Stillness in the Storms

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukFinding Inner Peace: Do You Need to Be a Buddhist?Host: Steven Webb Website: stevenwebb.ukHave you ever caught yourself collecting meditation apps, lining up Buddhist statues on a shelf, and wondering if you're doing peace wrong? In this honest Sunday morning episode — recorded while recovering from an operation and still on painkillers — Steven asks a question that quietly nags at a lot of seekers: do you actually need to call yourself a Buddhist to find inner peace?Steven traces his own path from collecting the accessories of Buddhism to hitting rock bottom at forty, when inner peace stopped being a nice idea and became something he genuinely needed. What he found was that suffering doesn't come from life itself — it comes from our relationship to it. The clinging. The resistance. The stories we tell ourselves about what should be happening instead of what is.Drawing on Alan Watts's famous reminder that "the menu is not the meal," Steven makes a gentle but clear distinction: the label, the tradition, the institution — that's the menu. The direct experience of stillness, right where you are — that's the meal. He also explores Jun Po Denis Kelly's Mondo Zen approach, where awakening isn't reserved for monasteries but happens in ordinary, messy, everyday life.Along the way, Steven touches on the different branches of Buddhism — Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, Zen — and points out that the core practices of meditation, mindful awareness, and compassion don't ask you to believe in anything at all. He shares one of his favourite insights: that every one of us interprets reality differently through our own senses and brain — and understanding that simple fact is where real compassion begins.Steven's conclusion? He's not a Buddhist. Not really a Christian either. But the teachings of compassion, understanding, and love that run through all traditions? Those he agrees with completely. And the world, he says, could use a lot more of all three.Key TakeawaysSuffering comes from our relationship to life, not from life itself. It's the clinging and the resistance that create the pain, not the circumstances.The menu is not the meal. Labels, traditions, and institutions point toward inner peace — but they aren't the experience itself. Direct stillness is.You don't need to be a Buddhist to practise Buddhism's core teachings. Meditation, mindful awareness, and compassion require no belief system.Awakening happens in ordinary life. Jun Po Denis Kelly's Mondo Zen reminds us that you don't need a monastery — you need honesty and presence, right where you are.We all experience reality differently. Understanding that each person's brain interprets the world in its own way is the beginning of genuine compassion.Enlightenment isn't a permanent state. There are more enlightened moments and less enlightened moments — and that's perfectly fine.Compassion is the common ground. Across every tradition, the call is the same: more understanding, more love, more kindness.Thank You to Our SupportersNew monthly supporters: Stephen, Kaylin, AllisonOne-time supporters: Femke, Hannah, Andrew, Tracy, Helen, Tiffany Lynn, Gem, Ulysses, Anonymous, Suta, Jess, Leigh, Gerit, Cheryl, KrysiaYour generosity keeps this podcast going — thank you.Stay curious, and I love you.Steven

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode DescriptionYou've built a life. You've done the things you were supposed to do. But underneath it all, there's a quiet question that won't leave you alone: "Is this all there is?" In this episode, Steven Webb shares the deeply personal story of lying in a hospital bed at eighteen, paralysed and unable to speak, wrestling with the two biggest questions of his life. What he discovered is that "is this all there is?" isn't a sign of ingratitude or crisis. It's a doorway to something extraordinary: wonder, mystery, and the breathtaking magic of not knowing. Drawing on the wisdom of Rumi, Alan Watts, and Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki, Steven explores how we can trade our cleverness for bewilderment and see the world through beginner's eyes again.Who Is This Episode For?This episode is for anyone who has ever looked at their life and felt that quiet ache of "is this it?", especially when everything looks fine on the outside. If you're in midlife and questioning what it's all been for, if you feel guilty for wanting something deeper when you know you should be grateful, or if you've simply stopped seeing the magic in everyday moments, Steven Webb recorded this conversation for you.