Vedic Worldview

The pursuit of altered states of consciousness through substances like drugs and alcohol is an age-old practice. Despite their potential risks and negative consequences, these substances continue to be widely used with an increasing variety of options available.In recent decades, a new challenge has emerged: the conscious or unconscious manipulation of our body's feel-good chemistry. Activities like excessive social media use, compulsive shopping, and overindulgence in sugary foods can trigger dopamine releases, creating a short-lived sense of pleasure.This "more-is-better" mentality often leads to addiction and various chronic health issues.In this episode, Thom explores the impact of the more-is-better mentality and proposes a more balanced and sustainable approach to well-being. By focusing on natural methods, such as Vedic Meditation, we can harness our body's innate ability to produce feel-good chemicals without relying on external substances or compulsive behaviors.Episode Highlights[00:45] An Obsession With Control[02:53] Dopamine Should be Left Alone[05:41] Scurvy: The Unintended Consequence of Vitamin C Supplements[09:05] It's Better for You to De-Excite[11:34] Active Ingredient Mentality[14:22] Undesirable Effects[16:48] Nature Knows Best How to Organize[18:56] It's What You Do with What You Eat[21:48] Awaken Perfect Balance in the Human BrainUseful [email protected] https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

In this episode, Thom explores the corners of the mind, in response to listener questions about various aspects of the mind: how we think, what we think, why we do things, and so on.Thom answers the perpetual question about controlling the subconscious mind and sets the record straight on using affirmations.Thom also gives us a shortcut to overcoming motivational blocks and provides a sustainable solution for anyone who lacks self-compassion or struggles with feelings of low self-worth.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - What’s the best way to control your subconscious mind?[00:49] A - Avoid it Like the Plague[03:01] Become One with the Home of All the Laws of Nature[06:39] Q - Do Affirmations Make a Difference?[06:42] A - The Opposite is True and I’m Trying to Make it True[08:18] Internalized Locus of Control[10:43] Aham Brahmasmi - I am Totality[14:23] Go Beyond Thought Entirely[16:22] Q - How can I overcome motivational blocks?[16:26] A - Choicelessness is the Hallmark of Cosmic Motivation[19:26] Tidings of Comfort and Joy[23:03] Q - How can I overcome a lack of compassion for myself and feelings of low self-worth?[23:10] A - Think Like a Scientist[25:32] Support of the Bank of Goodwill[27:14] “But, but…”[29:29] You Have Infinite Potential[32:04] Equip Yourself Properly with Vedic MeditationUseful [email protected] https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

There are more humans on the planet today than ever before, and we have more ways of connecting with each other than ever before, yet loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an international commission on the problem last year, reporting that the health risks from loneliness are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and are even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity.The US Surgeon-General released a report on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, reporting that even in the years prior to Covid lockdowns, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And Japan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, even has a minister in charge of measures for loneliness and isolation.Thom outlines some solutions to loneliness in this podcast episode, reminding us that connectivity and connection are very different things, and that, ultimately, it’s our job to make ourselves socially relevant.  Thom also outlines an advantage that Vedic meditators have, making it possible to be alone while still enjoying rich company. Episode Highlights[00:45] Pheromone Clouds[02:50] Adaptive Mechanisms[05:36] Enriching Our Presence Through Vedic Meditation[07:03] Stepping Out of the Illusion of Loneliness[08:56] Social Chocolate[11:36] Sociological Exercise[13:16] Social Relevance[14:28] Human Interaction - Surgeon General RecommendedUseful [email protected] https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

Hard work is often worn as a badge of honor. If someone works hard, then they “deserve” their successes. We might even say they have a “good” work ethic.But if someone appears to attain a particular outcome without working hard, we might say they’ve got it too easy. Too easy compared to what?Thom gives us some very clear guidelines in this episode on how to let Nature guide us on just how much effort is actually required for us to fulfill our dharma and to effectively meet the need of the time. Thom also helps us understand the distinction between effort and hard work. As is always the case, it’s merely a matter of perspective.Episode Highlights[00:45] Reclassifying Success[03:39] Suffering is a Mistake[06:24] Kriya - Frictionless Flow of Activity[08:09] Michelangelo Liberating the Captives[10:23] Stop Being Merely an Individual[12:37] Hard Work Insinuates Suffering[14:52] You Are NatureUseful [email protected] https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/