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I'm often asked about Cacao and its benefits, so I decided to write a short blog post to share some key benefits and the fascinating science behind this ancient superfood and medicine, aptly known as the 'Food of the Gods.'

Drinking Cacao is a part of my Sadhana, (daily spiritual practice). I choose Ceremonial grade cacao, from organically grown cacao beans. This pure, unprocessed cacao comes straight from sustainably farmed beans, a world apart from the heavily processed chocolate laden with sugar and milk.

Cacao, though a plant medicine, is not psychedelic but psychoactive. 

It contains some caffeine but is richer in theobromine, caffeine’s distant cousin. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can leave us feeling jittery. Theobromine, however, offers a calm, steady energy, focusing its effects on enhancing blood flow and heart function without the crash.

Theobromine is what makes dogs unwell if they've eaten chocolate!

Theobromine derives from the Greek word that translates to 'Food of the Gods,' which beautifully captures the sacred and profound essence of cacao.

Cacao is a vasodilator, increasing blood flow, creating a warm, heart-opening sensation. This is why cacao is often called a Heart-Opener. It deepens your connection with your own heart and fosters a greater openness and connection with others.

One of the compounds found in this superfood is Anandamide, known as the ‘bliss’ molecule, uplifting your mood and filling you with happiness contentment.  Your body produces this naturally when you feel a 'workout high' and contributes to the profound sense of well-being that cacao brings.

Another key compound is PEA (Phenylethylamine), known for increasing awareness, focus and concentration, making it easier to stay present whilst meditating for extended periods.

As a superfood, it is packed with antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc. 

Studies show that regular consumption can even improve heart health.

Cacao is a 'slow food', balancing the blood sugar level in the body, is a natural laxative, and supports and soothes our menstrual cycle.  It is also known to help with perimenopause symptoms.

It is important to share that Cacao is a powerful teacher in emotional healing and helped me enormously in my own personal healing journey. Mama Cacao supports us to release emotional blockages, she guides us through our fears and uncertainties, and illuminates the shadows in our subconscious—our conditioned patterns, behaviours, and addictions. 

The preparation of Cacao is a sacred ritual for me. It's a process I never rush, dedicating time and space to honour both Cacao medicine and myself. This mindful practice helps me embody my true self and align with how I want to show up in the world. Through this, I can serve my clients, family, and friends from a centred, aligned, and empowered place.

My personal practice consists of a blessing, setting intentions for the day, followed by some gentle kundalini asana, pranayam, meditation, a daily card reading and journaling. This sacred routine connects me with my heart, my higher self and guides, helping me flow through my day with grace and purpose.

As with all plant medicines, Cacao is a profound teacher and requires responsibility and respect when working with her.  

If you’re taking any medication, or are breastfeeding, it is always best to seek professional medical advice before exploring Cacao.

If you're interested in cultivating a deeper connection with your heart space, so you can navigate life from a more centred and peaceful place, I have a beautiful Heart Connection meditation to share with you.

Click here to receive this meditation, which you can enjoy with or without a cup of cacao!

Watch the video below to see out how I prepare my daily cup.

Spiritual evolution and growth are often associated with various signs and symptoms that can be challenging for us to interpret. Two such transformative experiences are Kundalini Awakening and Spiritual Awakening. Although they share commonalities, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. To understand these experiences better, it is essential to look at the signs and symptoms unique to each. In this blog post, we will explore the nuances of Kundalini Awakening and Spiritual Awakening, offering insight into how they manifest in individuals on their spiritual journey.

Understanding Kundalini Awakening

• Intense Energy Surges: A hallmark sign of a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening is the feeling of intense energy moving through the spine or the sushumna nadi. This energy, known as Kundalini. The Kundalini, known as the 'coiled serpent', lies dormant at the base of the spine until activated.  Often people feel this energy moving up from the root chakra, at the base of the spine, through each of the 7 chakras (energy centres) up to the crown of the head.
• Physical Manifestations: Once awakened, Kundalini can cause involuntary body movements, along with intense sensations of heat or cold, tingling, and vibrational frequencies felt throughout the body. 
• Psychic Abilities: Kundalini Awakening can enhance or awaken psychic abilities such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience or other gifts.
• Altered States of Consciousness: Individuals may experience profound meditation states, trance-like states, out-of-body experiences, or deep inner visions.
• Emotional Release: It often triggers a purging of stored emotions and can lead to intense feelings of bliss, joy, love, or even fear, shame and anger.
• Heightened Sensory Perception: A heightened awareness of one's surroundings, an increase in the acuteness of senses, or extrasensory perception are common.

