Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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(6)
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Chelsea Jamison
Amazing Training

I’m 4 weeks into this training, and so far it’s been a wonderful experience. I have always had an interest in facilitating cacao ceremonies but wasn’t sure where to start. The information shared in this course is absolutely fantastic. Soul Lift Cacao is also a beautiful brand, offering the best quality ceremonial cacao I’ve ever had. I highly recommend.

M
Michelle
Better with Every Bite

Where do I begin…

I’m a yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner. I was looking for something to add to the toolkit because, as Nick also says, each person needs a different medicine and I thought it would be lovely if I had something else in the bag to offer. Here is how it’s going:

The first sip… “Okay, why is he speaking so slowly?…Weeeell…Why exactly do I need a faster delivery? Where do I need to be anyway? What would be the point of speeding up intake? Ah, the judge is here. Salty. Let’s take a seat, shall we?” Already a lesson within the lesson.

Second sip… “Oh, that’s rich! Complex, yet simple and refined.” Nick addresses his vagueness. It’s intentional. He offers the science and history very concisely and thoroughly. Bites just big enough for you to chew on and respond to in a slow, meaningful way so you actually synthesize the experience and information.

Third sip… “Aw, THIS is the good s$@$% (stuff)! I think Nick might BE the cacao. Lol. Incidentally, the answer to why he speaks at the speed he does is in the third sip/module. And it makes complete sense. This is what it feels like to be aware of someone holding space for you while showing you how to hold space. The magic is unfolding with each taste.

That is pretty much the basic representation of how the modules are progressing for me. I’ve just finished the videos for the third module. Each one has hit different parts of me a lot like taste hits the different parts of the tongue—sometimes bitter, sometimes meaty/umami, sometimes sweet, etc., but like a good cacao, the quality, complexity and clarity come through. The information is comprehensive and “full,” but never overwhelming. They're explored more deeply and intimately through the exercises assigned after each module. I think of it as "therapeutic discomfort" (also addressed in a module). You know how it is, the way a long held yin yoga pose feels-- a little painful from atrophy and in need of attention or like discovering a muscle you forgot you even had. Still sitting with the memory of the first three modules, but very much looking forward to the next sip when the fourth is unlocked. Cheers!

M
Michael Chrobak
Perfect example of conscious ceremonial facilitation

This course is definitely worth the price of admission. I found myself resonating deeply with the philosophies Nick shares, and found the first three modules to be highly impactful in terms of setting the right mindset to enter into the role of ceremonial facilitator. I have completed the first half of the program as of this review, and find the ‘how to’ nature of the middle section of the program to be very helpful, especially for anyone who has not experienced creating or hosting live events. I highly look forward to the last four weeks, as the titles of those modules feel very much aligned to what I wanted to learn in this program.

C
Charlotte Dean
A worthwhile investment for people of all spiritual backgrounds

This 10 week experience deepened my relationship with ceremonial cacao, with the cacao community at large, and with my own budding spiritual framework. I learned not just how to create sacred containers for others, but how to foster moments of reverence just for me, so that my cup is actually full enough for others to drink from. Nick is a flexible and adept educator with a keen understanding of how everyone's approach to spirituality differs, which makes this course material easily applicable to many traditions, many walks of life, and many communities. Avoiding cultural appropriation is a fine line to walk; Nick's years of experience working directly with indigenous Guatemalan communities allowed him to find that delicate balance between giving thanks and paying homage, and creating his own ceremonies that allow Mayan tradition to stay unique to the Mayan lineage. The producers of Soul Lift's cacao want their medicine spread far and wide, but enjoying their generosity ethically and authentically is up to us.

The very concept of a "ceremony" is deconstructed into its component parts and parallels are drawn between all traditions; in truth, all any ceremony boils down to is some combination of community, symbolism, breathwork, movement, music, sharing, and reverence. It's just an opportunity to ground our energy and re-connect to our both our innermost self and our highest intuition, and it can happen either alone in our bedrooms or in a room full of people. Nick challenged us to approach our outward expression of spirituality as a creative outlet, and to delve into the influences, be they cultural, environmental, or spiritual, that have already shaped us individually. We learned how essential it is to honor our own lifelong journeys before assisting others in theirs. Staying true to ourselves is the best and only way to show up authentically for other seekers who come to us for ceremony, and cacao is nothing if not the medicine of TRUTH. If you are at all curious about ceremonial cacao, about holding ceremony, about articulating your spiritual framework to the world, or all of the above, this course, is highly, highly recommended. Endless gratitude for Nick, his healing vision, and his unstoppable work ethic! You are truly doing God's work...

E
Elise Thomson
Comprehensive learning experience

I very much enjoyed the 10-week Cacao Powered Facilitator Course. I came in with a basic knowledge of ceremonial cacao and finished feeling confident and excited to incorporate ceremonial cacao into my life and healing practices. This course provides an overview into the many facets of cacao, including nutritional benefits, plant spirit medicine and energetics as well as introduces one to the principles of group facilitation that lead to creating and holding safe containers and experiences.
I was especially grateful for the conversations around ethical practices with using and sourcing cacao, and am happy to have found a company like Soul Lift Cacao! I look forward to many more cups of cacao and to sharing this beautiful medicine with others.
Thank you, Nick!!

