CCA to present program for women in community
An upcoming Captiva Civic Association event will bring women together to support each other.
The “Into the Heart Cacao Ceremony” will take place on Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. Designed for women, Malú Doherty and Cindy Petrakis-Mason will lead it.
“We do this program as a way for women to get together and support each other in the community,” acting CCA Director Kathryn Sisson said. “And have a new experience with ceremonial cacao.”
Doherty previously explained that cacao ceremonies were practiced in ancient cultures, such as the Mayan and Aztec, for generations. They used the ceremonies to bring the community together.
“We focus on using cacao to open the heart, seed positive intentions and give space to sharing our authentic voice,” she shared. “We believe these experiences bring our communities together in a good way and allow for healing to happen.”
For the ceremony, attendees will be guided through the practice of sipping ceremonial cacao. Shaved raw cacao, which has been harvested, fermented and roasted, is utilized. According to Doherty, ceremonial cacao has holistic benefits, including boosting mood and improved blood flow, focus and clarity.
The indigenous cultures that used cacao ceremonies will be discussed, along with their practices.
In addition, attendees will take part in variety of experiences such as circle sharing, partnering in inquiry, sacred song and dance, and alchemy crystal bowl sound healing.
During the sound bath, attendees will be reclined on the floor. They should bring a yoga mat and props to support their body — a small pillow for their head, an eye cover and light covering/blanket for warmth.
Attendees should wear comfortable, loose-fitting layered clothes.
No experience is needed to participate.
“You don’t have to have any experience whatsoever,” Sisson said.
Tickets are $65.
Women are welcome to reserve a spot.
“We invite everyone to come, even if this is something they might not think of for themselves or ever thought of trying before,” she said. “It is a very healing experience where you can learn a lot about your inner self. It’s a way to try a new positive experience.”
“We hope to create an opportunity for women to come together in a sacred safe community, to speak their heart and be acknowledged,” Doherty shared. “We believe each woman’s voice matters, and when they share and support each other, the whole is elevated.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/ or the Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite or contact the CCA at 239-472-2111.
The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
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IF YOU GO
What
Into the Heart Cacao Ceremony
When
Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where
Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Details
Tickets are $65
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email