RAY OF BLISS 
YOGA & CACAO FAQs

FAQs

Can I practice if I have an injury or am pregnant? 

Do I need to sign up in advance? 

Do I need a package or a membership? 

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you play music in yoga classes?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

If I'm running late Can i still join?

What if I’m not flexible or fit?

Is the studio temperature “hot” or heated yoga?

What Level of practice Does the studio Offer?

Do I need a Yoga Mat?

Can Children Practice at the studio?

Are you on Classpass?

Do I need a Package or Membership?

We offer packages and memberships to best support a steady and consistent practice. From our observation, we see the most growth in our yoga aspirants who practice consistently whether that is 1, 2, 3x per week. Package holders and members also receive special perks for our events, workshops and retreats.

We also offer single class reservations. 

Currently, we offer:
For new students:
3-Class Intro Pacakge
1-Month Unlimited Bliss Pass

For Steady Yogi Practitioners: 
5-Class Delightful Bliss Package
10-Class Package Shining Bliss Package
1-Month Unlimited Radiant Bliss Membership

To read about all of our packages and membership and their perks check out here.

Can I practice if I have an injury or am pregnant? 

Do I need to sign up in advance? 

Do I need a package or a membership? 

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you play music in yoga classes?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

If I'm running late Can i still join?

What if I’m not flexible or fit?

Is the studio temperature “hot” or heated yoga?

What Level of practice Does the studio Offer?

Do I need a Yoga Mat?

Can Children Practice at the studio?

Are you on Classpass?

FAQs

Can I practice if I have an injury or am pregnant? 

Do I need to sign up in advance? 

Do I need a package or a membership? 

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you play music in yoga classes?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

If I'm running late Can i still join?

What if I’m not flexible or fit?

Is the studio temperature “hot” or heated yoga?

What Level of practice Does the studio Offer?

Do I need a Yoga Mat?

Can Children Practice at the studio?

Are you on Classpass?

Can Children Practice at Ray of Bliss?

Yes! Our youngest yogi at the studio is 18 months of age. 

We invite practitioners of all ages to join us. Children absorb the calmness and fun of the room and bring a lightness to all of us. The younger a child witnesses the yoga practice, the more likely they will want to participate in yoga or some form of movement. 

If you have a young child who does not need a yoga mat, it is not required to register them. For us though, we love creating them their very own account. This way they can track how many classes they have participated in before they even know how to count! 

For young yogis who participate in the class usually around age 4+, we do require an account for them and for them to be registered in the class as they will have their own space to practice as much as they like. 

We also provide periodic family classes where we intentionally tailor the class to be family friendly. 

And VERY SOON! we will be offering a children's yoga and mindfulness program! We are aiming to start this program in 2027.

FAQs

Can I practice if I have an injury or am pregnant? 

Do I need to sign up in advance? 

Do I need a package or a membership? 

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you play music in yoga classes?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

If I'm running late Can i still join?

What if I’m not flexible or fit?

Is the studio temperature “hot” or heated yoga?

What Level of practice Does the studio Offer?

Do I need a Yoga Mat?

Can Children Practice at the studio?

Are you on Classpass?

Are You on classpass?

Yes, for first time visits only. 

We know people love ClassPass as it gives you a chance to try out different studios and fitness/movement classes. And we love when people come to get to know us.

But the truth is that ClassPass pays studios about $9 per ClassPass student assuming they have a ClassPass membership. The studio does not receive any payment for ClassPass students on a free trial. Which is not sustainable for any studio. Something you also might not know, is that the studios do not have control over the class credit value you see on ClassPass. ClassPass assigns the credit value of the studio's classes. 

This is why we ask for returning students to become a class package holder or a member. By doing so, you support the studio and the teachers in creating a sustainable community. Plus you receive exclusive perks that you would not receive as a ClassPass participant. 

