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: Sunday, March 23rd in Palm Desert - Equinox Cacao + Sound

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!

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.