About Here, Actually

Here, Actually is a weekly essay on practical philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. It goes out every Sunday. Each one pairs one old idea with one true story, then watches what happens when the two sit side by side.

It began in September 2026, and it's written by me, Lakshay Virmani.

Who it's for

People who can optimise almost anything except how they feel. You cleared the exams, ran the numbers, built the career, and nobody taught you what to do with a quiet evening. I'm one of you, so nothing here is delivered from a podium.

What you'll find

Essays on attention and where yours goes when you're not looking. On ambition, and why the top of the mountain never holds. On the people who irritate us, and on family, duty and the weight of being the one everyone relies on. Each essay stands on its own, so you can start anywhere.

Good places to start

• Welcome to being here, actually
• The Topper of the Cave
• The Lazy Spotlight
• The Guy Who Leaves at Six

Who writes it

I'm Lakshay. I spent my twenties climbing mountains I'd been told were worth climbing, and noticed the view was the same from all of them. These essays come from that noticing. I have no credentials in psychology or philosophy. I have a life, a habit of looking at it too closely, and a rule that everything gets tested on me first. Chai is optional. Curiosity is not.

What it isn't

Not therapy, diagnosis, or professional advice. If you're carrying something heavy, please talk to someone qualified.

What's next

Here, Actually is also becoming an app. Subscribe below and you'll hear first.

Stay in touch

Subscribe for the Sunday essay, and hit reply on any email to tell me what landed. You can also find me on Instagram, YouTube, X, LinkedIn and Threads.