Kundalini Awakenings can be both ecstatic and challenging, and it's not uncommon for the experience to be intense and overwhelming at times. It often requires guidance from experienced practitioners to navigate safely.

Not all Kundalini Awakenings are spontaneous - for instance those who practice Kundalini Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation often experience Kundalini Awakenings in a more contained and measured way through practicing Kriya's or Krya's - a set of asanas (postures), pranayam (breathwork) with mudra (hand movements).  It is less overwhelming on the nervous system and physical body when the energies are activated through practicing Kundalini Yoga.  

Please note that Kundalini Yoga is not dangerous when practiced correctly.  As an experienced Kundalini Yoga Practitioner and Teacher, I have not seen anyone having a negative 'reaction' from practicing Kundalini Yoga.

Understanding Spiritual Awakening

• Expanding Consciousness: Spiritual Awakening generally refers to a broad expansion of awareness and a perception of a reality beyond the physical world of our third dimensional reality, to fifth dimensional reality or beyond.
• Life Perspective Changes: Values, beliefs, and priorities may undergo a significant shift, with a decreased interest in materialistic pursuits and an increased focus on personal growth and service work.
• Increased Intuition: Spiritual Awakening can enhance your inner knowing and intuition, guiding you more strongly in your daily life.
• Desire for Solitude: Spending time alone becomes important for introspection and self-reflection, as one seeks to understand their place in the universe.
• Feeling of Oneness: A profound sense of connection to all living things and the universe as a whole often accompanies a spiritual awakening - this is also felt in a Kundalini Awakening.
• Deepened Empathy and Compassion: There's often an increased empathy and compassion towards others, a hallmark of spiritual maturing.

On the spiritual path, awakening is a continual process that can happen subtly over time or through sudden, profound experiences. It is usually less intense in its physical manifestations than Kundalini Awakening and usually revolves around philosophical or existential shift or from the gradual development and growth of awareness.

Spiritual Awakening can involve a Dark Night of the Soul, this too can be an overwhelming experience.  Some may have emotional experiences that feel similar to depression but not everyone who has depression is experiencing a dark night of the soul or vice versa.  It is important to seek medical advice from a professional if you think you are experiencing depression and not a Spiritual Awakening. 

A Spiritual Awakening can be activated by a life experience, trigger, or disruption that was unexpected or an event that one is unprepared for, or feelings of hopelessness.  Some may experience a midlife crisis or hitting rock bottom or losing their sense of purpose/direction.

One may experience 'waking up to life' with a Spiritual Awakening. 

Differentiating Between Kundalini and Spiritual Awakening

• The Focus of the Experience: Kundalini Awakening is more energy and body-focused, involving direct sensations and movements, whereas Spiritual Awakening can be more about consciousness and psychological transformation.  Although there is often an overlap.
• Type of Guidance Sought: Those experiencing Kundalini Awakening may seek help from Kundalini yoga teachers, energy workers or healers, while those going through Spiritual Awakening may turn to spiritual teachers or guides and coaches well-versed in existential questions.
• Quality of Experiences: Kundalini-related experiences are often described as more intense and physical, sometimes even chaotic, while spiritual awakening experiences tend to be calmer and centred on mental and emotional growth. Although spiritual awakenings can also be overwhelming and chaotic particularly if the person experiencing the awakening is 'unprepared'.
• Sensation versus Insight: Physical sensations are more pronounced in Kundalini Awakening with the energy moving through chakras, and often feeling sensations moving up through the physical body, while Spiritual Awakening leans more towards insights, realisations, and expanded understanding and less physical.

Recognising the differences between Kundalini and Spiritual Awakening will help individuals better interpret their experiences and seek appropriate support. Moreover, these awakenings can sometimes blend or lead into each other, presenting a complex interplay of energy and consciousness.

