
Ecstatic Dance and Cacao Ceremony
What to expect
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We will start promptly; please arrive early to settle in and get acquainted and comfortable.
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You will experience a guided ceremony with a series of invitations and activities designed to support you as you experience cacao.
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Cacao Ceremony is unique and individualized each and every time. Come free of expectation with an open heart.
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Bring water and tend to your bodily needs in advance. Please do not come and go during Ceremony.
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What to bring and what to wear for Cacao Ceremony:
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Your physical comfort is of the essence for being able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. You know best what YOUR body needs. Please do self-care in advance to ensure your maximum comfort.
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Check the ceremony location in advance and adapt your personal needs. i.e. Indoors you may wish a small blanket and pillow. For
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outdoor forest ceremonies please wear long pants and/or long socks. For beach ceremonies, timing and weather may advise shoulder
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covering, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For evening ceremonies please bring a light jacket.
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Small towel or sit-upon if you wish (We will be sitting and even lying on the ground.)
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Water bottle (Please stay hydrated.)
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Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent (Please choose an all-natural formula and avoid anything with a strong scent.)
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Walking Stick or any other physical supports you may need.
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What NOT to bring:
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Cameras Make a photo in your mind’s eye so you can let yourself completely relax into the experience.
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Phones Need I explain?
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Wristwatch Let yourself be free for a few hours.
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Dogs/Pets If you require a service animal, please let me know in advance.
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Children We offer separate events and activities designed specifically for children.
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Tobacco Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, E-Cigs, Vape are all prohibited.
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Drugs Wrong time wrong place for drugs, alcohol or any other psychoactive substances.
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Pre-Ceremony Self Care:
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NO caffeine intake for 6 hours prior.
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NO mind-altering substances the day of ceremony.
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NO dairy products on the day of ceremony as this can counteract the benefits of cacao.
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Fasting for 2-3 hours prior to ceremony yields optimal experience, but is not necessary.
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If you have low blood sugar, please bring yourself a snack.
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Contraindications & Health Precautions for Cacao:
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Anti-depressants: Cacao contains MAO inhibitors which can interact with your medication.
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Heart Conditions: Cacao increases heart rate by up to 30% and lowers blood pressure.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: No known contraindications for moms or babies. A smaller serving is suggested.
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Food Sensitivities: Cacao is a fermented food and can upset sensitive stomachs or trigger migraines.
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Animals and Pets: Theobromine in cacao is poisonous and can result in death for pets. Leave pets home.
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Please consider each of these items and request a smaller serving if needed. (Talk with Kortnee in advance)
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Post Ceremony Self Care:
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Cacao stays in your system for 13 days.
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Hydrate! Break your fast with whole foods that are grounding and nourishing to your mind, body and spirit.
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If nauseous during or after cacao ceremony, eat a few crackers.
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Take a long warm bath with salts or other soothing essential oils or herbs.
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Avoid alcohol, mind-altering drugs, and dairy after ceremony and into the next day.
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Reflect on your experience through journaling, drawing, and nature connection.
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Schedule an integration and healing session with Kortnee to enhance your journey forward.
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Your safety and well-being:
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Kortnee Whitehawk, is Wilderness First Aid Certified and will be carrying a First Aid Kit.
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If you carry an epi-pen, other fast acting medication or have any medical condition (i.e. allergies, seizures, heart condition, blood
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thinners) you must tell Kortnee BEFORE we begin.
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All participants are responsible to read the disclosure, informed consent, liability waiver and photo release herein.
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Your participation in ceremony signifies your full consent.
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If for any reason or at any time, you choose not to consume cacao, participation in ceremony is beneficial to you in so many ways and
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we welcome your presence.
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Setting an Intention for Ceremony:
You may receive messages on your intention before, during and after ceremony.
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Your friend on the journey,
Kortnee Whitehawk, MS, Ed​​​