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeSteven opens with a vivid image of a butterfly landing in front of you and asks when you last truly saw the world for the first time. He then takes you back to his hospital bed at eighteen, where two questions rattled around in his mind for months: "Who am I?" and "Is this it?" He explores why this question tends to arrive in midlife, when the forward momentum of building a career, a family, and a life finally slows down enough for you to look around and wonder what it was all for. Carl Jung's idea of the second half of life as a turning inward sits alongside Rumi's invitation to sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment, Alan Watts' beautiful image of the unknown becoming a window rather than a blank space, and Shunryu Suzuki's teaching on beginner's mind. Steven weaves in a story about a little girl discovering that the world through a caravan window is the same world outside the door, and his own moment watching a wave at the Headland Hotel and realising that exact wave would never happen again. The episode closes with a powerful reframe: the question was never really "is this all there is?" The question was always "am I paying attention?"Memorable Quotes from This Episode"That question is not a sign that something's wrong with you. It might actually be one of the most important questions you've ever asked." — Steven Webb"You are not ungrateful. You're not broken. You are not having some kind of crisis." — Steven Webb"Not knowing didn't become a wall. It became a window." — Steven Webb"Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment." — Rumi"In beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in an expert's mind there are few." — Shunryu Suzuki"The magic is in not knowing. The magic is in the fact that right now, in this moment, you are a conscious being in an incomprehensibly vast universe, and you have no idea why. And to me, that's not depressing. That's breathtaking." — Steven Webb"The question was never really, is this all there is? The question was always, am I paying attention?" — Steven WebbTry This TodayNext time the "is this it?" feeling visits you, don't push it away. Go outside or look out of a window. Pick one thing: a tree, a cloud, a bird, a wave. And look at it as if you've never seen it before. Because in a very real sense, you haven't. That exact moment, that exact configuration of light and shadow, has never existed before and will never exist again. Let yourself be bewildered by it.Supporter ThanksThis podcast is completely free and has no adverts or sponsors. It is made possible entirely by the kind people who treat Steven to a coffee. Every contribution pays for the podcast and supports all of Steven's work.A huge and heartfelt thank you to this episode's supporters: Angie, Helen, Suja, Suzanne, Lorna, Liz, Daphne, Sarah, Mikey, Jen, and Venetia. And to the monthly supporters: Joe, Audra, Sin, Jack, Glen, Barb, and Venetia. Thank you also to the wonderful supporters on Insight Timer.If this episode helped you, please consider buying Steven a coffee. Even one makes a difference.About Steven WebbSteven Webb is a meditation teacher, former Mayor of Truro, and C5 tetraplegic. He has spent decades learning what it means to find peace in the most difficult circumstances. Through Stillness in the Storms, he offers honest, warm conversations to help people navigate life's hardest moments. Through Inner Peace Meditations, he provides guided meditations as companions to each episode.Find out more and explore all of Steven's work at stevenwebb.ukConnectWebsite: https://stevenwebb.ukListen, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast app. Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it is one of the best ways to support the show.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukWhen Letting Go Feels Impossible, Try This InsteadStillness in the Storms with Steven WebbEpisode DescriptionEveryone tells you to "let go." Let go of control, of worry, of the past. It sounds lovely, but how do you actually do it, especially when it feels like you're holding everything together? In this episode, Steven shares a deeply personal story about stubbornness, disability, and the moment he discovered that freedom doesn't come from letting go at all. It comes from acceptance.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeSteven opens with the story of his first years after leaving hospital with a spinal cord injury, and the nearly two year battle with his own stubbornness before accepting an electric wheelchair that transformed his life. From there, he explores why the phrase "let go" can actually create more suffering, not less, and offers a powerful alternative: acceptance. The episode includes a simple practice you can try today to step out of the tug of war with whatever you've been fighting.Key ThemesIdentity and stubbornness: how pride keeps us stuckWhy "letting go" can become just another thing to fail atThe difference between letting go and acceptanceThe quicksand effect: the more you force, the deeper you sinkThe butterfly analogy: opening your hand without expectationHow acceptance creates space for life to moveFreedom as