Are we chasing a version of success that is making us unhappy?

In this episode, I am honoured to sit down with the brilliant prize-winning author and scholar Rajeev Balasubramanyam to dismantle the societal pressure of "ticking boxes."

Rajeev shares his personal journey from an extraordinarily high-achievement lifestyle to one of fulfillment, offering a grounded perspective on how to stay present when the world feels overwhelming. Rajeev shares why happiness might be the wrong goal, how to live authentically for yourself rather than others, and the power of focusing on your "own corner of the world" to spark collective healing.

Most powerfully, Rajeev speaks about his nervous breakdown not as a failure, but as the catalyst for a spiritual awakening and the start of healing. His wisdom is a beautiful reminder that while healing is an individual journey, it has the power to transform our collective world.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Redefining Success: Why hitting metrics often leads to unhappiness and how to pivot toward meaning and purpose.
• Hope Amidst Chaos: Strategies for staying grounded and focusing on the present moment when the future feels uncertain.
• The Happiness Misconception: Why true fulfillment lies in the journey of healing rather than the destination of "happiness."
• Living Authentically: Challenging the societal norms that pressure us into predefined paths.
• The Ripple Effect: How small, intentional actions in your own life contribute to the healing of the collective.
• The Mindful Revolutionary: Insights into Rajeev’s work and how he bridges the gap between intellectual rigor, politics, and spiritual practice.

About Rajeev Balasubramanyam

Rajeev Balasubramanyam is a Berlin-based, prize-winning author of novels including: In Beautiful Disguises and Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss. With an academic background from Oxford, Cambridge, and Lancaster University, Rajeev is a fellow of the Hemera Foundation and a dedicated advocate for mindful living.

Connect with Rajeev:

• Instagram: @the.mindful.revolutionary
• Substack: The Mind Revolution

🎧 Tune in for this thought-provoking and enlightening conversation.

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please email mita@mitamistry.co.uk

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Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.

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In this personal and insightful episode, I chat with the talented Ian Tucknott, who beautifully embodies the intersection of creativity and mental health. Ian is truly multifaceted: he’s an Arts Psychotherapist (in training), a contemporary arts educator, a creative coach, and the Creative Director of the Mental Wealth Festival.

We get an exclusive insight into his debut poetry collection, Filthy Lucre Greening, out December 12th. We get an exclusive insight into the power behind his new poetry and discuss how the simple yet profound act of choosing the right words can be deeply therapeutic. Learn how writing the book was a source of personal healing for Ian -and how words can genuinely lift you, move you forward, and help you navigate complex emotional landscapes.

We also explore the themes central to Ian’s work: the life-changing potential of a creative practice, and how to unlock your creativity -not just to make art, but to design a more fulfilling life for yourself. By embracing artistic expression, we can explore emotions, confront struggles, and ultimately discover our authentic selves.

If you’ve ever wondered how a simple creative practice can be a catalyst for healing and personal growth, this is the episode for you. Don't miss it!

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