Relaxation vs Vedic Meditation, The Dark Night of the Soul, Death and Dying, Spiritual Diets

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.

This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program.

This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.

Jai Guru Deva.

In this episode, another in our ongoing series of Ask Thom Anything, Thom explains the distinction between wellness and relaxation activities and why they don’t deliver the same impacts as Vedic Meditation.

He also explores “The dark night of the soul” and describes how contrasting experiences of the mind and body lead to an unstabilized vision.

He gives us some insights into how we can respond when someone is in the dying stage of their life and the advantages we have as Vedic meditators during this stage. 

And finally, Thom explains a practical approach to diet when we’re on a spiritual path.

If you’d like to have Thom answer a question on the podcast, you can submit your questions here.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:57] Q - Can ‘Wellness Activities’ Be as Effective as Vedic Meditation for Releasing Stress? 

[01:47] It Depends on Consciousness 

[03:09] They Might Be Relaxing But... 

[04:27] An Opportunistic Brain

[05:55] Absolute Unboundedness of Being 

[06:51] A Consciousness-Led Approach 

[08:00] No Special Environment Required 

[08:42] Q - What’s the Vedic Worldview on the Dark Night of the Soul? 

[09:07] An Unstabilized Vision

[10:33] The Body’s Prime Directive 

[12:12] Unstressing 

[13:25] Our Body Needs to Catch Up 

[14:27] Mind and Body in Complete Agreement 

[15:28] Q - How Can I Navigate Having Someone Dying or Getting Close to Death? 

[15:50] Speed Grieving 

[16:44] Be the Strong One 

[17:57] There is Only Evolution 

[19:40] Don’t Be the Needy One 

[21:07] Restoring a Sense of Peace and Happiness 

[21:51] Q - Do You Recommend a Special Diet for a Spiritual Practice?

[22:04] Toxicity Begins With Your Consciousness State 

[23:43] The Art and Science of Ayurveda 

[25:23] Balancing Behaviour for Different Body Types

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