Heart-Centering Cacao Ritual

Mug from Two Steps Ceramics, San Juan, PR.

Recently I've been focusing on creating my own rituals. Daily rituals help us stay centered and at peace. They bring order and alignment when we would otherwise feel lost and scatter-brained. I've found that connecting with the heart is one of the most important things to do, not just on a daily basis but in every moment of life.

I recently experimented with hot chocolate using raw cacao powder for an afternoon break (right around the time that I get a craving for a sweet chocolatey snack 🍫). On a spiritual level, raw cacao is said to open the heart so that it may heal, so I decided to turn my afternoon break into a conscious heart-focused ritual. I set the intention to allow my heart to guide me through the rest of my afternoon. As I sat down to enjoy my warm cacao drink I held the cup close to my heart center, closed my eyes and took 3 deep breaths. I savored each sip of the nourishing cacao drink and felt like everything was all right.

I highly recommend this type of ritual as part of your daily routine. If you'd like, start with the recipe below to get inspired. I invite you to make the ritual your own: you can incorporate crystals, incense, soothing music... You can add to the drink whatever ingredient that you feel called to (sometimes I add maca powder for an extra boost). Just set the intention to drive peace and love into your being through the heart center (your true self lives in this space).

BONUS: If you're looking to avoid caffeine this drink is a great coffee replacement!

Hot Cacao Drink

• 2 cups coconut milk

• 2 tbsp cacao powder

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (to taste)

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder

• Pinch of salt

Mix cacao powder and coconut milk with wooden spoon while milk is still cold. Heat up all ingredients in sauce pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid burning.

Serve in your favorite mug and drink with gratitude.

Makes 2 small cups. You can store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and heat up or drink it cold later!

Enjoy the little things.✨