*AbunDance* Free Movement + Sound Bath with Cacao

Feel abundantly alive and present!

Join us in this special intimate offering and explore the dance between utter aliveness and deep stillness, between expressing and receiving, between Yin & Yang.

Let yourself be guided into a free form movement exploration, fuelled by some good tunes from around the world, and a cup of ceremonial grade Cacao, and let your body and mind rest and rejuvenate at the end with a nourishing live sound scape.

No experience in dance, movement or yoga required - all welcome!

~WHEN & WHERE? 24th May 2024, 6pm at The Yoga Space hastings

~ HOW TO BOOK?~ Cost is $40 p.p. and spaces are strictly limited to 10pers max

~WHY IS MOVEMENT HEALING?

One of the best things one can do for their health and overall wellbeing is to move. To move freely you don't really need to know any special steps or movements, you don't need to follow anyone or to even "have a sense of rhythm". You can flow with an impulse that comes from within and is most natural. You can observe how children form a very early age recognise music and feel the urge to move. Allowing the body to move freely and following its inner voice and needs has many healing benefits, among which: - Giving People the Ability to Express Emotions - Stress Relief - Increased physical and Gross Motor Skills Development - Improved confidence and Self-esteem - Encourages Creativity and Imagination - An increased sense of vitality - An awakening and renewal of one's life energy ... and so much more Join us and explore the freedom to move like nobody's watching - because nobody will be! This will be a supportive environment of zero judgement in which all of You is allowed, in your unique authenticity of expression. Or just relax and let Cacao move through you!

~ WHY RELAXING WITH A SOUND BATH?

Sound bath is a therapeutic and meditative experience whereby one gets to “bathe” in the sounds and vibrations produced by different instruments such as singing bowls, stringed instruments, shamanic drum etc. Through these sounds and vibrations, the mind enters a meditative and relaxed state. This brings about healing at mental, emotional, and physical levels.

During a sound bath, the brainwave state is altered from normal waking state (beta) to relaxed state (alpha), dreamlike state (theta), and even restorative state (delta). As the mind and body relax, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease and  breathing becomes deeper.  It is in this state that some healing may occur.

~WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY and WHY IS CACAO PART OF THIS OFFERING?

The tradition of drinking ceremonial cacao originates in the ancient culture of the Mayas in Central America, who called it "ku-ku", "above sacred". It was believed to carry the spirit of Fertility and Abundance. The Goddess of chocolate, Ixcacao, was also known as the "Queen of Love and Pleasure". In a ceremonial circle we will share a cup of bitter delight and allow it to awaken our Heart and soul.

Cacao is an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and antioxidant that protects the heart and is densely packed with nutrients - proven to be the most pharmacologically complex food in nature! It can improve your memory, reduce heart disease, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy. Cacao contains the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of wellbeing, as well as anandamide, known as the bliss molecule that leaves us feeling blissful and euphoric, moderating pain perception, as well as assisting in regulating appetite and mood. When high quality beans are prepared for ceremony, all the mood enhancing neurochemicals in cacao become particularly active. It increases blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin, and the whole body is nourished. Sacred Cacao ceremony participants report heightened awareness, focus and intensified sensations. Cacao healing for the body, but also for the soul and spirit as it is heart opening and an amazing meditation aid.

~WHAT MORE IS REQUIRED?~

For your comfort during the session, please wear loose and comfortable clothes.  

Bring a water bottle and drink a lot of water before and after the ceremony to avoid dehydration. 

Avoid eating up to 2h hours prior to coming.

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Facilitated by Radha Iveta

Radha was among the first people to bring cacao ceremonies to New Zealand. She encountered the cacao plant in ceremonial context in 2012 while living in its native lands of Central America for several years. It was love at first sight and her relationship with the spirit of this super food grew as she learned how to prepare the rich cacao drink from the tree to the cup. Having participated in various ceremonies facilitated by shamans, healers or friends in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, Radha started facilitating ceremonies herself in 2014 in Europe. An experienced space holder being a yoga teacher and a retreat facilitator, she loves sharing her passion for community, authenticity and self-knowledge in combination with the cacao spirit. Radha serves only best quality ceremonial cacao by chocolate shaman Keith Wilson. https://www.heartawakening.org/