Listeners are steering the ship once again, in our latest Q&A episode. Thom answers a question about karma and how it fits into the dynamics of our relationships. It turns out that it’s our relationship with our Self that matters most. Thom also tackles a question about charm, in particular, how we can adapt when charm doesn’t seem to be as supported by Nature as we would expect. Finally, Thom gives a definitive answer to the age-old question, can there be art without suffering? It’s a question that could easily be answered with one word, but Thom provides a rationale that leaves us in no doubt about the role of suffering in art. Episode Highlights [00:45] Q - How do karmic relationships with others work? [01:20] A - Karma: Action That Binds You [03:24] The Knot of Karma [05:22] Kṛiya - Spontaneous Right Action [07:29] Untying the Knots of Karma [09:25] Moving in the Direction of Kṛiya [12:15] Vedic Meditation - Losing the Tendency to Create Problems [14:12] Q - How can I understand the nuances of charm? [14:52] A - A Big Bundle of Capability [16:55] Charm and Aversion [18:52] Thinning Out of Charm [20:02] Moving from Capability to the Field of Need [22:27] Witnessing vs. Engaging [23:53] Witnessing the Self in Action Through Others [26:03] Engage or Witness: Do What You Can [27:45] Q - Can There Be Art Without Suffering? [27:47] A - The Most Artistically Productive Era? [29:25] What Creates Great Art? [30:33] Artistic Talents Despite Suffering [32:17] The Artistic Gift Useful Links [email protected]  https://thomknoles.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoles https://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/