We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kinsy Sylla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kinsy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Id say my ethic comes from watching my family work then being a gymnast and contortionist. Growing up in the country I got to see my grandparents working on their garden all the time and got to help my dad plant thousands of trees. They showed me that when your hobby is hard work you have something to sit back and admire at the end of the day and there is nothing more satisfying than getting things done yourself. When I was a gymnast I was really lucky to have a good coach that pushed us to get past our fear and physical limits. Even when I broke both of my arms (yes both at the same freaking time) she kept me moving and working out so i would stay strong. I owe her big time because she showed me that consistency will get you to your goals. Even if you have to modify your approach just keep moving and youll make it. One last thing that helped me was being a performer. Being a contortionist was different than being a gymnast because I felt like I was meant to do it. Not only did it show me how to work with other people but that if you love doing something you will be great at it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a massage therapist working both in my own practice and at a Russian Spa in Denver Colorado. At the spa I get to do banya therapy which is a super intense sauna treatment with lots of heat, steam, and with oak branches. My own practice is where I thrive because I get to pull from my knowledge of being a gymnast, contortionist and yoga instructor and mix that with my knowledge of overall health and energetics of the human body to help people feel good in their bodies. My massages are a mix of thai theory.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Flexibility. While having a plan/goal/direction is great I have learned that life will change and so will I. So allowing myself to adapt as things shift has allowed me to get where I am which is exactly where I am meant to be.
Self Reflection. This has been a constant part of my practice and I know this is what allows me to learn and grow so fast. I am constantly paying attention to my own patterns and changing things that don’t work and then fine tuning them even when they do. However there is a balance here between trying to be better and being perfectionistic and I am admittedly still working on that.
Conviction. Knowing what I want, what I believe, and who I am is what gives me the drive to do what I do. Before I had these things figured out it was way too easy to be distracted or pulled off track by other people or ideas. But once I had some raw purpose backing my actions it was easier to keep going.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The four agreements by Miguel Ruiz
They are,
Be impeccable with your word
Dont take anything personally
Dont make assumptions
Always do your best
Ive read this book at least 3 times and use it/quote it all the time
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinsysylla/?hl=en
- Other: For booking- [email protected]
Image Credits
Alexis Collum
Angie Sylla
Matt Tessier
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
