HGMC June 26th Cacao Ceremony

First and foremost, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the fantastic Mike Wallbank, who facilitated this event for us. Congregating in a nearby car park, under the pleasant summer sun, we had allocated plenty of time for the group to arrive. We had plenty of familiar faces, and there was lots of catching up to be done. Which is always nice. Once we had everybody assembled we took a short stroll to the Gadespring Wetland Reserve. As Mike, correctly pointed out. It’s a very well-kept secret. A little green oasis nestled in between more urban environments.  

We settled into a small clearing, surrounded by tall grass a gentle breeze and the last golden rays of the sun overhead. Mike explained a little about where we were sat. The history of the area, the natural spring water, the old commercial use of the land, and how it’s now under the care of Box Moor Trust who are restoring and rewilding it. There are rare water voles, otters, kingfishers and all kind of amazing animals that now call this home. He also explained some of the history of Cacao. Where it comes from, how it can be prepared, the way in which it is revered and some of its nutritional content. Taking time to guide us through a mindful meditation, occasionally interrupted by a disrespectful passing train we grounded and centred ourselves before enjoying the Cacao as it had been prepared for us. A slightly bitter, strangely familiar and warming drink. We took time to think about all the people who had had a hand in getting us to that moment and to focus on the gratitude for it.  

Once the ceremonial part of the evening had run its course, we took time to check in with the group. Everybody was given some time to talk about how they have been, and what they had learned from the evening. As always, the answers were as different as the people in attendance. For some learning about the Cacao, or the land we sat on was a highlight. For others the mantras we’d repeated, or the space to just sit and be, was what they needed. I’d like to say one more thank you to Mike, and a massive thanks to everybody who attended. See you at the next one.