Cacao ceremony ✧ Discussion group ✧ Theme: Food and Identity.

Hosted by Emily, founder of The Sustainable Food Society, join us for an intimate cacao ceremony and deep discussion on the topic of "food and identity". We will sit in circle and dive deep into our personal and family stories when it comes to food, and how this affects our identify. We will share views and listen deeply to each other as we explore this complex topic. You don't need to have considered this topic before, Emily will guide you. Come with an open mind and be ready to explore your own ideas and discover those of others.

What to expect:

• Ceremonial grade cacao, respectfully sourced from a co-operative in the Peruvian Andes
• Guided meditation and visualisation on food and identity
• Group discussion
• Sharing circle and personal reflections

Cacao contains dopamine and theobromine - for concentration and positivity, anandamide - the bliss hormone, and arginine and phenylethylamine – ‘love’ chemicals, which all aid in stimulating the heart to the feeling of love, connection and openness. This is why cacao is known as a "heart opening" plant medicine, and will help guide us through a deep discussion with clarity, curiousity and caring connection.

A short meditation and visualisation will help us dive deep into and uncover new thoughts, feelings, and experiences relating to food and our food history.

Our group discussion will be guided by prompts from Emily, and everyone will be encouraged (but not forced!) to contribute. It will be varied, spanning personal experience, ideas, politics, philosophy and more.

We will close with a sharing circle and the opportunity to reflect on your experience during the evening.

What to bring:

• Journal / notebook and pen
• Cosy, comfy clothes

We will be indoors.

Comments from previous attendees:

"Emily provided a very warm, open and non-judgmental space where people could explore what food meant to them. It reawakened in me a sense of the connection between what I eat and where the food comes from. It was fascinating to consider the angles from an environmental, health and animal welfare perspective and how they all intertwine with my footprint on the planet. It was also just a very enjoyable evening!" - Will

"This was a very special experience, guided by the knowledgable and calming Emily. We discussed food in a way that I have never done before. A loose structure and delicious heart-opening cacao facilitated conversations that were fascinating, challenging and inspiring." - Sophie

"At a time when society appears so divided, Emily created a special, thought provoking environment which enabled personal reflection, a safe space to share my own food related conflicts and listen to other's." - Alexis

"Having rarely given food sustainability much serious thought, let alone dedicating an entire evening to it, I was a little hesitant before the session. Would I have anything impactful to say? Thankfully my early concerns were put to rest by Emily as she expertly guided us through the ceremony and made everyone feel valued and welcome. The session was a huge eye-opener and incredibly refreshing. I’ve been singing its praises ever since and look forward to joining a future event." - Gordon

"Emily created a beautiful safe space for people who love the topic of food and sustainability to have a deeper and respectful conversation around it. A beautiful evening, having a real conversation with an interesting mix of people over a delicious and heart opening cup of cacao." - Jess

Host or Publisher The Sustainable Food Society