We recently connected with Lexi Salazar and have shared our conversation below.

Lexi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Bridging ancient traditions and the modern world with Cacao has been some of the most meaningful work I’ve been able to do. Everyone knows that chocolate has been long associated with love and that is no coincidence! Indigenous communities in Mesoamerica have been consuming Cacao (the pure form of chocolate) for its heart-opening benefits for generations. Think of it like a special hot chocolate that helps you connect with yourself and others from a place of unconditional love. I’ve had the privilege to study this plant, the traditions, and have received training on how to hold a ceremony from elders. This process has been incredibly fulfilling, not only because my Indigenous ancestors drank Cacao, but also because I’ve been able to share this powerful plant medicine with the community here in Phoenix.

There is a quote by Rumi that says, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” I think that perfectly describes what Cacao is here to teach the world. The Cacao experiences I host are typically 2 hours long. We sip Cacao, share what is on our hearts and I end the experience with a sound bath utilizing crystal singing bowls and singing ceremony songs. By sharing Cacao, I’ve been able to witness so much joy, connection, and healing. It is truly an honor to support the community in this way.

Lexi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Life has a funny way of unfolding itself in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes beautiful, like a rose and sometimes messy, like an onion.

Since I was a child, singing and writing music has been my way of processing life. Writing music is how I got through every heartache and troubling moment. However, during my yoga teacher training in 2019, I discovered that I was incredibly hard on myself. Always pushing myself to exhaustion in my workouts, my day job, my music, and just about every other area of life. This was a problem I didn’t know how to solve on my own. A few months after I realized this, I stumbled into a sound bath and cacao circle. I had no Idea what Cacao was but I knew that I liked sound healing. After a cup of Ceremonial Cacao, I felt the room change. I saw everyone relax their shoulders and speak with vulnerability and authenticity. So many of the things shared in that circle were things others were experiencing too. I left feeling connected to something greater. I began drinking Cacao regularly which allowed me to cultivate deeper self love and work through those deeply ingrained, toxic habits that were leading to burn out. I also discovered that my Indigenous ancestors drank Cacao and felt the call to share this beautiful plant with others.

I began facilitating sound baths in 2020, then completed my facilitator training to serve ceremonial Cacao in 2021. It has been such a blessing to share this ancient tradition alongside my gift of singing for a truly profound and healing experience. Sometimes the Cacao guides the group into a deep topic but other times the medicine can show us that healing doesn’t have to be so serious and heavy. I’ve sat in circles where we end up telling funny stories, giggling, and fully embracing the joy while early 2000’s r&b plays in the background. Humans thrive together. We are meant to connect and lift each other up and that is exactly what Cacao and music teaches us.

Through working with Cacao regularly, I’ve been able to write more uplifting music. Blending playful pop melodies with positive lyrics and healing frequencies. Think 432hz meditation music, but make it a fun pop song infused with your daily affirmations! This music will be released under the name “Zaagi'” which means ‘love’ in Anishinaabemowin. A project that has been born from my mission to make the world a more beautiful place.

There are so many different ways you can connect with Cacao. You can drink Cacao to support your creativity, to connect in community, to celebrate a new phase of life such as a birthday, and even to resolve an issue but the intention remains strong. To show up from a place of unconditional love.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In ancient yogic texts, there is something called “Dharma” and this refers to the reason why you are here! I believe everyone has a purpose and all of the lessons we learn in life support that mission. How do you figure out your purpose? By following your joy! I believe my mission is to make the world a more beautiful place, through my voice and my heart. Singing, writing music, and creating events that bring people together while honoring Indigenous ways and lifting up others brings me such deep, fulfilling joy.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think one of the most rewarding parts of my path is showing others what is possible. There was a time in my life where I was so lost, dealing with grief and turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms/struggling with my mental health. My life wasn’t always chocolate and sing alongs! I know how hard it is to be in a dark place in life and not knowing how to navigate a way out. It is rewarding to show people that they are not alone. There is hope and by connecting with your heart, it is possible for your life to unfold in ways more beautiful than you’ve ever imagined.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaagi_lexi/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zaagi_lexi
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zaagi_lexi

  lexisheargold@gmail.com

  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dsjlJAb5129uhWuxf73PN?si=nznorz43SDOyte0jLQ1dtg

Image Credits

Stephanie Lauren Photography