a result of acceptance, not forceMemorable Quote"Freedom is not about letting go. Freedom is about acceptance. When you accept something, truly accept it, you take away its power over you."Try This TodayFind a quiet moment. Think about something you've been trying to force yourself to let go of. Instead of pushing it away, open your hands, palms up, and say to yourself: "This is here. I'm not going to fight it today." Notice the gap between struggling and stillness. That's where peace lives.Support This PodcastStillness in the Storms is completely free with no adverts. It is made possible entirely by the kind people who treat Steven to a coffee. Every contribution helps pay for the podcast and supports all of Steven's work.If this episode helped you, please consider buying Steven a coffee. Even one makes a difference.About Steven WebbSteven Webb is a meditation teacher, former Mayor of Truro, and C5 tetraplegic. He has spent decades learning what it means to find peace in the most difficult circumstances. Through Stillness in the Storms, he offers honest, warm conversations to help people navigate life's hardest moments.Find out more and explore all of Steven's work at stevenwebb.ukConnectWebsite: https://stevenwebb.ukListen, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast app. Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it is one of the best ways to support the show.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode DescriptionFor years, you've been the go to person. The mother, the partner, the colleague, the carer. Your whole identity is wrapped up in what you do for others. But what happens when the kids leave, or the career changes, or you just stop long enough to ask… who am I underneath all of that?In this episode, Steven shares a personal story from his time as Mayor of Truro, where former mayors warned him about the strange emptiness that comes when a defining role ends. He explores why losing a role can feel like grief, why that "who am I now?" question is not a sign of ingratitude but an invitation to go deeper, and how you can start the quiet, beautiful process of meeting yourself again.If you've ever felt lost in the space between who you were and who you're becoming, this one is for you.In This EpisodeSteven talks about the identity we build from doing things for others and what happens when those roles shift or fade. He explores why this transition hurts so much and why grief and gratitude can exist side by side. He shares wisdom on sitting in the uncomfortable "in between" space rather than rushing to fill it. And he offers a simple five minute practice you can try today to begin reconnecting with who you really are beneath the roles.Key ThemesIdentity and midlife transitions. The grief of losing a role. Empty nest and changing family dynamics. Finding stillness in the not knowing. Meeting yourself again after decades of caring for others.Memorable Moment"You are not your roles. You never were. The mother, the carer, the professional, the person everyone depends on: those are things you do, and you do them beautifully. But they are not who you are. Who you are is the one who remains when all of that falls away. And she is still there. She's been waiting for you."Try This TodayFind five minutes of quiet. Sit with a cup of tea, go for a short walk, or sit somewhere peaceful. Ask yourself: "What would I do today if nobody needed anything from me?" Don't judge the answer. Just notice what comes up. That's a thread. Keep pulling gently on it and it will lead you back to yourself.Support This PodcastStillness in the Storms is completely free with no adverts and no sponsors. It exists because of the kind people who treat Steven to a coffee. Every contribution helps pay for the podcast and supports all of Steven's work.A huge thank you to this episode's supporters: Tiffany, Fran, Kay, Caroline, Ruth, Mazdak, Cara, Suja, and several generous anonymous donors, along with supporters on Insight Timer.If this episode helped you, please consider buying Steven a coffee. Even one makes a difference.About Steven WebbSteven Webb is a meditation teacher, former Mayor of Truro, and C5 tetraplegic. He has spent decades learning what it means to find peace in the most difficult circumstances. Through Stillness in the Storms, he offers honest, warm conversations to help people navigate life's hardest moments.Find out more and explore all of Steven's work at stevenwebb.ukConnectWebsite: https://stevenwebb.ukListen, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast app. Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it is one of the best ways to support the show.