Cacao Ceremonies in London: A Return to Self with I AM BEING
I adore London, I really do, but it is a city that moves fast, demands much, and rarely pauses. Cacao ceremonies offer something profoundly different and needed in wellness and to be really frank about it, other wellness modalities don’t do what cacao does. It’s just fact.
At I AM BEING, cacao ceremonies are not just events. They are intentional spaces designed to bring you back into connection with your body, your breath, your emotions, and your inner truth. And to do it in a way that is not forced.
As cacao ceremonies in London continue to grow in popularity, many people are drawn in by curiosity. But what they often discover is something deeper: a powerful, heart-led experience that gently invites you to slow down and feel.
It is with the rising, and the launch (soon!) of my own cacao brand and practitioner course that I want to start giving more information on cacao, cacao in ceremonies and also, at home. But also, to help you make the right decision as to what type of ceremony you want to attend. Below I will cover off the following:
- What cacao ceremonies are
- The difference in cacao dosages
- Why the heart softens during a ceremony
- Why leaning into the experience is essential
- And how I AM BEING holds space for this work in London
What Is a Cacao Ceremony?
A cacao ceremony is a guided, intentional experience where ceremonial-grade cacao is consumed in a mindful setting.
Traditionally used in Central and South American cultures as a sacred plant medicine, cacao was never simply a drink; it was a bridge between the physical and spiritual, the individual and the collective.
At I AM BEING, cacao ceremonies in London are thoughtfully curated to honour these roots while creating a modern, grounded experience.
Each ceremony may include:
- Intention setting
- Breathwork
- Meditation
- Sound or music
- Stillness and reflection
- Optional sharing
But beyond structure, what defines a cacao ceremony is the space; a space where you are invited to arrive fully as you are.
Ceremonial Cacao vs Chocolate
Not all cacao is created equal.
The cacao used in ceremonies is:
- Minimally processed
- Free from dairy and refined sugar
- Made from whole cacao beans
- Rich in natural compounds
This is very different from commercial chocolate, which is often highly processed and stripped of its active properties.
Ceremonial cacao retains:
- Theobromine – a gentle, heart-stimulating compound
- Magnesium – supporting relaxation and nervous system balance
- Flavanols – supporting circulation and cardiovascular health
- Anandamide precursors – associated with feelings of wellbeing
This combination is what creates the unique “heart-opening” experience cacao is known for and you are likely hearing more about as cacao grows in popularity.
Understanding Cacao Dosage in Ceremonies
One of the most important aspects of any cacao ceremony in London and beyond is dosage. And please, be sure to ask your getting the dose you’ve paid for.
The amount of cacao you drink shapes your experience; physically, emotionally, and energetically.
At I AM BEING, dosage is always intentional and guided, ensuring that the experience feels supportive rather than overwhelming. Our new product will allow a dose of 35-38g in a ceremony and you can always go back for more.
Low Dose (10–20g): Gentle Opening
A lower dose offers a subtle introduction (it’s also nice for bedtime ritual!)
Experience:
- Light uplift in mood
- Calm presence
- Gentle awareness of emotions
- Grounded clarity
This is ideal for first-time participants who might be anxious about trying it, just before bedtime and journaling or corporate or daytime sessions where we can’t go too deep or have a quick ten minutes before another session and there isn’t enough time to introduce newbies to the power of cacao.
It allows you to connect without intensity, a soft entry point into the practice.
Moderate Dose (20–35g): Heart Activation
This is the most common dosage used in cacao ceremonies in order to cater to most.
Experience:
- Noticeable heart expansion
- Emotional awareness increases
- Deeper connection to self and others
- Enhanced meditation and breathwork
This level supports depth without overwhelm, allowing you to explore what is present while feeling held and safe.
High / Ceremonial Dose (35–50g+): Deep Inner Work
A higher dose is used for more immersive ceremonies and is always held within a strong, experienced container.
Experience:
- Physical warmth and expansion in the chest
- Tingling or increased sensitivity
- Emotional release or insight
- Heightened intuition and connection
This is not about intensity for the sake of it; it is about depth and where I tend to hold space. This is because I have been doing this for years and I understand how to do it. Be sure to check in with the facilitator and how they hold space.
