Cacao, Breathwork & Paint

Sunday, April 12 | from 13:45-16:45

A gentle journey from heart to canvas

There's something that happens when we slow down enough to listen. When we let the warmth of cacao soften our edges. When breath moves through us like a river finding its way home.

And then—when we pick up a brush without a plan, without expectation, and simply let color meet paper.

This is not an art class. There's no right or wrong here, no technique to master, no painting to "get right." This is an invitation to release, to feel, to express what words cannot hold.

Breathwork opens. Painting expresses. What wants to move through you—grief, joy, tension, tenderness—has space here. First through breath, then through color. No need to name it. Just let it flow.

Book your spot

What to Expect

  • We begin seated together with ceremonial cacao—a heart-opening plant medicine used for centuries to deepen presence and connection. As you sip slowly, I'll guide you through a gentle meditation to arrive fully. No rush. Just landing in your body, in this moment, in this circle of women.

  • Using circular breathing, we'll move energy through the body—releasing what's been held, making space for what wants to emerge. The session is typically 45-60 minutes, allowing plenty of time for your journey, including gentle grounding afterwards.

    Throughout the journey, I'll use shamanic instruments—drum, rattle, voice—to guide and support the breath. With your consent, I may also use gentle body- and energy work to help deepen your experience and move through what arises.

    This isn't about forcing or pushing—it's about allowing. Whatever wants to move, release, or open is welcome here. You might feel tingling, emotions rising, or deep calm. All of it is right.

    We prioritise that you feel safe, held and heard. I adapt the experience and breath to support you with what you need most.

  • With music playing softly and your heart wide open, you'll pick up a brush. After breathwork, something often wants to be expressed—emotions that don't have words yet, colors that match how you feel inside.

    No instructions on what to paint. Just an invitation to let it out. This is play. This is freedom. This is you, unfiltered.

  • We come back together to share—or simply witness. A moment to honor what emerged, to see each other, to close with intention.

Additional Information

    • Duration: 3 hours of slow, sacred time

    • Group size: Maximum 4 women (intimate & held)

    • Included: All art materials, ceremonial cacao, herbal tea & a some snacks.

    • Investment: €85

  • 13:45-14:00 Walk in

    14:00-14:15 Opening

    14:15-14:30 Cacao

    14:30-15:30 Breathwork

    15:30-16:15 Painting

    16:15-16:30 Closing

    16:30-16:45 Time for tea + aftercare

  • Just yourself. All materials are provided: art supplies, cacao, tea and a snack.

    For the breathwork portion, soft comfortable mats, cushions, bolsters, eye pillows and blankets are provided—everything you need to feel held and cozy.

    If you like, bring a journal and pen to capture any insights afterwards.

  • Breathwork can be powerful. If you have cardiovascular issues, are pregnant, or have a history of panic disorder, please reach out before booking so we can talk about what's right for you.

    Everything in this space is an invitation. You choose your depth, your pace, your level of participation. There's no pressure to share, paint a certain way, or "achieve" anything. You're already enough.

    • You crave slowness in a world that moves too fast

    • You want to reconnect with your body, your creativity, your inner world

    • You're ready to release what you've been carrying—through breath, through color

    • You don't need to "be creative"—you just need to show up as you are

Meet your facilitators

Ella Giljam - Guide

Ella is a certified shamanic & sound practitioner, breathwork facilitator and coach. She guides women through gentle, trauma-informed experiences that blend breathwork, sound, shamanism and creative expression. Her philosophy: slow down, allow what wants to move, and trust your own unfolding.

Spaceholder

  • "Just the powerful feminine energy that I needed. Thank you for sharing!"

    ~ Maria

  • "Breath work led to full awareness and being present, helped a lot of feelings to surface and accept/put to rest! Thanks Ella"

    ~ Student

  • "Ella geeft enorm fijn begeleiding tijdens de breathwork. Het was fijn om naar te luisteren en ik voelde mij op mijn gemak dieper te zakken in mijn lichaam. Onwijs bedankt Ella voor deze prachtige sessie! Ik kom zeker eens terug."

    ~

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for the workshop.

Your Questions, Answered

  • No experience needed—this workshop is designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. I'll guide you through every step. The painting part is intuitive, not technical.

  • Absolutely. This isn't about creating something beautiful or "good." It's about expressing what's moving inside you—through color, shape, texture. There's no right or wrong. Stick figures welcome. Abstract blobs welcome. Whatever comes out is exactly right.

  • Breathwork is powerful and not suitable for everyone. Please reach out before booking if you:

    • Are pregnant

    • Have cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure

    • Have a history of epilepsy, seizures or psychosis

    • Have severe asthma

    • Are dealing with acute panic disorder or PTSD

    When in doubt, send me a message and we'll figure out together if this is right for you.

  • Ceremonial cacao is pure, minimally processed cacao used for centuries in ritual and healing. It's a gentle heart-opener—not a psychedelic or drug. You might feel warmth, increased focus, emotional softness, or simply a sense of wellbeing. It contains natural theobromine (a mild stimulant) and is generally safe, though if you're on antidepressants (especially MAOIs) or have heart conditions, please let me know beforehand.

  • No photos or videos are taken during the session. This is a private, sacred space. If I ever want to take photos for promotional purposes (for example, of the painted artworks), I'll always ask your explicit permission first.

  • Spots are limited (max 4) and your booking is non-refundable. However, you're welcome to transfer your spot to someone else if you can no longer attend. Just let me know.