Maria's dad took his life when she was 16. Her mum fell into a decade-long depression. And Maria made it her mission to bring healing... first to herself, then to her mum, then to the world. This is a conversation about following intuition even when it terrifies you, the magic of cacao, and how Maria met her husband in India after seeing the exact place in a meditation a year before she got there.

Content Warning: This episode references parental depression, suicide, and mental health medication.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Recorded between London and Austria. We acknowledge the colonial histories of the UK and Austria, and honour the diverse communities whose lands and labour built these cities. We also honour the Indigenous peoples of Guatemala and Mesoamerica, whose sacred relationship with cacao is central to this conversation.

🎁 FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Download your free Joy Hour resource at www.mayagandaia.com/joyhourgift

IN THIS EPISODE: From corporate life to cacao ceremonies, sound healing and coaching

The first cacao ceremony that changed everything... and the vision of Guatemala

Learning from shamans and finding her own way with the medicine

Singing through fear: overcoming a throat chakra blockage

Helping her mum heal from 10 years of deep depression

The meditation vision that led to India, to Varkala, to her future husband

Trusting intuition even when you have no plan B

Asking her boss for remote work... and getting a yes

Finding joy in the little things: presence, nature, breath

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Introduction

01:26 – What does Maria's life look like now?

03:43 – The first cacao ceremony and the vision of Guatemala

07:41 – Singing through fear: the throat chakra journey

10:26 – The ceremony where she made 20 mistakes

12:26 – Life between Austria, Egypt and India

13:11 – The meditation vision of a cliff in Kerala

14:58 – Meeting her future husband at a yoga resort

17:14 – From rational thinker to visionary

20:42 – Her mum's 10-year depression

23:19 – "I'm her daughter. I have the power."

23:42 – Drinking cacao together: the moment her mum cried

26:38 – What role does joy play in your life?

28:30 – The bridge: authenticity and vulnerability

31:49 – From full-time to 15 hours and travelling the world

36:52 – How to live a life of joy

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Maria describes herself as a joyful being, deeply connected to nature, channelling her wisdom to bring healing to others. At 16, both her parents fell into depression. Her dad took his life and her mum remained in deep depression for years. Knowing she carried a strong energy, Maria made it her mission to bring healing... first to herself, then to her mum, then to the world. After years of personal growth and travelling, she helped her mum fully recover after 10 years. Today her mum is the healthiest she has ever been and medication-free. Maria now offers 1:1 intuition coaching, in-person cacao ceremonies and sound healing in Austria and wherever she travels.

RESOURCES & MENTIONS:

William Whitecloud: Natural Success and intuition trainings

Arush: intuition coaching (Maria's first coach)

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: birthplace of modern cacao ceremonies

Varkala, Kerala, India

Ceremonial cacao as heart-opening medicine

CONNECT:

Ella Mesma

Website: www.ellamesma.co.uk | www.mayagandaia.com

Book: https://mayagandaia.com/journal-to-joy/

Current offers: https://mayagandaia.com/links/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellamesma/

Maria

Instagram: @maria.earthrituals

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE JOY HOUR:

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS:

Music: LamRock

Everything else: Brought to you by Ella and guests ❤️

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