Self-compassion is a vital part of the Buddhist path, especially here in the West.
Here, Walt Opie shares personal stories and reflections on how difficult it can be to extend kindness toward ourselves, especially when we’re caught in patterns of self-judgment or perfectionism. Walt emphasizes that self-compassion isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. When we treat ourselves with care and understanding, we’re better able to show up for others and engage with the world from a place of balance and authenticity.
Walt also highlights several key practices and perspectives to cultivate self-compassion:
- Mindful awareness – noticing when we’re being hard on ourselves and gently shifting our inner dialogue.
- Loving-kindness (Metta) – directing phrases of goodwill inward, not just outward.
- Common humanity – remembering that suffering and imperfection are part of being human.
- Letting go of the inner critic – recognizing that harsh self-talk doesn’t lead to growth, but gentle encouragement might.
- Taking refuge in the Dharma – using the teachings as a source of support and clarity during difficult times.
Throughout the talk, Walt reminds us that self-compassion is a skill we can build—not a personality trait we either have or don’t. It’s a practice of returning to ourselves with warmth, patience, and the willingness to be imperfect.
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Walt Opie was introduced to insight meditation in 1993 at Spirit Rock and attended his first residential retreat there in 2005. He is a graduate of both the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders' (CDL4) program and the Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy program. Walt is a participant in the current Insight Meditation Society (IMS) Teacher Training program. He leads a monthly sitting group for people in recovery in Berkeley and serves as a volunteer Buddhist facilitator at Solano State Prison in Vacaville. In addition, he is the Executive Director of the Buddhist Pathways Prison Project (BP3).
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CREDITS
Audio Engineer: George Hubbard
Producer: Tom Bruein
Music/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter
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