We all know chocolate is associated with love and the poster child of Valentine’s Day advertising, thanks to Cadbury for being the leader in marketing boxed chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1868. This chocolate we buy in the Western Culture is far from its origins. True cacao has medicinal healing properties beyond a box of chocolates. Don't get me wrong, it is still enjoyable to consume and gift to others. Not all of cacaos love goodness is lost.
But when I light a candle, sit with a nice warm cup of freshly made ceremonial cacao and whisper my intentions into my cup, my heart opens up like a Care Bear on MDMA.
I am euphoric, buzzing and compassionate from the inside out. Love is radiating out of all my cells. So what is the secret about cacao that the Mayan’s knew for thousands of years hence they revered cacao beans a higher worth than gold? The cultivation and ritual of drinking cacao has been passed down through generations from Mesoamerican cultures and truly is a medicine of the heart. Cacao’s chemical properties combined with Her warm and nurturing Spirit tickles us deep within our soul.
Phenethylamine: Our Natural MDMA or “love drug”
Phenethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous monoamine alkaloid produced in our brain. It is very similar to synthetic amphetamines used in pharmaceuticals and recreationally such as MDMA. Cacao contains a significant amount of PEA. Endogenously, PEA has a very short half life and mild yet positive effects are felt for a short time during pain, exercise, and when we fall in love. When we drink cacao, we are getting an extra dose that can cross the blood brain barrier to enhance our already natural process also aiding as an anti-depressant.
PEA amps up the release of catecholamines (dopamine and norepinephrine) and serotonin. PEA release gives us those excited can’t wait for the next date butterflies as it floods our limbic system (emotional center) in our brains. It is similar to MDMA in chemical structure and therefore functions on the same receptor sites on our neurons creating similar effects on us.
PEA blocks the re-uptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin so they stay floating in our synapses longer for a longer lasting effect making us feel:
· Deeper connection with ourselves and others
· Blissful
· Alert
· Diminished pain
· Love
MDMA is a synthetic drug in the class of amphetamines that people use recreationally and report feeling:
· Love
· Deeper connection with others
· Euphoria
· Self confidence
· Arousal
I am not saying everyone should do MDMA or go chug cacao, but putting the two side by side from a chemical and reported emotional response review, the two dance to the same song in our hearts and brains. This is purely a comparison of recognition of how Cacao is a Plant Medicine to open our hearts for deeper connection. It is incredibly powerful, healing and enjoyable in the appropriate setting, intention and dosage. Finding this sensation within ourselves is the first step to being able to love and accept ourselves so we can then go share that love with others. Cacao is a accessible, gentle way to support us.
Self Love with Cacao
We tend to think of love to interconnect us to others- family members, significant other or beloved animal. Yet, the more substantial vibrations of love are within your own intracellular communication. Self Love.
With an externally stimulated and judgmental society it is harder to love ourselves for who we truly are in efforts to fit in with the collective. We seek validation from the outside to satisfy our biological needs when our own have become extinguished. The further away we get from practicing loving our selves the harder it becomes to love others for who they are. This creates a divide and competitive perception of the world we live in. This is being exemplified in what is happening in the world right now.
I have found Cacao to be my savior, my teacher and my medicine in this regard. Cacao is here to remind us of our ability to self love. The more we practice, the easier it becomes. When you find this in yourself you will radiate this vibration and attract a partner, and create a community who value themselves and others in such a way. This is how we heal and evolve.
Valentine’s Day is coming and it may be emotionally exciting, upsetting or … oh yeah that is why the pharmacy has all the chocolate hearts out kind of day. If you are looking to deepen your connection with your heart so the overflow of love can be showered onto others, then it may be time to meet Cacao and activate your heart.
How to Meet Cacao
Cacao is easily accessible and I absolutely love introducing her to others from around the world. Cacao has also been a seamless addition with my clients as part of Breathe. Move. Recover. to enhance and individualize each session. I have served cacao worldwide for both group and private sessions and currently authoring a book with medicine women globally.
I hold Cacao Ceremonies at the Jersey Shore in NJ both private session online and in-person. If you would like to schedule a private or group session click here https://www.caseymauro.com/cacao
Please reach out with any questions or comments you may have in regards to exploring your heart with Cacao at casey@caseymauro.com
I look forward to connecting with you here and in the quantum field.
A'ho