Our first Ask Thom Anything episode was such a hit that we’re making it a regular feature. 

In this episode, Thom talks about how to respond to the jealousy of others when we’re following our own evolutionary path, including a delightful background story to how Guru Dev stubbornly followed his own evolutionary path at a very young age.

He also discusses the self-love trend and how to recognize the distinction between self-ish-ness and Self-ness. 

Polyamory and monogamy are also addressed, with Thom taking the opportunity to outline the role of a ‘love alliance’ and shared mission in intimate relationships.

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

Episode Highlights: 

[00:57] Q - How Do We Balance Following Our Own Charm With Jealousy That Might Arise In Others 

[02:22] We Can’t Control the Experience of Others

[03:05] Jealousy Is… 

[04:38] Envy Gone Horribly Wrong 

[06:04] A Pathetic Consciousness State 

[07:38] I Have to Go to the Himalayas 

[08:59] Running Away From Home (At the Age of Six!) 

[10:07] The Shankaracharya 

[11:30] They Have to Trust That You Know What You Are Doing 

[12:49] Occasional Frank Conversations

[14:09] What Are You Doing For Your Own Evolution? 

[15:27] Growing Out of Social Relationships 

[16:19] How Can We Know the Difference Between Self-love and Selfishness? 

[17:26] Upper-Case S Self 

[18:21] Lower-Case s self 

[19:18] Self-ish-ness and Selfness 

[20:34] Expanded Consciousness is the First Priority

[21:43] Giving Beyond Conscious Receptivity 

[22:53] The Apparent Need for Reciprocity

[24:28] Overcompensating 

[25:39] I Am the Fulfillment State Seeking the Need of the Time 

[26:45] How Love Evolves 

[27:39] Q - What’s the Vedic Worldview on Polyamory and Monogamy? 

[28:10] A Love Alliance 

[29:04] Shared Mission 

[30:10] Differing Standards

[31:30] “Dating” 

[32:38] A Field Full of Potential Confusion 

[34:00] A Mere Relation-Ship

[34:55] Be Honest About It

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Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.

This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.

You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona. 

Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee. 

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.