If you have many ClassPass credits leftover and want to be part of Ray of Bliss we do offer a custom transition package so you can use your credits while supporting the RoB community directly. Kindly contact us directly to discuss at 646 801 3215 or support@rayofbliss.org

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

WHAT IS CACAO?

Cacao is purest version of "chocolate." It's is 100% pure cacao. More than chocolate it is an ancient mesoamerican natural medicine shared in moments of celebration, ceremony, mediation and community. Cacao in combination with other herbs have been used to treat ailments of the body. Cacao is circles and ceremonies serve to open the mind into a more calm and heart-centered state of mind. This encourages open communication, honest reflection and contemplation and integration. 

The cacao we use at Ray of Bliss is fair trade, 100% pure criollo cacao from Ixmucane Cacao prepared by the Cruz family in Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala. We serve cacao following the Maya Cholq'ij Calendar and Maya Cosmovision traditions.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

EVERYONE! Everyone can drink cacao from food-eating babies to older adults. Cacao is safe for everyone to enjoy. Pregnant women and persons can drink cacao too. For cacao circles and ceremonies the ceremonial dose is modified to suit your bodily conditions.

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

Yes. Depending on the conditions you have the ceremonial dose will be adjusted. 
Diabetic? Yes, you can have cacao, our cacao does not have sugar. 
Pregnant? Yes, your ceremonial dose will be adjusted. Maya women drink cacao throughout their pregnancy and even up to the moment of childbirth to ease birth. 
Gall Bladder? Yes, due to the high fat content it is recommended to consume a lower dose than ceremonial. 
High or Low Blood Pressure? Yes, for those with high blood pressure it is most beneficial as it can naturally lower blood pressure. For those with low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medications or heart medications your dose will be modified. 
Ulcers? Yes, you can drink cacao, your ceremonial dose will be modified. However, if you are taking antacids or have recently finished treatment you can attend the circle or ceremony without consuming cacao. 
Taking SSRIs? Yes, your ceremonial dose will be adjusted. 
On Antibiotics? Depending the antibiotics you are taking will determine if you are able to consume cacao. 
We recommend you always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before consuming cacao. You can always join the gatherings and not drink cacao. You will gain the benefits of the collective prayer.


FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

Cacao is not a psychedelic, psychoactive or hallucinogenic. It is a grounding sacred beverage to bring clarity, contemplation and calmness. 

Yes, cacao contains caffeine, but in relatively small amounts compared to coffee. In ceremonial cacao there is  45g per 6-ounce serving, whereas a standard cup of coffee has around 95 mg-150mg.

Cacao has theobromine is a vasodilator (widens blood vessels) increasing circulation and heart stimulant, offering a calmer energy boost without the spike-and-crash of caffeine.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

FOOD OF THE GODS

Cacao contains the alkaloid theobromine, which translates literally into “Food of the Gods” – theos, meaning "god" or "divine", and broma, meaning "food"

Similar to caffeine in terms of energetic impact but impacting the cardiovascular system rather than the nervous system. Theobromine increases energy and focus without the anxious “buzz” one gets from ingesting caffeine. Cacao is a fabulous alternative to caffeine!

ANTIOXIDANT

Cacao in its purest form rates #1 on the USDA antioxidant food scale at 55,653 ORAC ahead of blueberries, goji berries, and pomegranates. It also contains the highest amount of naturally occurring magnesium

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

BRAIN POWER

Cacao increases blood flow to the brain by 10-15%, creating higher levels of mental agility, and improving awareness and focus

NUTRIENTS

Calcium - Bone problems, circulation, vericose veins
Potassium - Helps with nerve function and helps muscles contract.
Magnesium - Highest plant based source known 
Regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood circulation 

Cacao contains potassium, phosphorous, copper, chromium, zinc, iron and high levels of magnesium which contribute to cardiovascular health. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known, with 13.9 mg per 100g, which is more than beef (2.5 mg) and spinach (3.6 mg). However, cacao contains non-heme iron, which is not as easily absorbed by the body as heme iron found in animal proteins. To maximize the benefits of cacao's iron, you can consume it with vitamin C.

