How to stop surviving and start living | Helsa Thompson | TEDxRobinson Road

About this video

For many people, life becomes about simply making it through the day. But there comes a moment when surviving is no longer enough. In this talk, Helsa explores how to move beyond merely coping with life's challenges and begin living with intention, purpose, and hope. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, she challenges audiences to stop settling for survival and start embracing the life they're capable of creating. Helsa Thompson is a wellness entrepreneur, educator, and equity advocate working at the intersection of wellness, belonging, and justice. As Founder of The Aura House, a sanctuary providing safe, healing spaces for BIPOC communities, she built a movement. Born from her journey overcoming chronic fatigue, anxiety, and burnout, the studio empowers others to take control of their physical, mental, and emotional health. She also serves as Program Manager of L&D at Yoga Alliance, driving accessible programming globally. A TEDx speaker, Helsa weaves personal storytelling with evidence-informed tools for resilience. Driven by the belief that wellness is a birthright, she co-founded Black Boys Meditate with her sons to introduce mindfulness to underrepresented youth. Certified in yoga, meditation, Somatic practices, and Sound Healing, Helsa uses movement, breath, and stillness to help release trauma and promote nervous system regulation. 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