Powerful Lessons from a Journey into the Cacao Forest in Guatemala

I recently returned from a month-long solo trip to Guatemala. My main aim for this trip was to connect with the land where this plant grows, the people who produce it, and the sacred Mayan traditions it originates from. Guatemala is the home of Keith’s Cacao, the producer of the cacao that I work with. This was a journey to deepen my relationship with this plant and its loving energy.

A few days into my trip, I joined about 50 other Keith’s Cacao practitioners on an adventure into the jungle where the cacao trees grow. It was a long journey on a boat, bus, and then some 4x4 pickup trucks to get deep into the jungle where we were welcomed with open arms by the wonderful community who grow and harvest this plant. We ate breakfast together and hiked further into what felt like the deep womb of the jungle, where she grows and thrives in the shade of other trees.

Throughout this day I was totally moved by the symbiotic relationship that was apparent between this wonderful community of people and nature. There is no hierarchy or sense of ownership. Instead, it was very much a mutual sense of giving and receiving, care and respect, balance and harmony, cooperation, and contribution.

Just one example of this is that when we arrived at the space where we thought would be a good spot to set up for the cacao ceremony, we didn't just plant ourselves there. We were asked to take a moment of silence and ask the jungle, the trees, mother Gaia, for permission to set ourselves down there. And were immediately met with a cool breeze (which we hadn’t felt all day in the sweltering jungle), and the most beautiful bird noise, much louder and clearer than any of the other birds chirping away. A tone I can only describe as the frequency of love. It was a resounding yes, a moment that sent shivers down my spine.

This type of cooperation keeps things thriving in the jungle. The leaves fall and nourish the soil, which then feeds the trees. In our lives, we each have a role to play that involves sharing our gifts, our talents, our authenticity, our love & kindness. In doing so, we inspire others to do the same. The ripple effect is powerful. Small acts turn into big acts that make the world a better place. We live more harmoniously when we collaborate and contribute our unique essence to the world.

The jungle is packed with different leaves, trees, insects, bugs, birds, overflowing with different sounds, scents, colours. Pulsing with energy. Wild. Chaotic. Untamed. So much life! So much to take in at any moment. There is no scarcity. No lack.

And as we are a part of nature, there is no lack for us either. There is no need to worry about not having enough or not being enough. There is no need to live in fear or feel pressured to achieve certain things to feel valid in our existence. There is plenty for everyone. We’re alive just as nature is alive. To give and receive love and find enough-ness by just being here and experiencing life and nature and relationships with others. Gifts that are always around.

The message I received from the jungle that day is ‘you have and always will have everything you need.’

Cacao trees thrive when surrounded by other plant species. In fact, the whole jungle does better with more diversity. And so do we! Yes in society, in our workplaces, we should be tapping into different perspectives, skills, and talents to expand and innovate.

But also in our own lives, I feel it’s so worthwhile to expand out of your usual frame of mind, your usual environment, your usual social circle. Here are some examples of this.

Put yourself in social situations where you meet new people and people of different ages and stages than you. I find retreats are great for this. They are spaces where you will share and connect in a deep way, learning from and supporting each other. Someone else’s story might give you the boost of confidence or new perspective you need on something. I volunteer at a youth club every week and the young girls I mentor teach me so much about life! I’m always buzzing with good energy after spending time with them, which enhances my creativity.

Another example of how diversity benefits us is that it expands our perception of time. Doing the same thing, same routine, over and over, collapses time and is what makes us get to the end of a week/month/year saying ‘where did the time go!’. Adding new and interesting things to our days keeps life exciting and makes the time feel longer.

What I experienced that day felt like magic. All different plants, trees, animals, insects, weaving together a web of harmonious coexistence. Sharing. Trusting. Embracing. Celebrating. Mother nature can teach us so many lessons to can enhance how we engage with the world and each other. And how we live our own lives.

If you are curious to learn more about Cacao and learn all about how to hold space with this medicine, here is where you can apply for the Cacao Facilitator Training course.