BLISS
Cacao contains Anandamide or the “Bliss Molecule.” Anandamide is an endocrine liquid that your body produces when you feel a workout “high”. It is a natural pleasure molecule located in the cells of the nervous system.

Anandamide, the bliss molecule and other components in cacao actually inhibit the breakdown of the body’s own cannabinoids, meaning that cacao helps to keep your stress-relief system regulated for longer and with better results. CBD supplements act similarly by attaching to endocannibinoid receptors in the body, rather than the brain. The result? A full-body calm.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Endocannibinoid receptors - They act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters in our brain.This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, or alertness. The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. 

To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid that was discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

MOOD ENHANCER
Cacao is natural mood enhancer releasing serotonin and dopamine which can help with easing depression and releasing negativity

Serotonin
Neurotransmitter responsible for Serotonin release in our gut. 
Associated with happiness, focus, and calmness, serotonin can create a long-lasting feeling of well-being. It also helps regulate digestive functions, body temperature, and appetite, and can help with sleep maintenance. This neurotransmitter is vital for feelings of contentment and love, and has been explained by some to be the reason that eating chocolate is so pleasurable. 
Many antidepressants (SSRIs) work by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin, but cacao may naturally help boost the body’s serotonin production to yield antidepressant effects without the need for prescription drugs.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Dopamine
Associated with motivation and reward, dopamine can create a feeling of pleasure when released in the brain. It also controls body movements and coordination, and can help with wakefulness. 

Phenylethylamine (PEA) 
Cacao is an aphrodisiac as it releases our “love” molecule PEA
Linked to both the feeling of falling in love and the “runner’s high” 

Hormone-like substance produced at the early stages of attraction that provokes the dizzy sensation some people feel when they're falling in love. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Triggers the release of norepinephrine, which helps the body respond to stress, dopamine
And other chemicals that play a role in depression and other mental health disorders. 

People who don't make enough phenethylamine naturally may therefore be helped to prevent mood disorders by taking it as a supplement. 
People use phenethylamine for athletic performance, depression, obesity, and other conditions

MINERALS

Raw cacao has more than 300 phytochemicals and nearly four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate, and contains protein, calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, and sulfur.

                     truly a cup of bliss

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

In honoring the Maya Tz'utujil traditions and guidance (the lineage Ray of Bliss follows) a cacao circle is a gathering with the community to align our intentions, prayer and reflection with the Cholq'ij calendar. 

A ceremony is when there is a sacred fire in which offerings are given connected to the Maya Cosmsovision and the Cholq'ij calendar. Ceremonies are led by Ajq'ijs (spiritual guides) and fire keepers for healing, opening paths, clarity and support in life situations.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

* We recommend that participants wear comfortable clothing of their choosing or preference. In consideration for the elders, we kindly ask for your clothing to cover the belly button, shoulders, and knees during the circles or ceremonies. Ceremonial clothes welcomed and encouraged.

​* Avoid coffee, matcha and other caffeinated beverages at least 3-4 hours before our gathering. Best to avoid all day, if you can.

​* Do not consume alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, vape, tobacco or any other plant medicine or mind altering substance before or during the circle. We kindly, ask to be present to the medicine of cacao.

​*  Have your meal at least 3-4 hours before our gathering.

What to Bring
*  In following ancestral tradition, each participant is strongly encouraged to bring flowers to contribute to the community flower altar.  

Recommended
* Fruits, vegetarian snacks to have blessed and shared in community.
* Sacred items to have blessed on the alter during the circle.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

We would love for you to join us and we know life sometimes brings us challenges. One way to join us is to volunteer your time. Help us with setting up, creating content (photography or videography), and breakdown and clean up. We will let you know which volunteer options are available.