A Journey to Guatemala: Honouring Cacao and Sacred Wisdom

 

When I made the decision that I was worthy of a life that truly honoured my heart, something magical happened. Doors began to open, synchronicities unfolded, and I started meeting the people who would become my true soul tribe. It was as if the universe had been waiting for me to fully claim my worth before it could bring me to the places and experiences I needed.

One of those experiences was a journey to Guatemala. Being there was a deeply humbling and transformative experience. I’ve been working with cacao for years, and it has played an immense role in my personal healing, but nothing could compare to the wisdom and love I felt while in Guatemala. The people, the land, the energy—it was all woven together in a beautiful, vibrant tapestry of life and love.

Trusting our Soul’s Path

It’s easy to forget that our soul knows exactly what it needs to expand. Often, we face the most challenging moments in life with resistance, but over time, we come to see that these challenges are the soul’s way of guiding us back to the truth of who we really are. I’ve learned that it’s not about becoming something or someone else; it’s about remembering the wisdom that lies within us all.

I find comfort in reminding myself that I’ve already overcome everything that’s crossed my path up to this point. The truth is, once you trust your soul’s journey, everything begins to unfold in the most incredible, synchronistic ways. This is what brought me to Guatemala and to the women of Ruk'u'x Ulew (Heart of the Earth), whose work with cacao is nothing short of sacred.

The Sacred Journey to Ruk'u'x Ulew

This journey to Guatemala had been planned years ago, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was postponed. Now that I’ve had the privilege of being in San Marcos, Lake Atitlan, I know it was the perfect time. It feels as though Spirit had a hand in orchestrating it all, and now I can see why. My heart will carry this experience for a lifetime.

The time I spent with the incredible women of Ruk'u'x Ulew was transformational. Their wisdom, love, and devotion to their work with cacao is awe-inspiring. I had the honour of witnessing firsthand the process of creating ceremonial-grade cacao—the love, intention, and care that goes into each step of the journey. This wasn’t just about cacao; it was about deep connection to Spirit, to Mother Earth, and to each other.

The Gifts of Cacao

Sacred ceremonial cacao has changed my life in ways I never anticipated. Here are just a few of the gifts cacao has given me:

  1. Deeper connection to Spirit—the Divine.

  2. A greater sense of connection to Mother Earth.

  3. A steady devotional practice.

  4. Amplified presence that has rippled into all areas of my life.

  5. A deeper appreciation for all.

  6. A stronger sense of my center, my intuition.

  7. A rich connection to my body, heart, mind, and soul.

  8. More LOVE.

  9. More Trust.

  10. Heightened awareness and connection to all that surrounds me.

  11. Cacao has taught me how very important it is to pause with intention.

Honouring the Sacred Process

In a world that allows us instant access to everything, it’s easy to forget the process behind what we consume. But with cacao, we are invited to pause and honour the devotion that goes into each bean. The women of Ruk'u'x Ulew, with their infinite wisdom and heart, bring their touch to every single block of cacao. When you sip this medicine—whether from Lake Atitlan or from wherever it travels from—you are drinking in more than just cacao. You’re drinking in love, care, and the sacred energy of the Earth.

This is a reminder that the process of creation is sacred. There is an energy in all that we ingest, and when we approach our food, drink, and medicine with awareness, we begin to see it all with a new level of gratitude. The practice of slowing down to appreciate each sip of cacao is a metaphor for life itself. If we can bring that level of mindfulness and reverence to everything we do, we unlock a deeper connection to the world around us.

Honouring "Heart of the Earth"

Ruk'u'x Ulew (Heart of the Earth) represents a living, breathing practice of love and community. Founded by the incredible Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, Ruk'u'x Ulew is an all-women’s collective where women come together to honour their Mayan traditions and infuse those ancient rituals into modern times. The women of Ruk'u'x Ulew work tirelessly, hand-peeling each cacao bean with reverence and dedication. There is so much wisdom woven into every cacao block, and I am deeply grateful for the women who prepare it with such devotion. Thank you to Cecilia Chiyal and to all the women for sharing their medicine with the world and for all that they do. This journey to Guatemala was not just a trip—it was a return to my heart, a reconnection to the sacred, and a reminder of the profound impact cacao has had on my life. 

It is an honour to bring this sacred medicine to Canada—to share the love, wisdom, and care that goes into Maman Cacao. I truly believe that cacao is not just a product—it’s a heart-centered initiative that creates ripples of love in every space it touches. As I continue to grow this journey with Maman Cacao, I trust deeply that this medicine will reach the hearts of those who are ready to experience its transformative power.

To every sip of cacao, to every step of the journey—may we continue to honour the process, the wisdom, and the sacredness that is inherent in all things.

With love and gratitude,

Nicole Jones

 
 
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