Practice
Cacao
Ceremonial-grade cacao in a held gathering — a traditional heart-centred drink, not a medical therapy.
These pages describe traditional and personal practices. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment. Experiences vary. If you are unwell, speak to a GP or another clinician as well as David. Terms of use.
Where it comes from
Ceremonial cacao is the drink of Theobroma cacao, prepared with far less processing than eating chocolate, and held in ritual among Maya and other Mesoamerican peoples. It is often spoken of as a plant of the heart: warming, connecting, and gently stimulating — not a hallucinogen.
What it is
You sit in circle and drink a prepared ceremonial-grade cacao. Theobromine opens circulation and often brings a soft, chest-forward feeling. From there: intention, sharing, meditation, sound, or simply being with others without performing. The cup is only part of the evening.
David holds cacao as a gathering for sitting together, setting an intention if you wish, and connecting. Some people feel a lot; some do not. You will be told what is in the cup. You can drink less. You can sit quietly and not share out loud.
What to expect
- A warm, bitter, earthy drink — not a mocha. You can sip slowly.
- A lift in energy and feeling, usually gentle. Some people cry. Some people laugh. Both belong.
- You remain fully present and able to leave at any time.
How to work with it
- 01
Come with a little emptiness
A light stomach helps. Cacao on a huge meal sits heavily. Skip a second coffee if you are sensitive to stimulants.
- 02
Receive the cup
Hold it. Notice the heat. Set your intention into the drink if that feels true, then sip. You do not have to finish it. More is not more.
- 03
Stay in the body
If the heart feels full, put a hand there. If restlessness comes, feel your seat and your feet. Sharing is an offering, not a requirement.
- 04
Close the circle
Thank the plant, the people, the room. Eat something salty or grounding afterwards. Do not stack cacao with heavy stimulants or late-night plans you will resent.
Prepare
- Mention if you are sensitive to caffeine, theobromine, or have a heart condition.
- If you are on MAOIs or have been told to limit stimulants, ask first — cacao is not inert.
- Bring a mug if invited, a journal, and clothes for sitting on the floor.
Aftercare
- The heart can stay open and a little raw. Choose kind company, or none.
- Water, a walk, an early night. Journal one true sentence.
Safety
- Cacao is a stimulant. Use care in pregnancy, with certain heart conditions, and with stimulant-sensitive medication — ask a clinician if unsure.
- This is not psychotherapy, even when tears come.
Beautiful before meditation, sound, or a hapé evening.