Cocoa ritual at home: depth instead of routine

January 11, 2025

Cocoa ritual at home: depth instead of routine

»New things emerge when you see the old with new eyes.«
– Henry David Thoreau

Do you know the feeling at the turn of the year? That quiet whisper that you should do more, achieve more or change in some way? Even if we describe our year as good, there is often an inner voice that says: 'There is more to come!'

Of course, people want to develop further - it's in our nature. But in our social media world and performance-oriented society, where everyone shares their highlight reel, this desire for more is fueled even more. Always higher, faster, further!

Let us pause here for a moment: More and more?

The paradox is obvious, but we find it difficult to accept: everything is limited. In nature, growth is often followed by decline or "decay." This cycle does not only affect plants and animals - we humans are also part of this rhythm, even if we sometimes overlook it or do not want to acknowledge it.

Why routines lose their magic – and how to get it back

There is an interesting observation that you may have experienced yourself: We make new resolutions and are sure that this time we will stick to them. But we often fail because when the new, exciting experience wears off, our attention often wanes.

We lose interest, focus, and mindfulness. This applies not only to everyday habits, but also to cacao rituals . The first cacao ceremony is magical. But after the tenth or twentieth, the magic can wear off. The routine becomes a habit. This makes it so difficult for us to establish lasting changes.

But that is exactly where the secret lies.

Drinking ceremonial cacao repeatedly can be a new experience every time - if we really commit to it. This requires letting go of all the experiences we have already had, re-engaging and surrendering to the moment.

The Art of Re-Wilding Attention

Bruce Grierson coined the apt term “ Re-Wilding our Attention .” It describes the need to reclaim our attention from constant digital stimuli and algorithms.

However, this concept can be applied to all areas of life – even when drinking cocoa for mindfulness, a kind of internal algorithm can creep in.

We develop habit patterns that cause us to follow familiar paths again and again – be it in our thoughts, actions or cocoa rituals .

But as soon as they become automated processes, they lose their depth.

This is exactly where the fine line lies between (bad) habits and (healthy) routines.

Activist and minister Kathleen McTigue describes rituals as differing from habits in three ways: intention, attention and repetition.

So if you drink a cocoa every day, you may tick the box for repetition, but it won't be a cocoa ritual if you're on the phone at the same time and aren't mindful and present in your action. In that case, it will remain a habit.

Only when we consciously experience the uniqueness of each cocoa moment can we challenge these automatisms. This means not only sensing the aromas and taste, but also celebrating the process of preparation.

How does the ceremonial cacao feel in your hands before you prepare it?
What thoughts come to mind when you hold the warm cup and take the first sip?
What feelings and physical sensations do you notice within yourself as you consciously surrender yourself to the moment?

Every moment is different. Every cocoa is different. Maybe it's time to create your own cocoa ritual ?
A cacao ceremony at home allows you to consciously ground yourself and pause.

Because cocoa says: You don't need anything more. You need yourself.

Conclusion: Cocoa as a ritual to return to the essentials

So, what if it's not about always looking for more? If true change doesn't always lie in something new, but in seeing existing things with new eyes?

By remaining curious and surrendering to the moment with open senses, a seemingly simple habit turns into a deep, transformative experience. In this way, we create space for new choices and experiences - not only in the cup, but also in life.

The big change that we often long for does not have to come from outside. It does not have to be brought about by something " more" in our lives. It can be found in small, everyday actions.

Cocoa as a ritual offers us the opportunity to pause in the midst of everyday life and discover the depth of the familiar. Because when we learn to see the special in the ordinary, our everyday life becomes richer and more fulfilling.

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