The power of disconnecting to reconnect | Maya Gabeira | TEDxLausanneWomen
Maya Gabeira knows that sometimes losing ourselves is the only way to truly find who we are. From career highs to the depths of PTSD and depression, Maya shares how, by disconnecting, there’s a chance to reconnect with a more honest, empowered version of ourselves.A two-time Guinness World Record holder, ESPY Award winner, and UNESCO Ocean Champion, Maya is one of the most influential female big wave surfers and an advocate for ocean conservation. Maya Gabeira is a groundbreaking Brazilian big wave surfer, renowned for her remarkable achievements and relentless spirit in conquering the world’s most epic waves. She not only won the Guiness World Record in 2018 but she created the category itself by riding a 68-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal—the largest wave ever surfed by a woman. She then broke her own record in 2020 by riding a 73.5-foot wave at the same location—the biggest wave surfed by anyone that year. An ESPY Award winner and 7-time Big Wave Award champion, Maya is regarded as one of the most influential female surfers of all time.Her journey is defined by resilience and the courage to face her fears head-on. After a life-threatening wipeout at Nazaré in 2013, Maya returned to the waves, confronting trials that demanded both physical strength and mental resolve. Her commitment to facing her fears is a central theme in her recent documentary, Maya and the Wave, which showcases her determination to embrace the unknown.Beyond her remarkable accomplishments, Maya is a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. As a UNESCO Champion for Ocean and Youth, she raises awareness about environmental issues and inspires the next generation to protect marine ecosystems. She also authored 2 Children book. Maya and the Beast which tells her life story and Maya Makes Waves, emphasizing ocean protection. Through her groundbreaking feats and unwavering commitment to the ocean, Maya Gabeira continues to challenge stereotypes and empower individuals worldwide to embrace courage and the transformative power of facing their fears in pursuit of their dreams. 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
- 9:05Musical Performance | Jet Black Diamonds | TEDxLjubljanaOriginating from the Vipava Valley, the band Jet Black Diamonds is made up of five young men. They are united by their youthful energy and love for writing original music. Free from the constraints of musical styles, they combine different musical genres, but most often, as they say, they are drawn to modern variants of rock 'n' roll. In 2021, they first made waves with their debut single, “Retro Anorak”. After local success, the song reached a wider Slovenian audience and, as the Song of the Week in August, became one of the most played songs on the national radio station Val 202. A few months later, the Jet Black Diamonds dominated the student band competition Šourok 2021 and released a new single, “Še zadnjič”, followed by a nomination for the Slovenian Music Award “Zlata piščal” for Best New Artist. In 2022, they released their first EP, “Večvredne romance”. From the album, three songs became Songs of the Week. In April 2024, they released their first LP, “Sladki problemi” which they presented at the sold-out Kino Šiška, Ljubljana’s urban cultural centre. They believe this album will help them land among the most influential Slovenian music artists. On the TEDxLjubljana stage they performed their original songs “Retro anorak” and “4 od 10”. 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. Originating from the Vipava Valley, the band Jet Black Diamonds is made up of five young men. They are united by their youthful energy and love for writing original music. Free from the constraints of musical styles, they combine different musical genres, but most often, as they say, they are drawn to modern variants of rock 'n' roll. 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
- 4:56Musical Performance Part II | UM & KUNA Freestyle Show | TEDxLjubljanaHave you ever thought about what it would look like if freestyle rap and improvisational theatre were combined into one show? Let us introduce you to the UM & KUNA Freestyle Show – a unique experience in Slovenia where words, freestyle rap, and improvisational theatre become one. UM & KUNA create rhymes in real time, on a topic chosen by you – the audience! Visitors were in for an evening of surprises, creativity, and fresh rhymes, accompanied by DJ L.T. who took care of the background music.For the first time on the TEDxLjubljana stage, we introduced this exceptional improvisational music performance that took visitors into a world they helped co-create.At the event, we asked the visitors, “Which word best describes the energy of TEDxLjubljana today?” They had to write down only one word or phrase. Answers were sent through the Mentimeter platform which displayed them on the stage screen in real time. UM & KUNA Freestyle Show chose a few of them and created a meaningful improvisational rap. 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. UM & KUNA Freestyle Show – a unique experience in Slovenia where words, freestyle rap, and improvisational theatre become one. UM & KUNA create rhymes in real time, on a topic chosen by you – the audience! Visitors were in for an evening of surprises, creativity, and fresh rhymes, accompanied by DJ L.T., who took care of the background music. 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
