We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kya Bliss. Check out our conversation below.
Kya , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
It is part of my mission to stand up for the vulnerable beings of this world. I know how it feels like to need an ally in the face of injustice and my heart wouldn’t feel right abandoning someone in need. Regardless of the cost to me, it feels important to stand up for anyone whose rights are in jeopardy or who don’t have a voice in this culture, especially in these times. I think all of my clients know I would go to the end of the world for them. Many of my clients come to me after being dismissed by doctors or society and I deeply listen to them, providing a safe space for their story. This anecdote of helping an animal in need is a good metaphor for how I feel about protecting the tender souls of the world. While I was in Mallorca this summer, I spent a lot of time observing the sheep herd in the fields outside the artist residency I was at. One day, I saw a lone mother sheep far off in the field. It was rare to see a sheep separated from the herd and I intuitively knew something was wrong. As I walked to the edge of the field, I could feel this mother in distress. I looked all around and found three newborn lambs suffering. One was feebly sitting up, another was on the ground barely hanging on, and the third had already taken its final breath only moments after arriving in the world. Looking at such fragile innocent beings fighting for their lives filled me with emotions and a need to protect them. I ran back to the house where the other artists were beginning the day of meditation and movement. I begged for help, pleading for someone to call a farmer or sanctuary while I sat in the field keeping the lambs safe and warm. The group looked at me with glazed eyes and simply said “We’ve already begun our practice.” From that morning until dusk fell, I worked tirelessly to keep the lambs alive until I could find an animal sanctuary to guide me and a farmer to help me provide the necessary care for the mother and lambs. I’ll never forget the image of the tiny lamb standing alone in the field waiting to be saved. This image of innocence and vulnerability comes to me often as a metaphor for protecting those in need. My heart guides me to be a guardian even when others want to turn a blind eye. I learned it is rare that sheep survive the birth of triplets so knowing I was able to save a few lives brings me a little hope. I gave burials and ceremonious offerings to the lost lives of the two lambs, when my care wasn’t enough. Their spirits live on in all that is pure. I ended up being quite ostracized from the group of artists who couldn’t understand my need to help, but it was all worth it to me. In the words of my childhood idol, Jane Goodall, “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a somatic practitioner who provides healing care to the community, especially to artists and sensitive souls. Our bodies hold the imprints of all of our experiences, even our ancestral ones. As social beings, we need the support of thoughtful, trained humans to help us heal relational wounds. As a dancer, I’ve always felt attuned to a spiritual connection to the body. Movement and energy are two of my favorite languages! Our culture tends to be quite analytical, so I feel lucky to have clients who are so open to discovering how the body wants to speak and express itself. I feel like my practice is special because I listen to each person’s experiences with genuine compassion and truly care about their journeys. I allow for the wholeness of each person, not just the parts of them that are easy to hold. Interesting, magical moments happen every day during sessions! I love the unique visions, sensations, and messages that arise. It’s beyond my intellectual understanding, but I often feel like a conduit between energetic and physical realms. I’m a certified massage therapist, but the work goes far beyond relieving sore muscles.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a creative, imaginative. nature loving girl who loved connection. I found delight in exploring the forest surrounding my childhood house, creating dances and songs for any willing audience, writing stories and poetry, and cuddling. I had an innate curiosity about animal behavior, strong sense of justice, and a nurturing quality. In many photos, my hands are gently placed on a younger sibling or animal (a sign of my future in hands-on healing). At 2 years old, I could spend all day quietly following an ant about its day. I collected stones and stuffed monkeys. I was incredibly disciplined and worked hard to accomplish my gymnastics/dance goals, even at recess. As life has tried to harden me and steal my hope, it’s taken a lot of intention to maintain the glimmers. I’m grateful my current work allows me to connect with wonderful people, use my imagination, and incorporate elements of nature. These are all core parts of who I was born to be.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, as a teenager and young adult, I often felt like my wounds were unseen. I faced abuse, but kept quiet because speaking up for myself didn’t elicit the responses I yearned for. My older sister had suffered from addiction and other mental health challenges and was much louder than me. Her issues took up a lot of space and energy. While she was externalizing her pain in our family system and demanded attention, I internalized mine which became an internal fire that almost destroyed me. I am grateful that I clung to hope at my lowest points and have been doing the work to regain my self worth and find my purpose in this wild world. I don’t wish hardship on anyone, but the dark chapters of my life have given me the tools to be a healing force for others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
The culturally agreed upon understanding of “smart” in our world today is deeply toxic. Creating systems that cause harm and gaining billions of dollars does not equate to brilliance in my opinion. I think true intelligence is understanding how deeply connected everything is and acting in harmony with that dynamic balance. There are many different ways to be smart. The smartest people I know observe, listen, create, imagine, connect, and stay open to mystery. Each being is smart in their own way and we have to allow different interpretations of intelligence to unfold. We would thrive by honoring a more complex, diverse spectrum of intelligence. For example, we can’t compare the intelligence of a photosynthesizing flower to the intelligence of the pollinating bee. We need both to exist!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I just want people to remember how loved they felt by me. I want to be remembered in the sensation of a long hug, a refreshing lake swim, or a goofy dance. I hope the way I help people feel safe and seen ripples far beyond my passing. Maybe it’s possible to listen in from the beyond; I would love to hear the stories people hold dear about our time together after I’ve left this earthly realm!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kyabliss.com
- Instagram: @kya.bliss
Image Credits
Flora Vever, Olivia Ashton, Klaudia Lewi, Galina Akselrod-Golikova, Briana Cerezo, Yohannah De Oliveira
