Sensory Reset: Rediscover Inner Joy — a live recording from the "Unbothered and Well" Activation during Essence Fest (New Orleans, July 4th, 2026).

Timestamps:

• 0:41 — Session context: recorded live at Essence Fest's Unbothered and Well Activation

• 1:42 — Zaakirah shares her story as a childhood eye cancer survivor

• 2:48 — Learning to breathe, unclench the jaw, and reset the nervous system

• 4:03 — Reconnecting with your inner child through travel, art, and music

• 5:13 — Erica Chidi welcomes the room to the Talking Circle and explains Unbothered

• 7:02 — Explaining the "keeper" and "anchor" roles in the circle

• 8:14 — Zaakirah opens the guided sensory reset practice

• 8:36 — "When's the last time you had a safe space to say I'm not okay?"

• 9:03 — Circle members share moments of true belonging

• 10:32 — Group discussion: what helps you thrive (not just survive)

• 15:26 — Reconnecting with who you were before the world told you who to be

• 17:30 — Love languages and sensory needs

• 19:15 — Empathy for invisible disabilities and accessibility needs

• 20:41 — "What is a story you have not shared publicly yet?"

• 22:19 — A participant shares her story about caregiving and retirement

• 23:23 — Closing reflections: keep breathing, keep choosing you

Intro Music by Derek of Northern Lights

Connect with Zaakirah

Website: http://zaakirahnayyar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminousone/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminousone/

Listen to more episodes on your favorite streaming platform:

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2NYapeh

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2TdAZ87

iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/33gUj9j

Pandora: https://pdora.co/2PLMUXo