The Origin Story of Big Love

And what it means for you

Hi Loves,

So, I already gave you a little sneak peak into some things happening this summer, but I realized that I didn’t tell you the most important piece - what does Big Love really mean now?

Let me start by telling you a story about why the name “Big Love” exists in the first place. It starts where some stories start - with self-doubt.

Seven years ago, I was at one of my favorite places - Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts - taking a very joyful Let Your Yoga Dance class and feeling the bigness of my expression, my love and the vastness of my heart when I suddenly slipped into self doubt.

It’s no surprise how these two love to dance together in my mind. As a Leo Rising and with Black Moon Lilith in my 3rd House (Communication), I’ve always had fiery expression that could feel uncomfortable for others at times, so of course, I have scars there too.

After swirling, sweating and crying on the dance floor, my heart was open, full and vulnerable. And in the next moment, a teacher changed my life.

She reflected that she loved my Big Love energy.

I confessed that sometimes I feel like too much for others. That maybe I should dim my light.

She lovingly but fiercely, grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me in the eyes and in her most demanding, sovereign voice said to me - You have Big Love in you. Don’t you dare hide that from the world. The world needs your Big Love. Let the others be uncomfortable.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve replayed this moment in my mind, but it’s one that I visit with often.

In that moment of fierce feminine force, I felt like I had been given permission to trust myself.

Everything about that moment gave me permission. Not just what she said, but the way she delivered it - Like a real human that just had to grab my shoulders but also like a divine being who was enraged that I would dim my light. The fire in her eyes and the earthy truth in her voice. That she said “Let the others be uncomfortable”.

It was that moment that birthed Big Love into the world and I’ve been walking the path back to my own heart and self-trust since.

And honestly, that’s what Big Love has been about this whole time, it just has taken a few different forms.

Sharing my art practice was about self-trust.

Nervous system tending is about self-trust.

Creating art is about self-trust.

Grief is sometimes about self-trust. (Maybe always? I’ll report back)

So, are we teaching self-trust? No.

We’re reminding you what it feels like to trust yourself again.

Through story and myth.

Through acts of devotion.

Through cyclical rhythms.

Through reflection and non-judgement.

Through transition and grief.

Through Big Love.

We’re both the fierce feminine force reminding you not to dampen your flame and the soft, scared student who needs a steady voice and a big hug.

We’re sitting in the circle with you. We’re just also holding the lantern.

You’re invited to sit with us and stay as long as you’d like.

Sending you so much Big Love,

Mackenzie

P.S. If someone you care about would feel at home here - in this space of creativity, trust, and transformation - I’d love for you to pass this email along. Big Love grows when it’s shared. 💗