Being Kind to Yourself

A BUDDHIST APPROACH TO SELF-CRITICISM
Saturday 21 November 2026, 10am–1.15pm
At Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Richard Batty
Many of us carry a quiet but persistent sense of “not being enough”, a feeling that, regardless of our successes, we are somehow falling short. This underlying doubt shapes how we work, how we love and how we see our future.
From a Buddhist perspective, these feelings of inadequacy do not reflect our true nature. They are simply deeply ingrained mental habits, temporary “clouds” obscuring the vast, clear sky of our potential.
In this gentle retreat we will explore how to be kinder to ourselves, by learning to recognise and release these limiting patterns of self-criticism through guided meditation and practical insight.
You will discover how to:
- Soften the inner critic: understand where self-doubt comes from and how to stop feeding it
- Recognise your natural worth: shift from “proving yourself” to “understanding yourself”
- Build authentic confidence: connect with a stable sense of peace and potential that no one can take away
By letting go of the pressure to be someone else, we discover the freedom and joy of who we already are.
About the teacher
Richard Batty has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for many years. He is known for making the teachings clear and practical, so that you can apply them straight away in everyday life. He teaches with warmth, humour and an easy, approachable style.
Schedule
- Arrive and relax: 9.30–10am
- Session 1: 10–10.45am
- Tea break: 10.45–11.15am
- Session 2: 11.15–12noon
- Tea break: 12noon–12.30pm
- Session 3: 12.30–1.15pm
- Vegetarian lunch: 1.15pm
Book now
Free for Silver members and above. Lunch £6 for all.
Available live-streamed on Zoom for members. Become a member.
Upcoming Courses & Retreats

Upcoming Courses & Retreats
2026-10-23 Post Fall Festival retreat (23-25 Oct)
Post-Fall Festival Retreat – Our Real Heart Jewel
Fri 23 – Sun 25 Oct 2026
Book nowAt Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney
The first session on Friday is an introduction, so no festival attendance is needed
2026-10-31 A Buddhist Perspective – How to Stay Kind When Others Aren’t
A Buddhist Perspective - How to Stay Kind When Others Aren't
Sat 31 October 2026 – 10.30am–12.30pm
Book nowAt Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney
2026-11-07 Letting Go of Hurt (Sat 7 Nov)
Letting Go of Hurt
Sat 7 November, 10am–3.30pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney – Why we take things personally, and how to let go.
2026-11-21 Being Kind to Yourself
Being Kind to Yourself
Sat 21 November, 10am–1.15pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Richard Batty – A Buddhist Approach to Self-Criticism
Public Talks with Gen-la Dekyong, 8 May 2027
Public Talks with Gen-la Dekyong, 8 May 2027
Sat 8 May 2027
Book nowLogan Hall, 20 Bedford Way
London, WC1H 0ALWith Gen-la Dekyong