Episode 220 - Self-Compassion

Episode 220 - Self-Compassion

Author: JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher October 20, 2025 Duration: 37:57
Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityBuddhismSpirituality

In this episode, JoAnn Fox shares the practice of W.A.I.T.—What Am I Thinking? to help us cultivate self-compassion and retrain the often-critical voice in our minds. Through mindfulness, we can begin to notice the thoughts that shape how we treat ourselves, and choose a kinder, more beneficial way to respond.

The Buddha said: 

All experience is preceded by mind, 

Led by mind, 

Made by mind. 

Our world is created by our thoughts. Every word, every action, every mood begins as a whisper in the mind. And sometimes, those whispers aren't so kind.

When we notice the narrator in our head becoming unkind, we can pause and think, 'WAIT! What am I thinking?' Then we try to speak to ourselves with compassion instead of judgment. 

Observe any specific automatic patterns of self-criticism, doubt, or fear. Gradually try to replace them with thoughts rooted in compassion, understanding, and encouragement. For a more on the practice of W.A.I.T for developing self-compassion, see our blog post Awakening Self-Compassion. 

The Five Gates of Speech

The Buddha, in his gentle wisdom, offered a path to mindful speech through what he called "The Five Gatekeepers of Speech." These gatekeepers stand like sentinels, reminding us to pause and make sure our words can pass through these five gates:

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it beneficial? Is it necessary? Is it the right time?

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011.

Neff, Kristin. (n.d.). What is self-compassion? Self-Compassion.org. Retrieved https://self-compassion.org/what-is-self-compassion

Find us at the links below: 

Our Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/BuddhismForEveryone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Private Facebook Group:: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Website: Buddhismforeveryone.com

Instagram: @buddhism4everyone

X: @Joannfox77

TikTok: @buddhism4everyone

YouTube: @Buddhism4Everyone

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

To learn about Life Coaching with JoAnn Fox visit www.BuddhismforEveryone.com/coaching

 


You'll find Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox to be a conversation that feels both timeless and immediately useful. JoAnn Fox, a Buddhist teacher with over two decades of experience, guides these discussions with a genuine warmth and a welcome touch of humor, making profound ideas feel accessible. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about the tangible ways these ancient practices can reshape our modern days. Each episode, released every other week, delves into practical applications. You might explore how to cultivate patience during a frustrating commute, find a deeper sense of contentment amidst daily routines, or develop the compassionate resilience the world needs. The podcast serves as a gentle, consistent reminder that spiritual growth isn't separate from ordinary life-it's woven right into it. JoAnn's approach demystifies meditation and mindfulness, framing them as tools for anyone seeking more peace or clarity. Whether you're completely new to these concepts or looking to deepen an existing practice, the conversations meet you where you are, offering insights that encourage reflection and, most importantly, action in your own life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 230

Official website RSS
Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
Podcast Episodes
Episode 67 - Kindfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
To bring more joy and lessen the stress in our lives, we can turn to the practice of kindfulness. Mindfulness, the conscious awareness of our thoughts and intentions, tuned into ways to be kind to others is 'kindfulness.…
Episode 66: How to Practice Contentment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:31
For many, the practice of contentment is a completely new idea. Learning, practicing and becoming good at contentment means we come to enjoy our life more and more. In this episode we discover how to practice contentment…
Episode 65 - Radiate Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
What if we could tune our body and mind, like a fine instrument, to peacefulness? What if we could be calm, relaxed and peaceful all the time? In this episode we return to a simple, effective mindfulness practice to de-s…
Episode 64 - Ready to De-stess? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:03
Almost everyone wants to be less stressed and more peaceful. Even as our modern world ramps up the external stressors, we can learn to make ourselves calm and relaxed. The Buddha said, "there is no happiness higher than…
Episode 63 - The Buddhist Way to Reach Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:26
1,200 years ago, the Buddhist Master Shantideva offered a Buddhist approach to lasting change in his Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The four powers of effort can be used as steps to making a specific change reac…
Episode 62 - Practicing Emptiness and Karma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Within a series of episodes on happiness, we look at how to de-stress. First, we can become mindful of emptiness as an antidote to stress. We can also try to "always do our best" to loosen the grip that busyness has on u…
Bonus - List of Benefits of Cherishing Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48
The Benefits of Cherishing Others Cherishing others is the cause of all happiness. Good karma is the root cause of every moment of pleasure or happiness, from wealth and beauty to a moment enjoying a magnificent sunset.…
Episode 61 - Happiness 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:23
How can we be truly happy? We may wonder if it's even possible. Buddhism is a more scientific study of the mind and offers a path to happiness. As we study the chapter called Happiness in the Dhammapada, we look specific…
Episode 60 - A World Without Hatred [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:20
The first person harmed by anger is oneself. The Buddha said that harming others in anger is like thrusting a burning torch at another person, but doing it upwind, so that the flames blow and scorch our own face. In this…
Bonus - The Bodhisattva Prayer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:58
The Bodhisattva Prayer May I be a protector for the protectorless A guide for those on the path A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood May I be a light in the darkness A resting place for the wear…

«1...131415161718192021...23»