I have never been to a Cacao Ceremony. They're usually associated as quite a 'yogi thing' to do. It's something I've always meant to check out. There's always been an excuse as to why I haven't gone previously in London or on any of my travels.

A yogi friend of mine said there was one coming up at this really beautiful space in Seseh called Udara. We'd attended a yoga class there. The shala is overlooking the ocean and the design of the entire place is incredible. I decided it was high time I experienced a Cacao Ceremony so we went together.

All I can say is it was so well thought out and welcoming. On arrival, we waited until all the attendees were gathered. We walked through a candlelit musical garden filled with wind chimes. There was a mini saging and cleansing ceremony followed by our feet being washed before entering the space. Everyone attending was handed a rose and invited to pick a tarot card and read it. The room was completely lit with candles surrounding flowers and a Shiva statue. It created a peaceful atmosphere. The sounds of the ocean could be heard. There was a brief introduction about the evening and what to expect along with an explanation to some of the symbolism.

Raw Cacao is one of the Amazonian super plants, and as I'm sure you are aware the main component of chocolate. It's been used traditionally by the New World before making its way to Europe in the 1500s as a source of energy and well known for its multiple health benefits. It contains high levels of antioxidants. These absorb free-radicals which cause tissue and cell damage. It is also the highest plant-based source of iron known to man and is also full of Magnesium and Calcium.

Cacao is a great source of four bliss chemicals - serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters create feelings of well-being, happiness, and can even alleviate depression. A natural, healthy, delicious (and legal) way to get your happy buzz on.

This is why is known as the "love food" of "food of the Gods". Its essence connects you straight to your heart, to release you from the mind space and unwanted emotions creating space to connect to ourselves and the loving energy in our body.

The cacao was delicious. It was grown in Bali and mixed with some spices. I found that I didn't drink as much as I thought I would have! I tried! There was live music, chanting, more cacao drinking and connecting with the other attendees through simple playful exercises. The final part of the evening was receiving a sound bowl bath. This part was like the cherry on the top of an already incredibly rich and decadent cake. It was simply serene. We left feeling lighter, more relaxed, joyful and full of love.

It was a really special evening and I'd recommend checking it out to everyone and most importantly just to go with an open mind.

I'm definitely going to check another Cacao Ceremony out. It was a great way to spend the evening with a friend.