in relation to cacao.

How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao

1. Measure: Use 15–40g of ceremonial cacao per serving.

2. Heat Water or Plant-Based Milk: Warm 6–8 oz of liquid, avoiding boiling to preserve nutrients.

3. Blend: Stir cacao into the warm liquid until smooth, using a whisk or blender.

4. Enhance (Optional): Add cinnamon, cayenne, honey, or vanilla for extra flavor and intention.

5. Set an Intention: Before drinking, take a moment to breathe, set an intention, and connect with the spirit of cacao.

Enjoy as part of a meditation, journaling practice, or mindful ritual.

Join an upcoming cacao circle and stay in the loop for Bella’s branded cacao, coming soon!

The Power of Sound: How Sound Baths Help You Regulate Your Nervous System

Relaxation isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here's why sound can be the key to restoring balance in your body, I know this first-hand.

Have you ever noticed how a certain song can instantly shift your mood? Sound has the power to transport us, ground us, and bring deep emotional release. But beyond music, sound healing is an ancient practice that helps regulate the nervous system, moving us from stress and overstimulation to a place of deep calm.

When we’re caught in the loop of daily stress (yep, been there) our nervous system gets stuck in a heightened state. The vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, and chimes work like a reset button, helping the body shift into a parasympathetic state—the state of rest, digest, and repair. Science backs this up too: research shows that sound healing can reduce cortisol levels, slow heart rate, and improve sleep quality.

So, how do you integrate this into your life? Try a sound bath, even if it's a short, self-guided experience. Sit or lay down, close your eyes, and simply listen to the tones of a singing bowl (you can find recordings online or in my membership). Let the sound move through you, bringing awareness to your breath and body.

Sound isn't just something we hear—it's something we feel. And when we let it, it becomes a tool for healing, balance, and deep restoration, helping us to navigate all the parts of life.

Let me know how sound has impacted you!

Cacao: More Than a Drink, It’s a Ritual

How this sacred plant medicine can help you reconnect with your heart and intuition.

I recently returned from a week-long immersion with cacao in Guatemala. I’m a pretty open person, but this experience blasted my heart open in more ways than I can explain. It has been a few weeks since I’ve been back and I’m still unfolding the teachings.

The biggest question I’ve gotten - what exactly IS cacao?

Cacao is so much more than a trendy wellness drink—it's an ancient heart-opener, a plant medicine used ceremonially by the Maya and Aztec cultures to connect to the divine. When prepared with intention, cacao becomes a bridge back to yourself, helping you slow down, breathe deeper, and move with greater awareness.

Unlike coffee, which stimulates the nervous system, cacao nourishes it. It contains theobromine, a gentle energy booster that enhances mood and focus without the jitters. It’s also packed with magnesium, which helps relax muscles and ease stress. But beyond the science, cacao carries an energy that invites us to soften, to sit with ourselves, and to listen.

A simple way to create a cacao ritual:

1. Prepare your cacao with intention (blend ceremonial-grade cacao with hot water, a touch of sweetener, and a pinch of spice).

2. Sit in silence with your cup, setting an intention for your practice.

3. Sip slowly, noticing the warmth and how it makes you feel.

4. Journal, meditate, or simply breathe and be.

Cacao is a beautiful tool for self-reflection, creativity, and heart-centered living. If you feel called to experience it in a deeper way, join me for an upcoming cacao gathering, I’ll be leading more of these spaces in the new year. This is an invitation to slow down, connect, and receive.

Looking forward to connecting soon through cacao!

What is Mindfulness and Why Does it Matter?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our full attention to the present moment, intentionally and without judgment. It’s about noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they come up, instead of getting lost in them. In a world where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or distracted, mindfulness helps us slow down, take a breath, and truly experience life as it unfolds.

One of the greatest benefits of mindfulness is its impact on stress. Studies show that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress levels, improve focus, and even boost emotional resilience. It’s like a reset button for the mind, helping us handle challenges with a bit more ease and clarity. Whether it’s through meditation, mindful breathing, or simply paying attention to everyday activities like eating or walking, mindfulness strengthens our ability to respond to life’s ups and downs with a calm and open heart.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t mean eliminating all worries or negative thoughts—it’s about learning to observe them without letting them control us. In doing so, we give ourselves the freedom to respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting out of habit or stress. In the long run, mindfulness becomes a powerful tool for cultivating joy, peace, and a more balanced approach to daily life.

Morning Mindfulness Practice: Set Your Intention

Duration: 3-5 minutes

1. Get Grounded
   Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths, relaxing with each exhale.

2. Body Scan
   Gently bring attention to each part of your body, moving slowly from head to toe, releasing any tension.

3. Set an Intention
   Think of one word or quality you want to carry through your day, like patience or calm. Say to yourself, “Today, I bring [your intention] into my day.”

4. Visualize
   Picture yourself moving through the day with this intention, responding calmly, and engaging thoughtfully.