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode DescriptionIn this episode, Steven shares a personal update following the record-breaking winds of Storm Goretti in Cornwall. After the chaos of the storm, a chance encounter with a lady named Joanne reminds him of the beauty of "apricity"—the warmth of the sun on a cold winter's day.Join Steven for a gentle conversation about finding calm in a noisy world. He explores why we often "doom scroll," the relief of realising how little we are actually in control of, and why slowing down might be the best way to handle uncertain times.Key HighlightsThe Calm After the Chaos: How quickly things change from 100mph winds to a beautiful, spring-like day, reminding us that nothing is permanent.Word of the Day: Steven shares his favourite word, apricity, and why we need to appreciate those moments of warmth during life’s winters.The Illusion of Control: Why realising we aren't in control of 99.9% of things (including world leaders or the weather) can actually be a huge relief.Simple Wisdom: A reminder that knitting, walking, or just taking a breath at a traffic light can be as powerful as formal meditation.Memorable Quotes"Apricity... it means to feel the warmth of the sun on a cold day." "Once we realize we're not in control of 99.9% of the stuff that happens to us... you can look at it as, 'Thank Christ for that.' I wouldn't wanna be in control of all this anyway." "Just rest your mind. Give your mind something else to do than scrolling your phone." Links & SupportWebsite: stevenwebb.uk Support the Show: Treat Steven to a coffee at his website to help keep the podcast ad-free.Inner Peace Meditations: Listen to Steven's meditation podcast for more ways to slow down.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukForget Resolutions: Why One Word Is All You Need This YearHappy New Year to you all! It is great to be back recording after a tough few weeks battling a severe chest infection. Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me and donated over Christmas.Your kindness keeps this podcast ad-free and helps cover the editing and admin costs which allows me to keep going. A special shout out to Jessica, Laura, Catherine, Joan, Ulysses, Lisa, Kerry, and Audra. And wow, thank you to Joan and Ulysses for the 40 coffees! You are all absolutely brilliant.In this episode:I share a bit about my recent battle with "man flu" and the complications of dealing with a chest infection while being paralyzed. It was a stark reminder of how fragile things can be, leading to an ambulance visit and plenty of steroids.But this experience led me to my focus for this year. Instead of setting strict resolutions that we often break, I am inviting you to choose just one word for the year. My word is Simplify.We explore what it means to strip life down to its simplest form to remove obstacles and reduce suffering. Whether it is closing tabs on a browser or just sitting in silence, simplifying is about finding peace in the moment.We also talk about:Why I chose "Simplify" as my word for the year.The spiritual journey of reducing suffering and attachment.How to handle emotions like anxiety and overwhelm by listening to what they are teaching us.Examples of words you might choose, such as Acceptance, Trust, release, or Curiosity.What is your word for the year? I would love to hear it.Links and Contact: If you want to get in touch, share your word, or just say hello, you can message me directly at:https://stevenwebb.ukThank you for listening and for your continued support.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukIn this episode I explore a question many people quietly carry. Can you love Jesus and still practise awareness. Can the comfort of Christian faith sit alongside the clarity of Buddhist teaching. Do you have to choose one path or can they both live in the same heart.This conversation begins with the famous poem Footprints in the Sand and widens into a look at what truly carries us when life cracks open. I talk about Sunday school, my favourite childhood hymn, the years when I tried to get rid of all religion, and how awareness eventually softened everything.We touch on the sermon on the Mount, the beauty held in Corinthians thirteen, the voice of the Buddha, and the simple human truth that all wisdom traditions point toward compassion and presence. The episode is really about how to build a spiritual toolbox that actually works, without throwing away the tools that once held you through the hardest nights.If you have ever wondered whether your Christian faith can live peacefully beside meditation and Buddhist ideas, this episode will speak to you.Quotes from the episode“Anything that opens your heart and brings less suffering into the world is worth keeping.”“You do not need to choose between Jesus and awareness. You can hold both. The presence beneath them is the same.”“We suffer when we cling. We grow when we include.”“Whatever carries you in the storms, honour it. Add more tools if they help. Nothing precious needs to be thrown away.”