Conclusion and Further Considerations

• Balanced Approach: It is crucial for those undergoing either Kundalini or Spiritual Awakening to maintain a balanced life, including physical health, mental and emotional stability, and practical daily functioning.
• Support Systems: Whether it's through a spiritual community, supportive friends, or family, a coach or mentor, having a network of support is invaluable in navigating the challenges of awakening.
• Continued Learning: Continued study and learning about Kundalini and Spiritual Awakening can provide context and understanding, which can be incredibly reassuring.
• Patience: Both awakenings are processes that unfold over time and require patience and the understanding that each person’s journey is unique.
• Trust: Whether a Spiritual Awakening or Kundalini Awakening, each person who experiences an awakening is called to surrender and trust what is unfolding is for their highest good and the highest good of all.

To conclude, while the symptoms and signs of Kundalini Awakening and Spiritual Awakening may sometimes seem similar or overlapping, they remain distinct experiences. Kundalini Awakening is characterized by powerful energetic movements and physical sensations, whereas Spiritual Awakening is identified by a profound shift in one's perception of reality and a deep connection to the spiritual aspects of existence. Discerning the differences can empower individuals on their journey, aiding in personal growth and the responsible management of their awakening process. Above all, navigating these transitions with care, a sense of curiosity, and support can make all the difference in integrating these experiences into one's life.

Hands up if you have ever experienced Imposter Syndrome or the Fraud Factor?

Yup, I most definitely have. When it arises, I am filled with self-doubt, wondering ‘who the hell am I to be saying or doing this?!’

 It has been active throughout my adult life; in my corporate career, when I launched my business, when I volunteered to Coach my daughter's football team, then again, when I pivoted my business.  To be totally honest, it has even come up again when launching my latest offering!

It’s an icky sensation of dread and discomfort, sitting deep in my solar plexus - the root of our emotional body and subconscious. Before I began practising self-regulation, the sensations would spiral quickly, moving into my upper body, manifesting as anxiety, along with other physical symptoms, and negative self-talk.

Imposter Syndrome is emotionally and energetically exhausting. On the outside, we wear a mask that shows everyone ‘I’ve got this!’, on the inside, we fear that we are going to be ‘discovered’ or 'found out' as a fraud.

We try to ‘fix’ Imposter Syndrome, which I have found to be like sticking a band-aid onto it.

Imposter Syndrome has deep roots.

What I uncovered was surprising but also a relief. It transformed my relationship with Imposter Syndrome. I no longer looked at it as if it was a sniper trying to take me out but instead a messenger reminding me to regulate my system as well as showing me what is coming up for healing, as part of my growth. It is a process, which is why it doesn't just 'go away'.

I still experience the sensations of Imposter Syndrome and that's ok! This is part of the human experience, but it definitely helps to navigate the process with as much grace and ease that is available to us.

It goes way beyond mindset work. 

Self-regulation and relearning to self-soothe, through somatic techniques from the science and wisdom of Kundalini Yoga and Energy Healing work, have played a huge part on my healing journey, helping me to navigate the sensations to serve me, rather than being controlled by them. I like to think of it as energetic alchemy.  

When we use the strong winds of self-doubt to support the sails of our metaphoric boat, to our advantage, we navigate more gracefully around the challenges and obstacles, instead of crashing into them.  This is resilience. 

When Imposter Syndrome arises now, know you're on the right track.

Imposter Syndrome has roots in our childhood.  But we can upgrade the old childhood programmes that are running by reparenting ourselves and understanding how to self-regulate and relearning new self-soothing techniques that serve us.

Which is why I invite you to go within, and look at the Inner Child.

Who is the Inner Child?

Well, it is you. 

The Inner Child lives in all of us, the aspects of self that we have denied, hidden or suppressed.

We all carry unresolved wounds or trauma - trauma doesn’t have to be big T trauma, for the majority of us it is little t trauma - when activated, our Inner Child runs the show.  

As children, particularly as young girls we were conditioned to be people pleasers, the ‘good’ girl.  We may not have felt seen, heard or valued. Or we were validated based on what we achieved.  We learnt to play the role of 'perfectionist' to earn love or validation.

Perfectionism is a key trait of Imposter Syndrome.

Our Inner Child protects us but keeps us in survival mode (fight or flight). These old programmes slow down our growth. We end up fearing change instead of embracing it. We become ‘fixed’ in our mindset and block the opportunities that are available to support our growth.

It’s now our time to heal AND grow AND thrive.