5. Close with Gratitude
   Take one more deep inhale in and bring to mind one thing you’re grateful for.

Open your eyes and have a wonderful day ahead!

Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Practice of Presence

It’s not about the handstands—it’s about how you show up on and off the mat.

Yoga is often seen as a physical practice, but the real magic happens when we take it beyond the mat. The poses (asanas) are just one part of a much bigger system rooted in mindfulness, breathwork, and self-awareness. Hello to the 8 limbs of yoga, yogis!

If you take my classes, you’ll often hear me say something like “take what you need, leave what you don’t” as an invitation to tap into the present and allow yourself to be deeply connected to the time on your mat. I will never be a teacher who gets upset at you opting out or adding to the sequence; enjoy the time!

The next time you step on your mat, try approaching your practice with these three intentions:

1. Breathe with awareness. Let your breath guide you. Instead of forcing movements, follow the natural rhythm of your inhale and exhale.

2. Feel, don’t force. Yoga isn’t about “getting” a pose; it’s about exploring your body with curiosity and compassion.

3. Take it with you. The real yoga practice begins when class ends. Notice how you breathe, react, and move through your day—this is where true transformation happens.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning, the essence of yoga is presence. It’s not about perfecting a shape but about becoming more present in your body, your mind, and your life.

Let me know your thoughts below!

The Art of Stillness: Why Meditation Isn’t About Clearing Your Mind

Let go of the pressure to “do it right” and discover the meditation practice that works for you. This was GAME-CHANGING for me.

One of the biggest misconceptions about meditation is that you have to silence your thoughts. Sitting cross-legged, with my hands on my knees.

But the truth is, meditation isn't about stopping your mind—it’s about becoming aware of it.

Think of meditation as a practice of listening. Instead of trying to control your thoughts, you observe them, like clouds passing through the sky. Some days, the sky is clear. Other days, it's stormy. And that’s okay—what matters is showing up.

If sitting still feels overwhelming, try one of these approaches:

• Breath-focused meditation – Simply notice your inhale and exhale, letting it anchor you in the present moment.

• Sound meditation – Listen to nature sounds, a singing bowl, or even your own breath as a focal point.

• Walking meditation – Move mindfully, paying attention to each step and the sensations in your body.

Meditation is less about achieving a certain state and more about creating space for yourself. Be gentle, stay curious, and let it be a practice of self-connection.

Let me know different meditation experiences you’ve tried and what has resonated.

How to Prepare for your Sound Bath

A sound bath is a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that uses therapeutic sounds and vibrations to promote relaxation and healing. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, proper preparation can enhance your experience and allow you to fully benefit from the session. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready for your next sound bath.

1. Understand What to Expect

Before attending a sound bath, it’s helpful to understand what it entails. During a sound bath, you will typically lie down in a comfortable position while the practitioner plays various instruments, such as crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. The sounds and vibrations are designed to help you relax, meditate, and enter a state of deep rest.

2. Dress Comfortably

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to relax fully. Layers are a good idea, as the temperature may change during the session. Consider bringing a blanket or shawl for added warmth and comfort.

3. Hydrate and Eat Lightly

Stay hydrated before the session, but avoid consuming too much liquid right before the sound bath to minimize disruptions. Eat a light meal an hour or two beforehand. Avoid heavy or spicy foods that could cause discomfort while lying down.

4. Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to travel, park, arrive, settle in, and acclimate to the environment. Arriving early allows you to choose a comfortable spot and begin to relax before the session starts. We recommend 15-20 minutes before start time.

5. Bring Essential Items

Consider bringing a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow for added comfort. An eye mask can help block out light and enhance relaxation. Some people also like to bring crystals or other personal items to help them feel grounded and centered. Don’t forget your water!

6. Set an Intention

Before the session begins, take a moment to set an intention. This could be a specific goal, such as reducing stress, or a general desire to relax and rejuvenate. Setting an intention can help focus your mind and deepen your experience.

7. Embrace an Open Mind + Heart

Approach the sound bath with an open mind and a willingness to let go of expectations. Each session is unique, and you may experience a range of emotions and sensations. Allow yourself to be fully present and open to whatever arises.

8. Practice Mindfulness

During the sound bath, focus on your breath and the sounds around you. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay engaged and fully benefit from the session.

9. Post-Session Reflection

After the sound bath, take some time to reflect on your experience. Drink water to rehydrate and help flush out any toxins released during the session. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process and integrate the experience. Be gentle on yourself.

10. Book Your Next Session

Attending regular sound baths may help to regulate your nervous system and counter the effects of stress and modern-day living. Check out the schedule for future events and join!

Sound Baths with Bella

Virtual: Donation-based, monthly on Zoom - schedule posted here

Palm Desert: Monthly, check schedule on SDY site

Private Bookings: available for house calls, private events, bachelorettes, corporate wellness programs, brand activations, etc. Let’s create magic with sound! Check out bookings here.