“You can sit with Jesus and the Buddha at the same table. Trust me, they would get along.”Listen to my guided meditationsInner Peace Meditations is linked on the websiteSupport the podcast or buy me a coffeeAll links are at https://stevenwebb.ukTakeaways: In this episode, I explore the intersections between Jesus, Buddhism, and the Bible, sharing my personal journey with spirituality. I reflect on pivotal moments in my life that challenged my beliefs and how I came to appreciate different teachings. The idea that many religious teachings are not new but rather reinterpretations of universal truths is a central theme of my discussion. I emphasize the importance of community and support during difficult times, regardless of religious affiliation or beliefs. Compassion is key, whether in Christianity or Buddhism, and recognizing our shared humanity helps reduce suffering. I encourage listeners to embrace a diverse toolbox of beliefs, integrating various teachings that resonate personally.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukToday, we're diving into the topic of inner peace and what it truly means. I share my personal journey of finding peace, especially after a life-changing injury that left me paralyzed. It’s not about always feeling good or avoiding pain; instead, it’s about recognizing that peace is always there beneath the chaos of life. I also unpack five common myths about inner peace that I used to believe, which held me back from truly understanding it. By the end of this episode, I hope to help you see how to tap into that inner calm, even when life gets tough. If you're curious to learn more, check out my website at https://stevenwebb.uk.In this episode of Stillness in the Storms, host Steven Webb shares his personal journey of finding inner peace after being paralyzed from the neck down. He offers practical wisdom and debunks common myths about what it means to be at peace, revealing that it's a state that is always accessible, even in the midst of life's greatest challenges.Benefits of Listening:Learn how to find inner peace, regardless of your external circumstances.Discover why you don't need to control your thoughts to be at peace.Understand that inner peace is not a permanent state, but a practice.Learn how to be fully present and engaged with life, without clinging or grasping.Be inspired by Stephen's story of resilience and hope.Key Quotes:"We are at peace when we're not suffering, or when we're doing something we enjoy.""Inner peace is always there. It's always present. A peaceful, quiet world is always present, even in the most dire circumstances.""You cannot wait until life calms down. You won't be able to have peace once life's sorted.""Peace means being fully present. It means without clinging and without that grasping."The Five Myths of Inner Peace:Inner peace means never feeling pain or discomfort.You must control your thoughts to be at peace.You find peace once life calms down.Inner peace is a permanent state.Peace means detachment from life.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukIn a Hard World, Your Softest Skills Are Your Strongest Asset"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." – Randy PauschIn a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, it's easy to feel like we're holding a losing hand. We're constantly handed challenges we didn't ask for, from personal struggles to global uncertainties. But what if our greatest strength isn't in getting new cards, but in learning how to play the ones we already have?In this episode, I explore the profound power of our 'soft skills' – the very human qualities that are often overlooked but are more crucial now than ever. We'll discuss how empathy, patience, kindness, and self-awareness are not weaknesses, but incredible assets that allow us to navigate life's toughest moments with grace and strength.Join me as we reframe our perspective, learning to see the immense value in our innate human goodness and discovering how to use these skills to not only survive the storms but to find stillness within them.In this episode, you will learn:How to shift your focus from the cards you're dealt to how you choose to play them.Why soft skills like empathy and kindness are essential tools for resilience.How to recognise and cultivate your own inner strengths, even when you feel powerless.A new perspective on navigating a world that seems to reward harshness over compassion.Thank you for being here and for being part of the Stillness in the Storms community. Your presence makes a difference.Resources & Connecting:Weekly Calm Newsletter & Blog: For more reflections, guided meditations, and updates, visit my website and sign up for my newsletter.Visit: stevenwebb.co.ukLeave a Review: If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. It truly helps others find the show.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk Episode DescriptionHave you ever felt adrift, wishing you had a wise and unconditionally loving guide to help you navigate life's storms? What if that guide was already inside you, waiting to be discovered?In this episode of Stillness in the Storms, Steven explores the transformative concept of "self-parenting," inspired by the work of Gabor Maté. This isn't about harsh discipline or re-living your childhood; it’s about learning to trade your harsh inner critic for a compassionate, wise, and loving inner parent.Discover how to identify the areas in your life—from procrastination and setting boundaries to health and self-talk—where this gentle inner guidance can bring more peace, accountability, and profound kindness. This episode is your invitation to cultivate the most supportive and empowering relationship you will ever have: the one with yourself.In This Episode, You Will Learn:What it truly means to "parent yourself" and why it's a powerful tool for personal growth and mental wellness.How to recognize the everyday moments where a kind, internal parent can help you make better choices (like getting out the door on time!).The crucial difference between self-criticism, which stifles growth, and self-acceptance, which creates the space for positive change.Practical areas where you can apply self-parenting today: managing your time, making healthier choices, and balancing work, life, and play.The most important role of your inner parent: offering yourself the unconditional love and reassurance you deserve, especially when you're struggling.Resources MentionedSupport the Podcast & Find More from Steven: Discover courses, meditations, and ways to support the show at https://stevenwebb.uk.Companion Meditations: Listen to guided meditations that accompany the podcast episodes on the Inner Peace Meditations podcast.Upcoming Course: Stay tuned for Steven's new 7-day audio course, "How to Find Peace in Busy Times."

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukCompassion is at the heart of our discussion today, so let’s dive right into it. We explore how compassion serves as a cosmic wink that connects us all, as Alan Watts puts it. This episode unpacks the differences between compassion, empathy, and judgment, and how understanding these can help us navigate our lives better. We’re all just players in this game called life, and recognizing each other’s struggles is key to becoming whole. Join me, Steven Webb, as we unravel what it really means to practice compassion in our daily interactions and why it matters more than ever.Compassion is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, I dive deep into what it really means. I start by reflecting on Alan Watts' idea that compassion is like a cosmic wink, a warm acknowledgment that we see each other as fellow players in this game of life. I also explore the thoughts of Ken Wilber, who suggests that true judgment comes from a place of compassion. This leads me to ponder the differences between judgment, empathy, and compassion. Judgment often comes with a personal lens, where we see the world through our own experiences, and this can lead to negative assessments of others. Empathy, on the other hand, lets us feel what others feel, but it can sometimes become self-centered, drawing us away from the person in need. Compassion, however, is about genuinely being present for someone without the need to turn the spotlight back onto ourselves. It's about opening our hearts and really seeing others for who they are, not just for their struggles but as whole beings. Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and insights that highlight the importance of compassion in our lives, especially during tough times. I encourage listeners to practice small acts of kindness and to approach each interaction with an open heart, allowing us to become whole together.Takeaways: Compassion is recognized as the cosmic wink acknowledging our shared human experience. It connects us all. Empathy and judgment differ significantly, where empathy often centers around our own feelings and experiences. True compassion requires us to open our hearts to others rather than projecting our own experiences onto them. To foster compassion, we need to embrace both our weaknesses and strengths, allowing us to become whole. Compassion is action-oriented, encouraging us to care for others without turning the focus back to ourselves. Practicing small acts of kindness daily can help cultivate a more compassionate mindset in our lives.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🧘 Episode SummaryIn this episode of Stillness in the Storms, I talk about attachment. It's one of the biggest causes of suffering, but I'm not here to tell you to let go. I think that advice is nonsense. What if instead of trying to let go, we simply allowed things to be as they are?I share what attachment has looked like in my life. From cigarettes to identity to the future I imagined that never arrived. You'll also hear from members of my WhatsApp group who told me what they find hardest to let go of. We cover nostalgia, self-worth, change, and why trying so hard is often the problem.This is not about giving everything up. It’s about loosening the grip, opening your hand, and allowing what comes and goes to just be.🎧 Why ListenYou are struggling to let go and nothing seems to workYou are attached to a past version of yourself or a future that never cameYou want a down-to-earth take on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings that make sense in real lifeYou are tired of chasing happiness and need space to breathe🌟 Quotes from the Episode“Letting go is pants. It doesn’t work. Just open your hand and let it be.”“You don’t have to give something up forever. Just give it up for one hour.”“You’re not a smoker who gave up. You’re just someone who didn’t smoke this hour.”“The minute you stop trying to be better, the better version of you starts to show up.”“Buddhism doesn’t say don’t love. It says don’t cling.”“Enjoy the moment but don’t become attached to it. Let it come and go.”☕ Thank YouThis podcast is free and always will be because of the people who support it. I do not run adverts. That’s a choice I make so you can tune in and hear what I have to say without interruption.Huge thanks toSenga – your five coffees came in just as I hit recordMichael, Dominique, Ulysses – yes, you bought 34 coffees, you legendNick, Julie, and Anne – thank you so muchAnd to all my monthly supporters – I see you and I’m deeply gratefulIf you want to support the show and keep it advert-free, the link is in the notes. Supporters also get access to the private WhatsApp group where I share new meditations and episodes first, and where we talk honestly about the stuff that matters.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🎙 Episode Title: Forgiveness Begins When the Heart Breaks OpenForgiveness Meditation: Forgiveness for Your Freedom🧘 Host: Steven Webb | Stillness in the Storms🎧 Episode Summary:In this honest and raw episode, I talk about my own journey through heartbreak, betrayal and real forgiveness. Not the kind where you say the right words to move on. The kind that comes slowly. Quietly. The kind that has nothing to do with the other person.I share the story of being cheated on. The numbness. The anger. The questions I never asked. And the moment, years later, when a single text made me realise I had already forgiven her.This is not about forgetting. It is not about being okay with what happened. It is about breaking the grip that the past has on your heart. It is about grieving the life you thought you were going to live. It is about reclaiming your peace.If someone has hurt you or left you, or if you are stuck in a story that replays over and over, this episode is for you.🛠 In This Episode:Why "forgive and forget" is a mythHow I navigated betrayal while living with paralysisThe day I realised I had truly forgivenWhy we grieve the imagined life more than the personHow to let go when there are no answersA simple practice to begin your own path to forgiveness🧘 Forgiveness Practice and Affirmations:Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably. Bring to mind the person or situation that caused the pain. Let it sit without story. Just feel what is there. Then say inwardly:I remember the harm that was done.I may not be ready to forgive, but I am willing to try.May I find peace in my heart.May I be free from the pain that caused you to hurt me.I release myself from the burden of this hurt.You do not have to rush. You do not have to think about it every day. Just let the practice do its work. And when the mind brings it up again, simply say, I forgave them. Let it pass. And over time, the weight softens.💬 Listener Support:If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs it. And if you can, help keep the podcast going by visiting stevenwebb.uk

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukMeditation that goes with this podcast: A Dharma Meditation Beyond OverthinkingOverthinking Is Not Your Fault (But Here's How to Stop)In this episode of 'Stillness in the Storms', host Steven Webb explores the concept that we are not our thoughts. He discusses how thoughts arise from the subconscious mind and how we can learn to observe them without attachment. Through personal anecdotes and insights into meditation, he emphasizes the importance of awareness in managing overthinking and anxiety. The episode encourages listeners to become observers of their thoughts and to choose which thoughts to engage with, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and mindful existence.TakeawaysYou are not your thoughts; you have thoughts, but they do not define you.The subconscious mind generates thoughts that can be observed without attachment.Meditation helps in recognizing the distinction between thoughts and awareness.Negative thoughts are a natural part of human experience and survival.Choosing which thoughts to engage with can change your mental trajectory.Awareness of thoughts allows for greater control over emotional responses.Thoughts often originate from external influences, not just personal experiences.You can smile at your thoughts and not take them seriously.The journey to awareness often involves exploring different spiritual practices.Your subconscious mind is designed to support you and bring forth thoughts that align with your desires.