When we nurture and support our Magical Inner Child, we unleash new levels of creativity, we take healthy risks and create a ‘growth’ mindset.

When we lean in and trust the unconditional loving support of our Magical Child, we thrive, and reach beyond our self-imposed limitations.  Life truly becomes magical as we begin living a more aligned, authentic and soul-led life.

Self-Doubt, Imposter Syndrome, the Fraud Factor or Self-Sabotage has many guises and it has been showing up A LOT over the last week for me, my coaching clients and my yoga students.

Is it slowing you down?

Even today, as I write this, my inner Gremlin piped up, ‘why are you even bothering, who’s going to want to read this’?  Of course, I politely thanked it, gave it the finger, then continued.

My friend Mary, who is also a fantastic Coach, calls her inner critics or Gremlins the ‘shitty committee’🤣 how brilliant is that!

Do you have a name for yours? When does your Gremlin or ‘shitty committee’ pop up?

I've noticed how my Gremlins are particularly shouty when I am going through shifts, growth spurts in my evolution or when I embark on a new project in my business. I used to freak out and then procrastinate, then do that thing I like to call Ostrich Syndrome where I bury my head in the sand! Thankfully, I don’t do that anymore - although procrastination does occasionally show up and when it does, I know it’s my self-doubt trying to out smart me!

Nowadays, I welcome my Gremlins (sometimes it definitely feels like more than one!) with open arms, give them a cuddle and shower them with love. Acknowledging that these Gremlins are just facets of me that are scared, small unresolved or unhealed parts of me, hidden and buried in my subconscious. They fear disapproval, judgement, being disliked and rejection.  This stems from our past; if our ancestors were rejected from their tribes or communities, it resulted in death, but thankfully rejection these days generally does not result in death!  The old primitive brain, or limbic brain, is doing its job and keeping us safe, as this is what it has learnt. So it's a matter of bringing this to our awareness, reassuring our brain (and Gremlins) that these fears do not have an awful ending.  Yes, it will feel uncomfortable but we need to allow ourselves to sit with and be amongst the discomfort of those feelings, without distraction.  Soon those feelings of rejection, disapproval, dislike no longer feel scary.

Growth is uncomfortable (remember growing pains?!) and transformation is icky, but if we don’t get comfortable with the uncomfortable, we continue to play small, or to stay invisible.  As well as our limbic brain, our ego (in the form of Gremlin or inner critic) chimes in to protect us. They hold us back from radiating our true greatness.  The best thing we can do is to surrender to the discomfort, give it the attention and love it needs to transmute it.  When we transmute energy, this is where the alchemy happens.  From here we can take action that is aligned with who we truly are.

So next time self doubt appears, know that it’s a sign that you’re on the right path and that a new you is emerging.

I no longer do the power pose in a corporate toilet cubicle before presenting to hundreds (although there is nothing wrong with it!) I have a Mary Poppins bag full of technologies and strategies to clear out the subconscious, to shift and transmute energy and emotions that come up in my day to help me navigate through the challenges with more grace, courage and ease.  

This is why I chose the Good Morning Krya for last Thursday’s Kundalini Yoga class.  Whether you are an entrepreneur running your own business, a corporate leader or a busy mother, this krya gets you started physically, emotionally and mentally.It’s called Good Morning because it gets everything started, just like the morning gets the day started. Of course, you don’t have to do it in the morning; it can be done anytime of the day.  This krya will support with:

• Motivation 
• Focus and clarity
• Balancing the endocrine system (homeostasis)
• Breaking negative thought patterns, habits of Self Doubt, ‘Imposter Syndrome’ or ‘Fraud Factor
• Building courage
• Increasing confidence

If you missed the live class, fear not! You can access the recorded replay here:

Go on, give it a go!

As one of my clients insightfully said to me after her session last week, 'sometimes we have to breakdown to have the breakthroughs!' As a Coach I hold space for my clients so that they are held and supported during and in-between sessions. Coaching is a co-creation, so don't ever feel you have to through any of the discomfort alone.

If you feel you may need some additional support with breaking patterns and habits of Imposter Syndrome and self-doubt, or heal subconscious blocks that are holding you back, then book your free 60 minute Coaching Consultation with me to see how Coaching can help you. Book your your Free Consultation here.

Beautiful Soul reading this, it is time for you to rise, to show up and be visible.  The world needs your light right now, more than ever.