Mae Bird: Medicine songs inspired by nature - Intimate campfire concert

Join Mae Bird under the canopy of ancient trees and stars, deep in the heart of the ancient New Forest. Singing medicine songs for healing, inspired by nature.  We will create a sacred space around a ceremonial fire for this intimate and touching concert, as the sun sets and the bats dance over our heads. Be moved by song and inspired to discover what wholeness means to you. 

The concert begins with a seasonal-inspired foraged herbal cacao ceremony. Cacao is the perfect accompaniment to the evening, helping us to open our hearts, move into our bodies and boost our mood. We will use raw, organic, and fair trade cacao at a ceremonial dose, infused with herbs relevant to the season, mixed with coconut milk and sweetened with foraged fruit syrup (cherry or plum) or agave syrup. To find out more about our cacao, please go to the bottom of the page.

Mae has released 17 songs: "A collection of sketches from my travels in the inner and outer worlds. A transformational relationship with the spirit of nature and the love and lessons she has shared with me. These songs have been a medicine for my soul, and I hope that by recording and releasing them they can be a medicine for others too. I send them out into the world with love and compassion for all beings".

Find Mae Bird on spotify, instagram, bandcamp, soundcloud and facebook

We are currently planning how we can offer optional camping and voice workshop in the morning. If you are interested, please message SoweloCIC@pm.me. More information will be available via a telegram link in the ticket email.

This amazing event is brought to you by Sowelo Natural Connection C.I.C (registration in progress). A not-for-profit organisation set up for the benefit of providing accessible nature based wellness activities with mental health at the centre.  All profits from this event will be used to increase affordability and accessibility of mental health services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is a cacao ceremony?

At its core, a cacao ceremony is any sort of ceremony in which a cacao beverage is consumed to elevate the spiritual ritual(s) being practiced. The cacao used in these ceremonies is chocolate in its purest form. Cacao beans come from the fruit of the cacao tree and have a distinctly bitter flavor. They're also chock-full of nutrients, making cacao a superfood that has been used in ceremonies dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs.

Cacao Consumption & Wellbeing

Our Cacao is 100% sustainable and fair trade. Sourced directly from Ecador via CacaoAmor (https://cacaoamor.com).

Excerpt from cacaoamor: "Remedies derived from the cacao beans have been used in spiritual practices, ceremonies and to treat a range of physical ailments. Many of these benefits are supported in the research literature alongside more recent evidence that suggests a positive relationship between Cacao consumption and cardiovascular health and the lowering of blood pressure, alongside antioxidant, anti-influenza, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Research has also identified a number of potential psychological benefits of consuming Cacao, including improvements in cognitive performance, stress management, mood, and well-being.

Theobroma Cacao contains more than 333 bio-active compounds. Some you may know such as Magnesium, Iron, and Potassium. Some you may be less familiar with; Anandamide, Phenylethylamine, Tryptophan, Methylxanthines, and Flavanols.

Cacao is a natural antidepressant, and anxiolytic and has many other health benefits. It reduces stress and promotes the production of beneficial neurotransmitters such as serotonin and anandamide (known as the 'Happiness Hormone' and 'Bliss Molecule' respectively). Cacao nurtures your heart, body, and mind, physically and energetically, helping you to achieve holistic well-being.

Cacao contains beneficial neurotransmitters and near-modulators already present in our brain, including:

Serotonin - Helps with well-being, and creates resistance to stress. Cacao also has MAO inhibitors, that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.

Norepinephrine - The Joy molecule.

Dopamine - Gives feelings of motivation and pleasure. MAO inhibitors present in Cacao inhibit the reuptake of dopamine.

Anandamide - The Bliss Molecule! Cacao is one of two only foods we know, that contain Anandamide. This compound moderates pain, and is released by our body when we take time in nature, giving us feelings of euphoria.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) Helps with excitement, alertness, and attention. Helps us be in the NOW.

Cacao's Magnesium, Iron, and Sulfur are all of prime importance for our well-being and the optimum functioning of our endocrine system.

Spiritual and Emotional Benefits

Cacao can align us with our highest purpose in life; helping us remember who we truly are, and achieve our fullest potential. At CacaoAmor we believe we are here to express Love and Joy on this Earth. Cacao enhances the qualities of what is already there, helping us release stagnant emotions and creating space for healing and celebration. Cacao facilitates and strengthens the communication between our three brains, the Har (stomach/womb), Heart, and Mind, helping us restore our birthright of pleasure and happiness.

Cacao can aid you in living according to your values, healing the Earth and yourself. Live your best life! "