Marina’s journey with cacao began in an unexpected way. Her first encounter with cacao was when her friends wanted to open a bean-to-bar chocolate store and asked her to communicate with cacao farms in English. “I knew nothing about cacao, although chocolate was something I was familiar with,” she says, noting that there is no cacao grown in Japan. Her initial connection with cacao came from communicating with a farmer in Guatemala. “As I talked with the farmer, I became interested in learning more about cacao, and I read books about cacao,” Marina recalls.
From there, her fascination with cacao grew. She became the representative of a small chocolate factory and began visiting cacao farms in Thailand, learning about the world of cacao production firsthand. “I spent many days visiting cacao farms and experiencing the cacao world through daily work until a piece of chocolate was made from a cacao bean.” Although she eventually distanced herself from the industry, cacao had a mysterious way of returning to her life. Marina reconnected with cacao, this time through making raw chocolate and discovering ceremonial cacao. When she stumbled upon Cacao Source’s Jungle Immersion program, she knew it was time to return to the roots of her cacao journey.
“When this cacao door opened, I wanted to go to Guatemala, where I first got involved, and make time to express my gratitude and prayers for the cacao trees, the Mayan people, the farmers, and all things related to cacao,” she explains. After learning about the Cacao Source training program, Marina felt an instant connection. “When I saw the information about the openings at Cacao Immersion, I thought, ‘This is it!’”
A Holistic Journey
Marina’s experience at the Jungle Immersion program was far more than just a cacao training. “Cacao Source offered a holistic perspective and experience,” she says. "Time to meet the cacao farmers, experience each step of the process, listen to stories in the cacao forest, and learn about cacao in the context of its history, ecology, and environmental and economic systems."
The program allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the many aspects of cacao. By connecting with the farmers and seeing the entire process from bean to cup, Marina gained new perspectives on her own gifts and how she could develop them further. She found that the time spent with fellow participants, all united by their love of cacao, helped ignite a light within her.
“Spending time with friends connected by the keyword 'cacao,' each of our experiences, sharing, and time spent together, has made the light that had been dormant inside me shine even brighter.”
Deepening Connection to the Spirit of Cacao
One of the most profound shifts for Marina was her connection to the spirit of cacao.
"Cacao not only helped me heal myself, but also made me feel more connected to my family, friends, ancestors, and to the people and all living things of the world," she reflects. The immersive experience, coupled with the intimate morning cacao circles, deepened her relationship with the plant and expanded her awareness of the interconnectedness of life.
This new connection with cacao allowed Marina to bring more intention into her daily life. "Being more connected to cacao has helped me to feel true happiness and the blessing of living more in my daily life," she shares. Whether it was the smell of cacao or the simple act of drinking it, Marina found herself continually returning to the feelings of peace and connection she experienced in the cacao forest.
Life After the Jungle Immersion
Since returning to Japan, Marina has noticed the subtle yet powerful ways in which cacao has transformed her life. She feels more gratitude and more connected to nature's flow. "It has helped me to surrender to the flow of nature, to listen to my mind and body, to breathe in my creativity, and to live with a holistic perspective," she says.
The Cacao Source training also reignited Marina’s passion for making raw chocolate, and she now spends more time incorporating ceremonial cacao into her daily routine. By listening to the voice of cacao, Marina has found a way to adjust her mind and body, facing the world with a newfound sense of balance and purpose. She shares, “Listening to the voice of cacao, I am now able to adjust my body and mind and face cacao.”
She encourages anyone who feels called by cacao to explore this path. "To all cacao lovers who want to feel secure, open their hearts, and live in a world of love and gratitude," she says, this program will guide you toward your own gifts and the deeper mysteries that cacao has to offer.
Join Us for the Next Jungle Immersion
Marina’s story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of cacao. If her journey resonates with you, consider joining us for our next 9-day Cacao Source Jungle Immersion March 1-9th in Lanquin, Guatemala. This is your opportunity to deepen your connection with cacao, discover your gifts, and share in the rich tradition of this sacred plant. Experience the magic of cacao and let it guide you on your own journey of self-discovery and connection.