The Cacao-Powered Facilitator: Self-Guided 10-Week Course

Have you heard about the magical potential of ceremonial cacao and wonder what it's all about? Or have you experienced it for yourself and want to learn how to share it with others?

In this epic 10-week journey, you’ll enter a crucible designed to help you leap forward on your path as a facilitator of cacao experiences.

That might mean you’ll host ceremonies. Or it might mean you’ll add cacao to yoga classes, men’s groups, dance events, your massage or Reiki practice, bring it into your organization, or share it with friends and family.

Everybody’s path looks different. This course will help you discover your unique path with the guidance of an expert instructor, Soul Lift Cacao founder Nick Meador.

This course takes a practical, down-to-earth approach to working with cacao in an ethical and responsible way.

Throughout the 10 weeks you'll cover every aspect of facilitation, from an idea for a gathering, to logistics and promotion, cacao preparation and service, public speaking and leadership, ethics and safety, etc. You’ll have a chance to work through blockages with self-directed exercises.

COURSE FOCUS

1) The philosophy of transformational facilitation and holding safe spaces

2) Self-development as a leader and public speaker in a complex era

3) Bringing cacao into a modern context of healing and self-development while "giving back" through acknowledgement and payment

Click to see a whole course outline (PDF Download)


ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Nick has been traveling through Central America since 2016, connecting with cacao farms, collectives, and experts. And he has been training people to share cacao on their own since 2017.

On top of that, Nick has been on a path of transformational facilitation for a decade. He has trained in various traditions, schools, and lineages for healing and self-development, and looks for the principles and dynamics that tie them together.

While cacao is a gentle plant ally and there’s no international accreditation or certification for working with cacao, it's very important to receive training from an expert before sharing cacao in a workshop or ceremony. Here's your chance!

TESTIMONIALS

Look to the left on laptop/desktop, or scroll down on mobile, to read many testimonials from past course participants!

ABOUT CEREMONIAL CACAO

Cacao is the natural, unprocessed form of chocolate grown in tropical regions around the world. Most people know cacao as a superfood. It has possibly the highest amount of antioxidants of any food. Cacao contains beneficial minerals like iron and magnesium. And the main active compound, theobromine, gives a boost of energy without the crash or cravings that can come from coffee.

Yet cacao also has another aspect not spoken about in health food stores. Legends tell of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations using cacao for introspective and celebratory purposes, calling it the “Food of the Gods” and even trading it like currency. This more mysterious "plant medicine" side of cacao offers the potential to put you more in touch with your body and your soul. You can gain insights into the best direction moving forward, as well as the focus and motivation to take action towards those goals.

You'll be amazed how quickly you can learn to prepare and serve cacao so that your clients and community members can experience a positive impact in their lives!

NOTE: This is not a course about indigenous ceremonial practices, ancient history, or the Mayan Cosmovision. This course is about facilitating modern workshops with ceremonial cacao as an ally. Nick works in collaboration with Mayan guides to support them in preserving their spiritual traditions and values. That also happens by sourcing ceremonial cacao through ethical direct trade that supports the indigenous preparers of cacao more than in "bean to bar" models of chocolate-making. In this way, we can utilize cacao in a modern context with respect and integrity, through an ethical transmission of cultural elements that gives back in the form of acknowledgment and payment.

COURSE INCLUDES

• Intro video and 10 weekly modules of videos (about 1 hour of content per module), unlocked one week at a time. CLICK TO SEE A WHOLE COURSE OUTLINE

• Walk-throughs for embodiment and communication practices that you can lead (including experiential demos of the embodiment practices)

• Exercises in each module for self-development and deepening your connection with cacao

• Two blocks (1lb each) of Heart of the Earth (Ruk'u'x Ulew) ceremonial cacao paste (complimentary shipping in the U.S.; international shipping discounted) – over a $100 value!

• The 27-page Soul Lift Cacao Facilitator Guidebook PDF – an $11 value!

• Certificate of Completion at the end of the course (requirements: watch all the videos and complete all the exercises)

BONUSES

• Entry to the Soul Lift Cacao Trainee Lounge group on Facebook, a private resource available only to other facilitators who have taken our trainings

• Access to our shorter Introductory Cacao Training Course - an $18 value!

NOTE ON COURSE CACAO

You'll get instant access to the course materials. But to receive the course cacao, you'll need to contact us with your mailing address and we'll create that shipment separately.


Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
100%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
Chelsea Jamison
Amazing Training

I’m 4 weeks into this training, and so far it’s been a wonderful experience. I have always had an interest in facilitating cacao ceremonies but wasn’t sure where to start. The information shared in this course is absolutely fantastic. Soul Lift Cacao is also a beautiful brand, offering the best quality ceremonial cacao I’ve ever had. I highly recommend.

