Breath as an Act of Rebellion | Sepideh Eivazi | TEDxPacific Avenue
What if the most powerful act of resistance isn’t loud or public—but intimate, embodied and ancient? In this soul-awakening TEDx talk, Sepideh Eivazi—an Iranian-born visionary, immersive experience designer, trauma-informed breathwork practitioner, and mental health activist—guides us from silence to self-reclamation through the radical power of breath.At 20 Sepideh fled Iran with her 17-year-old sister in search of freedom. What she discovered was that true liberation isn’t geographical—it’s physiological. A body conditioned to shrink and disappear, especially in a repressive environment, can only hold trauma, But, as explained in this talk, the body has within it an awesome blueprint for its own healing . .One raw, trembling breath changes everything.Rooted in ancestral wisdom and somatic intelligence, this talk reframes breath as a radical protest in a world addicted to numbness, performance and disconnection. With poetic storytelling and lived defiance, Sepideh reveals regulation not as self-care, but as revolution—and dares us to ask:What if your next breath… was your rebellion?Sepideh Eivazi is a revolution in motion. An Iranian-born visionary, a trauma-informed mental health activist, immersive event architect, and founder of Dawn of the Earth—a purpose-driven platform weaving somatic breathwork, tea rituals and ancestral wisdom to reawaken the human spirit.As a psychedelic integration practitioner and member of Global Wellness Institute’s Breathe Initiative, Sepideh is redefining how we gather—transforming events into portals of remembrance, regulation, and collective awakening. Her mission: to rupture numbness, restore connection, and leave every soul she touches moved and seen.A 2025 Smart Meetings Hall of Fame inductee, Smart Speaker, 40 Under 40 honoree, and Meetings Today Trendsetter, Sepideh’s impact spans global stages and publications including Poosh, The Purist, Skift, Women to Watch, IMEX, and MPI. Her groundbreaking activations include wellness roadshows with Caesars Entertainment and a somatic pre–Met Gala ritual with Morphe and Dripology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 9:46Finding gratitude in all of life | Allyson Jule | TEDxAbbotsfordIn this moving and reflective talk, Dr. Allyson Jule shares three stories of her life, one marked by loss, illness, and hardship, another filled with love, success, and joy, and a third where both truths coexist. She shows how gratitude is not about ignoring pain or exaggerating blessings, but about embracing the full picture of life. Drawing on personal experience and research, Dr. Jule demonstrates how living with both shadow and light creates resilience, optimism, and a profound appreciation for life as it really is. Allyson Jule is the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development. She was most recently the Dean of Education at TWU. She has been an educator for over 35 years, teaching English in high schools and colleges in Alberta, Ontario and BC before entering academia. She studied and worked in the UK for ten years. She is a Full Professor. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:50If Family isn't Everything, then Social Support Can Be | Amber Gazso | TEDxAbbotsfordIn this talk, Dr. Amber Gazso challenges the idea that family is everything. Drawing on her research with families experiencing poverty and social assistance in Canada, she reveals how survival, dignity, and hope often depend on wider networks of support such as caseworkers, counselors, community organizations, and chosen family. Through powerful personal stories, Dr. Gazso shows that expressive and instrumental support beyond the nuclear family can be just as vital as love at home. Her message is clear: no one thrives alone, and building networks of care is essential for resilience and recovery Amber Gazso is Professor of Sociology in the School of Social, Cultural, and Media Studies.Amber is a feminist sociologist and specializes in the following research and teaching areas: citizenship, sociology of the family and intimate relations, sociology of gender and critical sexualities, poverty, research methods, and social policy. Amber joined the School after spending some time with the Department of Sociology at York University (Toronto, Ontario). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:28Why Your Best Idea Will Start in Your Worst Moments | Mark Johnson | TEDxTexas TechWhat if your next big idea is hiding inside your worst crisis? In this talk, Mark Johnson shares how a childhood accident - and the friend who saved him - revealed the three surprising ingredients of real innovation. The talk helps us learn how to use these principles to get unstuck in business and in life. Mark Johnson is a technology leader and co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, where he helps businesses develop cutting-edge software solutions. A LinkedIn Top Voice in AI and Forbes Technology Council member, he is a recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence and innovation.Mark’s passion for technology began at age 11 when he taught himself to code and sold his first website. He holds an MBA from Cornerstone University and a leadership certificate from Harvard. Beyond his work, he is committed to fostering innovation, building relationships, and creating a culture of excellence.When he's not shaping the future of AI, Mark enjoys sports, community engagement, and time with his wife and four daughters. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:14The Underrated Power of Laughing at Yourself | Monique Bellamy | TEDxAbbotsfordIn this funny and heartfelt talk, Monique Ballamy shares how the simple act of laughing at yourself can transform the way we face life’s challenges. As a comedian and mother, she explores the difference between self-ridicule and self-deprecating humor, showing how the latter builds resilience, reduces stress, strengthens humility, and deepens human connection. By embracing our imperfections with laughter instead of shame, Monique demonstrates how vulnerability becomes a source of confidence, courage, and joy. Monique Bellamy is a dynamic stand-up comedian and motivational speaker known for blending humor with powerful messages of resilience, self-love, and personal growth. With a unique ability to connect with audiences through laughter, Monique is a storyteller that inspires and entertains while encouraging people to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:27Setting boundaries and finding balance in digital parenting | Rimmi Purewal-Deol | TEDxAbbotsfordIn this relatable and timely talk, Rimmi Purewal-Deol explores the challenges of raising children in the digital age. From screen time battles to the influence of YouTube celebrities like Mr. Beast, parents today face new questions about how to keep kids safe online. Drawing on research and personal experience, this talk highlights the risks children face such as privacy issues, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators while also celebrating the opportunities the internet brings. With humor and practical advice, Rimmi shows how balance, boundaries, and open communication can help kids thrive in a connected world. Rimmi Purewal-Deol is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and community safety advocate. With a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice, Rimmi is a dynamic Crime Prevention Specialist with established leadership skills and over a decade of experience working alongside Federal Police Services. Rimmi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience surrounding crime prevention strategies and focuses on educating and raising awareness within the community through her skilled public speaking skills, specifically with presentations, training and workshop opportunities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:57My Heart Will Go On | Anna Tchorzewska & Jagna Filipiak | TEDxIILOPoznańMusic: James Horner Lyrics: Will Jennings Performed by Anna Tchorzewska (vocals) and Jagna Filipiak (piano) My Heart Will Go OnMy Heart Will Go On This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx