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 49: How to Purify Bad Karma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:38
The world that appears to us depends upon our mind: our mental habits, our views and beliefs. In this episode, Buddhist Teacher, JoAnn Fox, talks about how to purify our mind and specifically how to purify our negative k…
Episode 48 - Everything is Perfect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:21
In the last few episodes, we have been looking at the basics of Buddhist tantric practice. In this episode, we try to get a taste of the experience of emptiness— the true nature of reality. The correct view of emptiness…
Episode 47: Dedicated to the Ones I Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:47
How a person functions in this world and whether they appear to be a good person or not, depends upon the intentions that most often pervade their mind. This is because intentions cause actions. What is the highest inten…
Episode 46: Definite Emergence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
The three principal aspects of the Buddhist Path are the prerequisites for the practice of Buddhist tantra. These three are renunciation, bodhicitta and the correct view of emptiness. In this episode, we look at the mind…
Episode 45 - Tantra Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
Buddhist Tantra is a set of methods to quickly attain realizations of the true nature of reality (emptiness), universal compassion and great bliss. In this introduction to tantric practice, Buddhist Teacher, JoAnn Fox sh…
Episode 44: Introduction to Tantra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:04
Buddhist tantric practice is a method for quickly gaining realizations like great compassion and wisdom. In this episode, we explore the stage of tantra in which imagine our self as an awakened being. Called generation s…
Episode 43: Why the Laughter, Why the Joy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
The root cause of all our suffering that we do not take enough time, through mindful observation, prayer, and meditation to come to know ourselves -- our true, awakened nature. Our true nature is wisdom and great love an…
Episode 42: The Bodhisattva's Perfection of Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
As we conclude the chapter called "Violence" in the Dhammapada, we look at the perfection of patience. What makes this practice of patience a 'perfection' is that it is motivated by bodhicitta. Bodhicitta is the spontane…
Episode 41: Forgiving ourselves, forgiving others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:36
Webster's Dictionary defines forgiveness as: "To cease to feel resentment against on account of a wrong committed." Resentment is the continuation of anger. When we think of some harm that was done to us and we dwell on…
Episode 40: Anger Management 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
Sometimes anger comes quickest, harshest and most easily with those we love or care about. Unfortunately, with those we love anger can do the greatest harm and wounds made with our words may last for a long, long time. I…

«1...151617181920212223»