M
Michelle
Better with Every Bite

Where do I begin…

I’m a yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner. I was looking for something to add to the toolkit because, as Nick also says, each person needs a different medicine and I thought it would be lovely if I had something else in the bag to offer. Here is how it’s going:

The first sip… “Okay, why is he speaking so slowly?…Weeeell…Why exactly do I need a faster delivery? Where do I need to be anyway? What would be the point of speeding up intake? Ah, the judge is here. Salty. Let’s take a seat, shall we?” Already a lesson within the lesson.

Second sip… “Oh, that’s rich! Complex, yet simple and refined.” Nick addresses his vagueness. It’s intentional. He offers the science and history very concisely and thoroughly. Bites just big enough for you to chew on and respond to in a slow, meaningful way so you actually synthesize the experience and information.

Third sip… “Aw, THIS is the good s$@$% (stuff)! I think Nick might BE the cacao. Lol. Incidentally, the answer to why he speaks at the speed he does is in the third sip/module. And it makes complete sense. This is what it feels like to be aware of someone holding space for you while showing you how to hold space. The magic is unfolding with each taste.

That is pretty much the basic representation of how the modules are progressing for me. I’ve just finished the videos for the third module. Each one has hit different parts of me a lot like taste hits the different parts of the tongue—sometimes bitter, sometimes meaty/umami, sometimes sweet, etc., but like a good cacao, the quality, complexity and clarity come through. The information is comprehensive and “full,” but never overwhelming. They're explored more deeply and intimately through the exercises assigned after each module. I think of it as "therapeutic discomfort" (also addressed in a module). You know how it is, the way a long held yin yoga pose feels-- a little painful from atrophy and in need of attention or like discovering a muscle you forgot you even had. Still sitting with the memory of the first three modules, but very much looking forward to the next sip when the fourth is unlocked. Cheers!

M
Michael Chrobak
Perfect example of conscious ceremonial facilitation

This course is definitely worth the price of admission. I found myself resonating deeply with the philosophies Nick shares, and found the first three modules to be highly impactful in terms of setting the right mindset to enter into the role of ceremonial facilitator. I have completed the first half of the program as of this review, and find the ‘how to’ nature of the middle section of the program to be very helpful, especially for anyone who has not experienced creating or hosting live events. I highly look forward to the last four weeks, as the titles of those modules feel very much aligned to what I wanted to learn in this program.

C
Charlotte Dean
A worthwhile investment for people of all spiritual backgrounds

This 10 week experience deepened my relationship with ceremonial cacao, with the cacao community at large, and with my own budding spiritual framework. I learned not just how to create sacred containers for others, but how to foster moments of reverence just for me, so that my cup is actually full enough for others to drink from. Nick is a flexible and adept educator with a keen understanding of how everyone's approach to spirituality differs, which makes this course material easily applicable to many traditions, many walks of life, and many communities. Avoiding cultural appropriation is a fine line to walk; Nick's years of experience working directly with indigenous Guatemalan communities allowed him to find that delicate balance between giving thanks and paying homage, and creating his own ceremonies that allow Mayan tradition to stay unique to the Mayan lineage. The producers of Soul Lift's cacao want their medicine spread far and wide, but enjoying their generosity ethically and authentically is up to us.

The very concept of a "ceremony" is deconstructed into its component parts and parallels are drawn between all traditions; in truth, all any ceremony boils down to is some combination of community, symbolism, breathwork, movement, music, sharing, and reverence. It's just an opportunity to ground our energy and re-connect to our both our innermost self and our highest intuition, and it can happen either alone in our bedrooms or in a room full of people. Nick challenged us to approach our outward expression of spirituality as a creative outlet, and to delve into the influences, be they cultural, environmental, or spiritual, that have already shaped us individually. We learned how essential it is to honor our own lifelong journeys before assisting others in theirs. Staying true to ourselves is the best and only way to show up authentically for other seekers who come to us for ceremony, and cacao is nothing if not the medicine of TRUTH. If you are at all curious about ceremonial cacao, about holding ceremony, about articulating your spiritual framework to the world, or all of the above, this course, is highly, highly recommended. Endless gratitude for Nick, his healing vision, and his unstoppable work ethic! You are truly doing God's work...

E
Elise Thomson
Comprehensive learning experience

I very much enjoyed the 10-week Cacao Powered Facilitator Course. I came in with a basic knowledge of ceremonial cacao and finished feeling confident and excited to incorporate ceremonial cacao into my life and healing practices. This course provides an overview into the many facets of cacao, including nutritional benefits, plant spirit medicine and energetics as well as introduces one to the principles of group facilitation that lead to creating and holding safe containers and experiences.
I was especially grateful for the conversations around ethical practices with using and sourcing cacao, and am happy to have found a company like Soul Lift Cacao! I look forward to many more cups of cacao and to sharing this beautiful medicine with others.
Thank you, Nick!!

383
Verified Reviews