By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Most times, when going out, our entertainment depends on superficial sustenance — the opulent excess of suburbia. We bury ourselves in shopping sprees, social media, video games, and more, often disregarding true spiritual betterment. Some might say we don’t have much of a choice, that in this modern age, everything worth having has become commodified. However, there is still hope to be found in believers such as Nico Solarte, the founder and creative producer of Existt Soulcare.
Solarte is a Colombian-Canadian artist, multifaceted in different strands of art, an integrated mindfulness guide, and the aforementioned founder and creative producer of Existt Soulcare. They draw themselves to a holistic way of healing and believe in the power of community, propelling it into the limelight in their upcoming event, entitled RISE. RISE is the latest in the string of Existt Soulcare’s events scattered throughout the GTA, all with the purpose of spiritual well-being.
This immersive event returns this summer, on Sunday, August 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Backed By Bees, Burlington’s very own honey farm. Existt Soulcare was one of the recipients of the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund this year for RISE; the event aims to bring participants together in community, as well as dive a bit deeper into their personal subconsciousness.
RISE, as described by Solarte and their RISE co-host Carolina Brown, is “an intentional community container rooted in ancient Mesoamérica culture and spirituality.” Carolina Brown is an apprentice at the School of Maya Medicine and Spirituality, where she is studying cacao medicine as practiced traditionally.
This immersive event encourages its participants to engage in healing properties and practices, with a Mayan Cacao Circle, emphasizing ethically sourced and culturally authentic chocolate, and a guided mindfulness and sensory meditation, followed by a dance and social. The dance portion of the event will be alcohol-free, encouraging participants to explore creative movement and play.
I had the opportunity to talk to Solarte themself, and they happily shared information about the event.
Can you elaborate more on the cacao experience? What is its history and how did you begin to incorporate this into your spiritual practice?
The cacao experience is a deeply transformative practice rooted in ancient Mesoamérica traditions. Cacao has been used for thousands of years by Indigenous cultures, primarily the Mayans and Aztecs, for its spiritual and ceremonial properties. It was considered a sacred plant medicine, used in rituals to connect with the divine and to facilitate communal bonding.
In modern times, we incorporate cacao into spiritual settings to honour its rich history and potent healing properties. I began incorporating cacao into my spiritual practices after experiencing its profound effects on my own journey. The gentle stimulation and heart-opening qualities of cacao create a conducive environment for introspection, emotional release, and communal connection, which align perfectly with the goals of our initiative.
What is the importance of Mesoamérican culture and its spirituality to you?
Mesoamérica culture and its spirituality hold a deep personal significance for me. I was born in Colombia and have had the privilege of spending time in the Sierra Nevada region, learning from the Kogi and Arhuaco communities that are indigenous to this land. The wisdom and practices shared by their elders have greatly influenced my spiritual journey and understanding of my purpose as a healer and community connector.
For me, integrating Mesoamérica traditions into my offerings with Existt is all about honouring and bridging the wisdom of my ancestral lineage with my current practices. The emphasis on community, respect for nature, and the healing power of plant medicines are teachings that resonate deeply with me. By sharing these traditions, I aim to create spaces that not only honour these ancient practices but also foster modern self-discovery and healing.
Why did you decide to make RISE an alcohol-free experience?
Alcohol-free experiences are increasingly important as more people are seeking environments that promote genuine connection and holistic well-being. Alcohol tends to mask true emotions and hinder authentic interactions, if we’re being honest. By offering an alcohol-free space, we allow attendees at our events to engage fully with the experience, fostering deeper connections with themselves and others. It encourages mindfulness, presence, and a more profound sense of community, which are core values of the Existt Collective.
What got you started on your journey of spirituality?
My journey into spirituality was driven by a need for deep healing and self-discovery. I struggled with intense anxiety, which often manifested as physical symptoms, likely due to navigating my queer identity and dealing with religious trauma. These challenges led me to seek out practices that could offer true evolution and growth.
The turning point came during COVID-19 when I left a creatively unfulfilling job and reclaimed my power as an artist. This period of reflection highlighted the transformative potential of these practices and deepened my commitment to them. As a natural progression, I felt called to share this healing with my community by creating spaces that weren’t available to me during my own journey — places where people could explore, heal, and connect in meaningful ways. That’s what inspired me to start Existt SoulCare.
What is your desired outcome for people participating in this event?
My wish for everyone joining us for RISE 2024 is a deep sense of renewal, connection, and empowerment. We aim for all attendees to feel more in tune with their true nature, having experienced deep self-awareness and community bonding. The goal is for them to leave with practical tools and insights that they can integrate into their daily lives, fostering ongoing personal growth and well-being. Ultimately, we hope to cultivate a lasting impact that inspires participants to continue their journey of self-discovery and contribute positively to their communities.
If you’re in search of a spiritual event that prioritizes growth rather than momentary pleasure, RISE might be the place for you. You can purchase tickets through Eventbrite (prices range from $20 to $89; some pay-what-you-can tickets are still available), or go to Existt Soulcare’s Instagram, @existtsoulcare, for more information on the event and the Existt community. The event will take place on Sunday, August 18 at 4 p.m. at Backed by Bees, at 6214 Appleby Line.
