“The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
The relentless pursuit of success has become a modern-day mantra. People are told to hustle harder, climb higher, and achieve more. But at what cost?
According to Ipsos’ Global Happiness 2024 report, happiness has decreased over the years. People struggle to bear modern-day pressures, grappling with emptiness, burnout, and disconnection. And yet, there seems to be no cure for this collective experience.
But what if you were told that beneath the surface of this maelstrom, a subtle change is taking root? People are slowly turning inward, rediscovering the importance of spirituality as a counterbalance to the hectic pace of life.
“The answer to our dissatisfaction isn’t out there in the material success, but in here, deep inside ourselves. Spirituality isn’t about religion or dogma, it’s about connecting with that quiet part of you that knows what you truly need,” says Lex Smith, a woman who has mastered the art of blending hustle with harmony.
Let’s take a look at the unique path she has carved and the lessons it has for us.
Journey to Balance
The hustle culture affects lives from childhood. Parents, relatives, and society place various expectations on children; they are either expected to do well in school or behave a certain way.
Lex experienced this firsthand as an honor roll student in the tight knit Kentucky town of Tompkinsville. “The constant reel running in my head was to be perfect, be pretty, smile, and never let anyone see me make a mistake,” Lex recalls. These expectations left her reeling with eating disorders, undiagnosed ADHD, and later development of PTSD from an abusive relationship.
Lex neglected her traumas before turning to yoga and meditation for healing. “In yoga, I found a home away from home. I had discovered a community free from the burdens of expectations, a place to simply be,” she shared about her experience.
While pursuing her education in International Studies at The Ohio State University, Lex was also getting her yoga teacher training. “I wanted to share the sense of inner peace and balance I had found with the world,” she says. With this dream, Lex’s brainchild, Spiritual U, was born.
Benefits of Spirituality
So, how does spirituality counter the flurry of modern life?
Research suggests a direct correlation between spirituality and psychological well-being. Spiritual practices like mindfulness and meditation not only reduce stress but also help people find inner peace through balance. Adding these practices to daily routines can help individuals experience a greater sense of purpose.
This is why Lex wants to make spiritual practices accessible through Spiritual U. Her Spiritual Consulting and Energy Healing offerings guide people on their journey of mindfulness and healing. Lex provides a safe space for them to connect to their thoughts, emotions, experiences, and inner selves.
“Why put yourself through hell when the fix is right in front of you?” Lex asks. “By embracing mindfulness and setting boundaries, you create a life that is both successful and meaningful. The key to your happiness is not in perfection but in finding a balance that works for you.”
Debunking Myths
There are so many benefits to adopting spiritual practices, but what keeps people away from them?
The answer to this is quite simple: it is the stigma associated with them. Spirituality is often associated with mindless new age belief systems, a hermit lifestyle, and a cult-like mentality.
Lex is actively engaged in educating the masses about these misconceptions. Her blog posts like “The Truth About Spirituality and Mental Health” and “What is New Age Spirituality and Why Does it Feel… Culty?” go a long way in raising awareness about these topics.
Overall, it cannot be denied that the world is moving at a dizzying pace. It’s always about chasing the next big thing, but what about finding peace amidst the chaos? That’s where spirituality comes in. By tuning into something deeper within ourselves, we can create a life that’s not just successful but fulfilling.
Lex Smith is a shining example of how to blend the hustle with heart – and she’s sharing her secrets through Spiritual U. Here’s to hoping that this balanced way of life will bring everyone a step closer to peace, and happiness.
Cortney Armitage is an investigative journalist born and raised in Los Angeles. Though her job may be analytical, she loves the realms of storytelling & creating content as a freelancer. Having a degree in Masters of Letters (Creative Writing) from California State University, she has gained insights into writing standards and conventions. Cortney’s work has been featured in various publications and magazines. Her writings speak versatility which makes Cortney outshine many in her field of expertise.