At I AM BEING, higher doses are approached with care, respect, and a strong emphasis on safety and integration. We do the work together and it is beautiful.
Why the Heart Softens in a Cacao Ceremony
One of the most profound and commonly shared experiences in cacao ceremonies is the feeling that the heart softens.
This is not just poetic, I promise, it is both biological and emotional!
The Science: Vasodilation and Breath
Cacao contains theobromine, which acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and increasing circulation.
This leads to:
- Increased blood flow around the heart
- A feeling of warmth or expansion in the chest
- Improved oxygen delivery throughout the body
Cacao is also a mild bronchodilator, supporting deeper breathing. Together, this creates a physical sense of openness; as if the chest has more space.
The Emotional Experience: Softening the Armour
Beyond the physical effects, cacao works gently on an emotional level.
In daily life, many of us hold protective layers and some examples of this may include:
- Busyness
- Overthinking
- Emotional suppression
- Disconnection from the body
Cacao doesn’t force anything, it simply softens these layers. As they begin to drop, you may experience vulnerability, compassion, emotional clarity and a deeper connection to yourself which is why it is often described as the “heart opening” medicine.
Why It’s Important to Lean Into the Experience
It feels like we are conditioned to stay distracted. When something uncomfortable arises, the instinct is often to (be honest with yourself!):
- Check your phone
- Shift your attention
- Analyse instead of feel
- Move away from the sensation
But in a cacao ceremony, the invitation is different and magical…I see it time and time again and it’s the best part of facilitating. Seeing these moments of change.
Resistance vs Presence
When you resist what is coming up emotions remain unprocessed, insights stay just out of reach and the experience stays surface-level. But when you lean in gently, something shifts.
Leaning in is not about forcing or intensifying. It is about staying present with what is arising, allowing emotions to move without judgement, trusting your body and the process and letting go of needing to “figure it out”. By doing this you facilitate incredible wellness for yourself. Emotional energy can release rather than stay stored, you gain clarity from within, not from outside, you build trust with yourself and the experience becomes transformational rather than just relaxing.
Cacao creates the conditions. But your willingness to stay present is what allows the experience to unfold.
Cacao Ceremonies in London with I AM BEING
London is filled with wellness offerings but what makes I AM BEING unique is the intention behind every ceremony.
These are not transactional experiences.
They are spaces built on presence, intention, connection and ritual. They hold huge integrity, with a deep care for each individual and a commitment to connection both within and between people
What You Can Expect
At I AM BEING cacao ceremonies in London, you will experience:
- A carefully held and grounded space
- Thoughtfully prepared ceremonial cacao
- Guidance that is intuitive, not prescriptive
- Integration of breath, sound, and stillness
- A balance of structure and openness
Whether you are completely new or deeply experienced, you are met where you are.
Who It’s For
Cacao ceremonies at I AM BEING are for:
- Those seeking emotional clarity
- Individuals navigating change or transition
- People wanting to reconnect with themselves
- Anyone feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or curious
You do not need experience.
You only need willingness.
Integration: Bringing the Experience Into Your Life
The ceremony itself is only part of the journey.
What happens afterwards — how you integrate — is where the impact deepens.
After a cacao ceremony, you may feel:
- Open
- Reflective
- Grounded
- Energised or softened
To support integration:
- Journal what came up
- Spend time in nature
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid jumping straight back into noise or stimulation
- Give yourself space
In London, this can be the most important step — choosing not to rush straight back into the pace of the city.
Why Cacao Ceremonies in London Are Growing
The rise of cacao ceremonies in London reflects a deeper shift.
People are no longer just looking for:
- Entertainment
- Distraction
- Surface-level experiences
They are seeking:
- Connection
- Meaning
- Nervous system regulation
- Spaces where they can truly be themselves
Cacao ceremonies offer this — in a way that feels natural, grounded, and deeply human.
Final Thoughts: The Invitation
Cacao ceremonies are not about becoming someone new.
They are about returning to who you already are — beneath the noise, the pace, and the pressure.
The dosage shapes the depth.
The cacao supports the opening.
But it is your willingness to lean in that transforms the experience.
At I AM BEING, cacao ceremonies in London are an invitation:
To slow down.
To soften.
To feel.
To reconnect.
And ultimately, to come home to yourself.
Being,
Gizelle Renee

