My Intention for 2026: Filling My Cacao Ceremonies with Playfulness, Curiosity, and Love

As we step into 2026, my intention is crystal clear: I want my cacao ceremonies to fully embody what Keith believes cacao was always about-being playful, curious, and open to more love. These ceremonies are not just about drinking a cup of cacao; they are an invitation to explore yourself, your relationships, and your world with a lightness of heart and an open mind. At I AM BEING, our cacao ceremonies in London are designed to create that sacred space, guiding participants into deeper connection with themselves, others, and the joy that life has to offer.

Understanding Cacao: A Sacred Plant Medicine

Cacao, often referred to as “The Food of the Gods,” has been revered for thousands of years, particularly in Central and South America. Ancient civilizations, including the Mayans and Aztecs, believed cacao was a sacred medicine capable of opening the heart and connecting us to the divine.

Cacao contains compounds that influence both the body and mind:

• Theobromine: A gentle stimulant similar to caffeine, theobromine boosts energy without the jitteriness that coffee can bring. It promotes alertness while maintaining a sense of calm.
• Phenylethylamine (PEA): Often called the “love molecule,” PEA encourages feelings of joy, connection, and love, which is why cacao is associated with opening the heart.
• Anandamide: Known as the “bliss molecule,” this neurotransmitter encourages feelings of euphoria, calm, and emotional connection.
• Magnesium and Flavonoids: These support cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enhance overall mood.

Scientific studies have shown that cacao consumption can lead to increased serotonin levels, improved mood, and even enhanced creativity. It is not just a drink; it’s a conscious tool for emotional, mental, and energetic wellbeing.

Playfulness in Cacao Ceremonies

One of the most magical qualities of cacao is how it invites playfulness into our lives. Keith always emphasised that cacao is not just serious medicine, it’s a joyful, curious, and light-hearted companion on our journey.

In our London cacao ceremonies at I AM BEING, playfulness can be cultivated in several ways:

• Creative Expression: Encouraging participants to express themselves through art, writing, or movement after drinking cacao. Even something as simple as drawing your feelings can unlock joy and curiosity.
• Heart-Centered Games: Gentle icebreakers or group exercises can help participants connect in a playful way, breaking down barriers and inviting laughter.
• Embodied Play: Using cacao as a way to explore movement, dance, or playful stretching fosters a connection between the body and heart.

Science supports the benefits of playfulness: studies show that laughter and joyful experiences reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), increase dopamine, and strengthen social bonds—all enhanced by cacao’s chemical composition.

Curiosity: Opening the Mind

Cacao not only opens the heart but also encourages curiosity. When we approach life with curiosity, we step into a mindset that is willing to learn, explore, and question. In ceremonies, this translates into participants being more open to self-reflection, spiritual exploration, and genuine connection with others.

Examples of cultivating curiosity in our ceremonies include:

• Guided Meditation: Using cacao to gently open the mind before a meditation, allowing participants to explore inner landscapes and emotions with wonder rather than judgement.
• Inquiry Circles: Creating space for participants to ask themselves questions like: “What do I desire more of in my life?” or “Where can I show myself more love?” These questions, inspired by cacao’s gentle prompting, encourage deep self-exploration.
• Playful Rituals: Incorporating small, unexpected elements such as sound instruments, aroma, or movement keeps the ceremony light and curious, prompting participants to engage fully in the present moment.

Neuroscience explains this beautifully: when we are curious, the brain releases dopamine, enhancing learning, memory, and motivation. Coupled with cacao, this creates an optimal environment for personal growth and inner discovery.

Love: Expanding the Heart

Perhaps the most profound effect of cacao is its ability to open the heart. Love, in the context of cacao ceremonies, extends beyond romantic notions; it is about compassion, self-acceptance, empathy, and connection.

At I AM BEING, our ceremonies focus on fostering this kind of love through:

• Heart-Opening Practices: Simple practices such as placing hands over the heart, deep breathing, or visualisation exercises help participants tune into feelings of love and compassion.
• Partnered Exercises: Gentle eye-gazing, group sharing, or collective affirmations create a sense of trust and deep emotional connection.
• Ceremonial Intentions: Encouraging participants to set intentions for love,whether self-love, love for others, or love for life, aligns the ceremony with the natural heart-opening effects of cacao.

