Transform Your Business with this Ceremonial Cacao Ritual
In this episode, Nicole Bellisle, executive educator at Harvard University and the founder of Living Leaders, shares the profound impact ceremonial grade cacao has had on her journey as a leader and entrepreneur. Dive into the ancient practice of cacao rituals and discover how it can serve as a powerful tool for managing energy, enhancing mindfulness at work, and deepening your connection with yourself and those around you.
Nicole guides you through the spiritual and health benefits of ceremonial grade cacao, offers a step-by-step recipe to create your own cacao blend, and shares personal insights on integrating this sacred ritual into your daily leadership and business practices. Whether you're preparing for a major meeting, seeking clarity and purpose, or simply looking to cultivate a more conscious and connected way of living and leading, this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn:
- The history and healing properties of ceremonial grade cacao
- How to prepare ceremonial grade cacao at home
- Tips for integrating cacao rituals into your leadership practice
- The science behind cacao's health benefits, and why these are so important for leaders and entrepreneurs
- Practical ways to use cacao to enhance mental focus, reduce stress, and support your menstrual cycle
Ceremonial Grade Cacao Recipe
Ingredients:
25-32 grams of finely chopped ceremonial grade cacao
6-8 oz of water
A dash of pink Himalayan sea salt
1 teaspoon (or less) of vanilla extract
A dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon (depending on preference for spicy or nutty flavor)
A few dashes of turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties)
Local honey or maple syrup, to taste (for sweetness)
2-3 oz of your favorite milk (adjust based on dietary needs or cycle syncing)
Optional: spoonful of tahini or nut butter, essential oils or flower essences (safe for ingestion), cardamom, nutmeg, coconut oil for additional flavors and benefits
Instructions:
Place 25-32 grams of finely chopped ceremonial grade cacao into a small pot.
Heat the Mixture:
Add 6-8 oz of water to the pot with cacao.
Heat the mixture over low to medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil to preserve the nutrients and flavors of the cacao.
Stir in a dash of pink Himalayan sea salt, vanilla extract, and your choice of cayenne pepper or cinnamon.
Add a few dashes of turmeric for its health benefits.
Sweeten with local honey or maple syrup according to your taste.
Stir often, inhaling the chocolatey aromas deeply.
While stirring, set an intention or say a prayer over the cacao, infusing your preparation with positive energy and purpose.
Once the mixture starts to steam (after about 4 minutes), add 2-3 oz of your favorite milk. This helps prevent boiling and ensures the cacao fully melts into a smooth consistency.
Froth (Optional):
If you have a frother, use it to froth the cacao mixture to your desired texture.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the prepared cacao into your favorite mug.
Find a comfortable spot or a place in nature to enjoy your ceremonial cacao.
Hold the mug with both hands, feeling its warmth. Notice its color and aroma, reconnecting with your intention.
Take a deep breath, then take your first sip, mindfully savoring the flavor and welcoming the cacao into your body.
Continue to sip slowly, focusing on the sensations in your heart and being open to receiving love and wellness.
Customize (Optional):
Experiment by adding other ingredients like tahini, nut butter, essential oils, cardamom, nutmeg, or coconut oil to find your favorite combinations and adjust for seasonal or personal preferences.
Notes:
This recipe is not only a method for preparing a nourishing drink but also an invitation to create a moment of mindfulness and connection. Adjust the ingredients and steps to suit your personal taste and wellness journey.
Remember to check for any dietary restrictions or health considerations, especially when experimenting with additional ingredients.
Links:
Cacao Source: https://www.sourcecacao.com/
Self-Paced Online Self-Reiki Course: https://www.nicolebellisle.com/selfreiki
Learn how to Cycle Sync: www.mymoonrhythm.com
Subscribe to Living Leaders Newsletter: www.livingleaders.org
Harvard University Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership Program -- if you're a sustainability exec, apply here: https://eesl.sph.harvard.edu/
Connect with Nicole:
www.nicolebellisle.com
https://instagram.com/nicolebellisle
https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolebellisle
If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with others who might benefit from integrating cacao rituals into their leadership journey. Leave a comment below on how you plan to incorporate ceremonial grade cacao into your life or any experiences you've had with cacao ceremonies.
Thanks for watching, and remember to embrace the power of ritual to transform not just your leadership, but your life.
#CeremonialCacao #LeadershipRituals #MindfulnessForLeaders #CacaoCeremony #ConsciousBusiness