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Writer's pictureDanielle

Transformation by Subtraction by Mackenzie Amara


In the most recent episode of The Embodied Podcast, I interviewed Mackenzie Amara about the importance of creating ritual spaces that foster a type of transformation that happens through subtraction.


Mackenzie and I, along with two other women, will be co-facilitating a series of day-long online retreats called WILD.

You can find more details on the retreat series here, but here, I want to break down this interview for you.


In this interview, Mackenzie emphasizes the idea of transformation by subtraction.


Mackenzie reflects on a common trend in psychospiritual communities, where many approach healing with an ego-driven mindset, as if they can select traits or personas to improve their personality or manifest an ideal life. She explains that this is often a strategy to exert control over the mysterious aspects of the individuation process by choosing characteristics that feel more comfortable—such as being more feminine, courageous, or outgoing—and then attempting to manifest a specific life vision. Mackenzie argues that this approach is typically rooted in the ego’s desire to control rather than allow the deeper, mysterious unfolding of true transformation.


She argues that healing is not necessarily about picking and choosing one's personality attributes; it is more about stripping away illusions and delusions, examining what already exists within, and allowing the false parts of oneself to burn away. While this process of shedding can be painful, it can be profoundly moving to open oneself to genuine transformation of the self—connecting to and accepting the true nature of what one is. Polishing one's personality or using willpower to enact a new version of oneself is not true transformation—individuation requires a different approach.


Mackenzie shares the various attitudes, perspectives, and practices that have supported her own individuation journey. Also, she offers insight into how she views her role as a retreat facilitator. She highlights her responsibility in the retreat space so that participants can explore their own transformative processes to the fullest extent.


Check out the full interview here:




Again, for more information on the retreat and to join us for our first online retreat on November 23rd, head here.




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