From a scientific perspective, cacao increases oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” which strengthens social bonds and promotes feelings of trust and empathy. Drinking cacao in a group setting amplifies this effect, creating a collective sense of heart-expansion and love.

How to Experience Playfulness, Curiosity, and Love in a Cacao Ceremony

To truly embody Keith’s vision for cacao, our ceremonies incorporate both ritual and freedom. Here’s how participants can experience these qualities:

1. Preparation: The ceremony begins with intention-setting. Participants are guided to approach cacao with openness—ready to explore, play, and love.
2. Mindful Drinking: Sipping cacao slowly, noticing its aroma, texture, and taste, allows participants to fully connect to the present moment.
3. Movement and Expression: Incorporating gentle movement, stretching, or even dance helps release tension and invite playfulness.
4. Sharing Circles: Participants are encouraged to speak from the heart, ask questions, or share insights, fostering curiosity and connection.
5. Meditation and Visualisation: Using cacao as a companion in guided meditation helps deepen inner exploration and heart expansion.
6. Closing Rituals: Ending with gratitude, reflection, or collective intention-setting ensures that the energy of play, curiosity, and love continues beyond the ceremony.

The Science of Connection: Why Cacao Works

It’s not just anecdotal—science confirms that cacao’s chemical properties, combined with ritual and intention, can enhance emotional, mental, and social wellbeing:

• Theobromine and Mood: As a mild stimulant, theobromine increases energy and alertness without the crash associated with caffeine. This allows participants to engage more fully in the ceremony.
• PEA and Joy: Phenylethylamine encourages feelings of joy and love, naturally aligning with the intention of heart-opening experiences.
• Flavonoids and Neuroplasticity: Cacao’s antioxidants improve blood flow to the brain, supporting neuroplasticity, creativity, and cognitive function which is perfect for exploration and curiosity.
• Oxytocin and Social Bonding: Shared cacao experiences amplify oxytocin release, enhancing trust, empathy, and connection among participants.

When approached mindfully, cacao is not only a delicious drink but also a powerful facilitator of personal growth, creativity, and relational connection.

Why Cacao Ceremonies in London Are Unique

London is a vibrant city full of energy and opportunity but it can also be fast-paced and stressful. Our cacao ceremonies atI AM BEING provide a sacred pause, a moment to step out of the rush and reconnect with the heart.

Participants consistently report that even a single session leaves them feeling:

• Lighter and more joyful
• Open to new experiences
• Connected to themselves and others
• Inspired to bring more love into daily life

In London, where wellness options abound, cacao ceremonies stand out because they are intentional, heart-led, and deeply transformative, embodying Keith’s philosophy of playful exploration and openness to love.

Practical Examples of Ceremony Activities

Here are some ways we incorporate Keith’s ethos into each cacao ceremony at I AM BEING:

1. Heart Journaling: After drinking cacao, participants spend time writing down thoughts, feelings, or playful ideas, guided by prompts like “What brings me joy?” or “What curiosity am I ready to explore?”
2. Sound Healing: Using instruments like gongs, chimes, or crystal bowls, participants immerse themselves in sound, enhancing mindfulness and emotional release.
3. Movement Meditation: Gentle stretching or slow, playful movement allows participants to embody joy and curiosity physically.
4. Partner Connections: Pairing participants for guided eye contact or heart-centered conversations fosters empathy and love.
5. Creative Rituals: Incorporating colour, art, or symbols into ceremonies helps participants access imagination and curiosity in a fun, engaging way.

Integrating Cacao Into Everyday Life

While ceremonies are powerful, cacao can also be a daily companion for play, curiosity, and love:

• Begin the day with a small cup of ceremonial cacao to set a mindful and joyful intention.
• Use cacao moments as a prompt for reflection, journaling, or meditation.
• Share cacao with friends or loved ones, cultivating connection and empathy.

By integrating cacao intentionally, participants continue to embody the qualities cultivated in ceremony throughout daily life.

My 2026 Intention

This year, my intention is to infuse every cacao ceremony with Keith’s vision by creating experiences that are playful, curious, and filled with love. My aim is that each participant leaves the circle lighter, more joyful, and more connected to themselves and others. At I AM BEING, this is not just a wellness offering; it is a heart-led journey into deeper presence, joy, and love.

Whether you are new to cacao or have participated in ceremonies before, I invite you to join us in London to experience the transformative magic of cacao, guided by intention, science, and a playful, loving spirit.

Being,

Gizelle Renee Xx