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 166 - Restraint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
The practice of restraint is a crucial part of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It involves abstaining from harmful thoughts, speech, and actions that lead to suffering for oneself and others. In this episode, we look…
Episode 165 - The Jewel of Spiritual Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Wealth destroys those who lack in wisdom, But not those who seek the beyond. Craving wealth, those lacking wisdom Destroy themselves As well as others. (355) Weeds are the ruin of fields; Passion is the ruin of people. S…
Episode 164 - Taking Refuge in Dharma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
Taking refuge in the Dharma means we turn to the spiritual teaching of Buddha to help us solve our problems to alleviate pain. It means we commit to working on ourselves. Having taken refuge in the Dharma, reality itself…
Episode 163 - Refuge in Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
At the start of this three part series on Refuge, this episode explores what it means to take refuge in Buddha. The most simple way to take refuge in Buddha means relying on Buddha as a teacher. This requires studying an…
Episode 162 - Overcoming Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:20
Fearlessness is much talked about in Buddhism, particularly the idea of becoming fearless. In this episode we look at that which causes us fear, antidotes to fear, and tapping into our own bravery. It's important to begi…
Episode 161: Manifesting Dreams and Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:43
Sometimes we find it hard to reach goals or put effort into things we desperately want to improve. Why is this—when the wish is there? Attachment to what is meaningless or nonvirtuous might be the obstacle when the wish…
Episode 160 - Attachment To What Is Non-virtuous [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:50
Buddha said, "with effort, we have all attainments." We can achieve any goal, no matter how lofty, with enough continued effort, even becoming a bodhisattva and attaining enlightenment. So why do such noble goals seem so…
Episode 159 - Let Go Of The Past Present and Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:06
One way of practicing non-attachment can be expressed with the popular phrase, "Let go." In verse 348 of the Dhammwpada, Buddha says, " Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present." But what does it m…
Episode 157: Constant Craving Versus Letting Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
Buddha taught that no chains are as powerful as attachment, and nothing bonds us to suffering like our attachment. In the First Noble Truth, Buddha didn't just say, "Life is pervaded by suffering," but defined suffering:…
Episode 156 = Practicing Non-attachment with Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
We must work on our minds to overcome the habits of attachment--which always bring suffering--whether one is a monk or a family man. The context of a monastery versus a home with young children will make the practice dif…

«1...34567891011...23»