No human being wants to be functional, such as using machines or robots in a functional and efficient way. The animal and plant world doesn’t want that either; we are all loving beings!
When we go shopping in large Swiss stores these days, we have the choice of paying at an attended checkout or completing the transaction at a self-checkout machine. For most people, these machines initially trigger astonishment and the critical words “how inhuman!”.
However, we can also see this technical innovation as a valuable opportunity to cultivate a conscious approach to our fellow human beings. If we are stressed, everything should be done efficiently “now, now, now”. If we don’t have the time and leisure for a real exchange and a genuine encounter, then the checkout machine can simply be used nowadays. We no longer have to treat checkout staff in a humanly derogatory way because we are functionally focused in certain situations and really only want an efficient service, while we don’t see the people involved at all.
At other times, we have time and consciously choose to have human encounters with checkout staff. But then we shouldn’t have expectations that humanity has to come to us from outside and that we will be treated like a king or queen. Even people who work at a checkout have bad days or challenging situations – what do we know about each other! Deciding against an expedient machine and consciously opting for a human exchange means that we are open to the current situation of our fellow human being, that we ourselves are present with goodwill, love, appreciation and perhaps even humor. This unconditionality towards the outside world means that we take responsibility for our true nature and our own natural connectedness is activated in pleasure.
“YOUR HEART AND MY HEART ARE ANCIENT FRIENDS. WHILE DIVISIVE STORIES COME AND GO IN THIS WORLD, WE ARE ALWAYS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE ANCIENT BOND OF THE HEART.”
At Peruvian markets, it is noticeable that vendors and customers address each other as “Mammi”, “Mamita” or in Quechua as “Mamay”, regardless of whether they are meeting for the first time or have known each other for a long time. This affectionate form of address supports a human encounter, a benevolent exchange and genuine sympathy. The moments at the market don’t usually feel like profit-oriented trade, but like nourishment for the soul – who in this wide world doesn’t want soulful encounters?
Despite colonization, this gentle form of communication and goodwill are still an important part of Peruvian culture in many places. Would you like to experience this for yourself? In spring 2024, SONQO is once again organizing various group trips to the Andes and the jungle – you can find detailed information here:
Working with plants and especially with Ceremonial Grade Cacao requires a dedication to the difference between emotions (functionally oriented towards the outside) and feelings (exploring the inner world). Cacao opens the heart. And the heart wants to expand unconditionally into inner peace and benevolence. This is absolutely not about peace-joy-egg cake spirituality, but first and foremost involves a responsible relationship with yourself as a human being (individual being) and at the same time as humanity (social being) and as part of the entire cosmos (ecological being). Are you ready for this unconditional encounter with yourself?
For those interested in working with the PACHAMAMA CACAO and other people in the future, SONQO has therefore created a CACAO COURSE.
You will learn valuable background knowledge about cacao, how to prepare it differently for a Cacao Ceremony, a Cacao Celebration or a Daily Cacao and how to work with it in different ways. You will get to know the Munay Meditation in depth and many other helpful methods.
With a happy heart – Ángel & Aline with the SONQO team
