Episode 220 - Self-Compassion

Episode 220 - Self-Compassion

Author: JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher October 20, 2025 Duration: 37:57

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

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
Podcast Episodes
Episode 9: Detach in Four Steps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:48
This episode offers a method to free ourselves from attachment that is causing pain and problems in our life. Attachment is a state of mind that arises from paying inappropriate attention to a desirable object until the…
Episode 10: Tantric Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:13
In this episode, we learn the magical practice of taking and giving, known in Tibetan as tonglen. This meditation quickly awakens universal compassion, which is the wish to take away the suffering of all living beings, w…
Episode 7: Four Steps to Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:19
In Buddhism, confidence is necessary for a person to change deeply for the better. Buddha taught that humans have infinite potential for change. A person who is presently unhappy can become someone with a positive and ha…
Episode 6: Cherishing Others, the Rain of Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:53
Cherishing others is the wish that others are happy. Cherishing others is the foundation of the spiritual path. It is the endless well of good karma and the rain of happiness for the thirsty. Practicing cherishing others…
Episode 5: Removing obstacles to peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
This episode explores the foundation of a happy life: ethical disciple. Ethical discipline is the practice of purposely refraining from non-virtuous actions for a certain amount of time. Non-virtuous actions are those th…
Episode 3: Practicing Non-retaliation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:40
"Hatred never ceased by hatred, but only by love. This is an eternal truth." --Buddha This episode explores how we can respond to harm with love and compassion. The power to not retaliate when someone appears to harm us…
Episode 2: Developing Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
This episode explores how to cultivate greater patience and cool the painful mind of anger. How does anger arise? Anger arises when we encounter a person or experience we find unpleasant. We then dwell on the faults of t…
Episode 1 How to Create a Happy Reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:33
Buddha taught that our mind creates our reality. Our mind creates our life and whether we are happy or unhappy. In this episode, we delve deep into HOW our minds create our reality. Here we begin the study of the Dhammap…