Vedic Worldview

How to Tame Your Inner Critic

Feb 17, 2025

Delve into the complexities of the inner critic, an ever-present voice that can stifle our potential. Discover how this phenomenon has evolved over time and how it relates to our self-worth. The discussion introduces a transformative technique rooted in Vedic meditation that can help dismantle self-doubt. Learn about the unique interplay between intellect and confidence, and grasp the idea that overcoming inner criticism can lead to profound personal growth and enlightenment.

33:49

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Quick takeaways

The inner critic manifests as opposing voices within our intellect, where the prosecutor undermines our confidence while the advocate nurtures a positive self-image.

Vedic meditation empowers individuals to transcend their ego limitations, fostering greater self-awareness and transforming negative self-talk into self-empowerment.

Deep dives

The Battle Within: Intellect and Ego

Individuals often become their own worst critics, leading to a loss of inner peace and potential. This internal conflict stems from two opposing voices within the intellect: the prosecutor, which casts doubt on one’s abilities, and the advocate, which supports a positive self-image. This dynamic is explained through the teachings of Adi Guru Shankara, who identified how our sense of self develops over time, shaped by our experiences and perceptions. When experiences are not filtered appropriately by the intellect, negative labels can become ingrained in the ego structure, affecting how individuals perceive themselves and their capabilities.

Transforming the Inner Critic Through Vedic Wisdom

31min

Jai Guru Deva.

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These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.

Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.

Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.

Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!

Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.

While there’s no shortage of external critics ready to judge us on any given day, none can match the relentless voice of our own inner critic. Always prepared with an arsenal of “evidence” to justify its stance, this inner voice excels at “keeping us in our place,” often at the expense of our confidence and growth.

This poses a significant problem: countless human potential is squandered through self-diminishing inner dialogue.

In this episode, Thom sheds light on the nature of the inner critic, revealing that it’s far from a new phenomenon. He explains how it can be effectively overcome using a simple yet powerful technique—one that unlocks a wide range of transformative benefits.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The Prosecutor and the Advocate

[03:53] The Discriminating Force

[06:02] Evolution of the Ego

[09:37] Biased Intellect

[12:41] Breaking the Cycle with Vedic Meditation

[15:24] I Am Totality

[18:41] A Schism Begins

[20:58] The Prosecutorial Intellect Capitulates: Self-Doubt Disappears

[23:48] It Takes a Thorn to Remove a Thorn

[28:12] Bring It On!

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