Gathering around a firelight to share sacred stories, songs and prayers is one of the most ancient practices known to humanity. Together with Cacao, we will sing and dance to deepen our connection with nature and each other.
Cacao (the main ingredient found in chocolate) is a deeply sacred plant that has been vital to humanity for thousands of years. Originally known throughout Amerikua, Cacao has spread around the world because of its tremendous physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits.
Facilitators:
Adrian DiMatteo (B.M. Eastman School of Music, 2012) is the founder of the Sonic Institute. He is an international performing and recording artist, author (Elements of Sound: A Full-Spectrum Exploration of Sound and Consciousness), music educator, app creator (Chord Atlas), and sound meditation facilitator with over 20 years’ experience in the music world. Adrian has toured and traveled extensively—exploring sound, language, musical culture and how they affect individual and collective wellbeing. Hundreds of students have graduated from Sound Healer Training programs and weekend retreats that Adrian regularly facilitates nationwide. To date, he has offered musical experiences to thousands of people in hospitals, hospices, elder care facilities, and children’s centers.
Florencia Friedman
Florencia Fridman is a self-empowerment artist working with heart opening therapies involving Ceremonial Grade Cacao, sound alchemy, and breath as instruments for transformation. Florencia is passionate about supporting the voices of indigenous nations, wisdom keepers, and guardians of the sacred lands. She works deeply with elders from the Mayan tradition in Guatemala and the Sapara Nation in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
She shares her passion for Theobroma Cacao through education and ceremony globally. Florencia has opened for Deepak Chopra, has facilitated ceremonies for the corporate world at Spotify, and has taught lectures at NYU. Florencia is the co-Founder of Cacao Laboratory, a Ceremonial Cacao brand aiming to bring awareness of a regenerative world through the voice of Cacao. She is also the founder of Florecer Community, bridging modern and ancient wisdom to create a more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
Beth Ricciardone is a healing artist who curates multi-sensory experiences to support somatic and spiritual well-being. Beth is a certified somatic trauma-informed practitioner, a mother of three, and resides in Bedford, NY, where she works with clients both virtually and regionally.
Beth is a dedicated student of the sacred medicine of cacao, studying under Nana Marina Cruz, an honored Ajq’ij (spiritual guide) of the Tz’utujil People of Guatemaya. She has received her teacher’s guidance, permission, and blessing to serve and share the medicine of cacao. Beth integrates traditional and spiritual practices from her studies while honoring her own Italian lineage. She is grateful to walk this path in sacred reciprocity.
Cassie Luzenski is a multi-disciplinary artist, creating experiences through her training as a Shamanic Reiki practitioner and sound meditation facilitator. With a deep passion for holistic well-being, Cassie has spent the past two years immersing herself in a variety of spiritual, cultural, and traditional practices with many elders and wisdom-keepers around the world, under the guidance of her teacher, Maestro Manuel Rufino, and the Initiatic Tradition. Her studies at the Sonic Institute have further enhanced her understanding in the technology of sound and healing. Cassie is always eager to learn and be of service, striving to bring more peace and love wherever she goes.