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode 147: The Truth About Anxiety & Imposter SyndromeWelcome to Stillness in the Storms with your host, Steven Webb. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Steven tackles two of the most common yet misunderstood challenges: anxiety and imposter syndrome.He argues that these feelings themselves are not the problem. The real issue? Our belief that we shouldn't be experiencing them. Steven shares his own vulnerable journey, from council meetings feeling unqualified, to navigating high-pressure Q&A panels, and the everyday internal dialogues that come with stepping up.Key Themes & Takeaways:Reframing the "Problem": Anxiety and imposter syndrome are natural human experiences, not flaws to be eradicated. The real struggle comes from resisting them.The Power of Listening (Not Obeying): Our minds are full of voices – some fearful, some critical, some brave. The skill is in acknowledging them all, like a chairperson listening to a committee, without letting any single voice dictate your actions.Authenticity in Vulnerability: Sharing your doubts and fears doesn't make you weak; it makes you relatable and authentic. Steven would rather be in a room with people who acknowledge their imposter syndrome than those who deny it.Showing Up Anyway: True courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting despite it. Your unique 1% of knowledge or perspective might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.Personal Anecdotes of Resilience:Feeling like an outsider in professional council meetings.The "climate change conference" Q&A panel where a simple, honest answer resonated most.Being a charity trustee (Community Energy Plus) and doubting his contribution.The internal battle when asked to apply for a vice-chair role.The physical manifestations of anxiety before important events.It Doesn't Go Away, It Becomes Part of the Dialogue: These feelings may not disappear, but our relationship with them can change. They can become familiar (if sometimes annoying) companions rather than paralyzing enemies.Food for Thought:What if your anxiety and imposter syndrome are simply signals, not stop signs?How can you "chair" the committee of voices in your own head more effectively?Remember: "Confidence isn't the absence of self-doubt; it's showing up anyway."Support Stillness in the Storms:This podcast is ad-free thanks to listeners like you! If you find value in these conversations, please consider supporting the show with a donation (like buying Steven a coffee!). https://stevenwebb.uk

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukSelf-acceptance is key, and today we dive into how Zen teaches us to stop needing to fix our lives. We explore what Zen really means and how we can apply it to our daily routines without it just being some trendy catchphrase. Through this episode, we challenge the idea that our lives are broken and discuss the importance of embracing the present moment as it is. I share personal stories and insights on how Zen can help us find peace amidst chaos. So, let’s sit back, relax, and learn how to just be in our moments without the urge to change everything around us.Self acceptance is a journey we all navigate, and in this episode, Steven Webb dives deep into the concept of Zen and how it relates to our everyday lives. He shares a powerful quote: "Zen doesn't fix your life; it stops you needing to." This sets the stage for a conversation about what Zen truly means. It's not just a trendy phrase or a meme we see online; it's about embracing the present moment and realizing that life is not broken, but rather, we often feel the urge to fix things that don't need fixing. Steven invites listeners to explore how to incorporate Zen into their lives, focusing on being present and accepting ourselves as we are. He emphasizes that life is full of challenges, but rather than trying to change everything, we can learn to sit with our experiences and recognize that suffering is part of being human. By adopting a Zen mindset, we can find peace in the chaos and appreciate the beauty of the moment without the constant need for improvement.Takeaways: Zen doesn't fix your life but helps you stop needing to fix it. Being present in the moment allows you to accept life as it is right now. The desire to always fix things can lead to never-ending dissatisfaction in life. Happiness is not an achievement but an experience that happens in the mundane.

We’re diving into the idea of our circles of acceptance today. How big is your circle of love and understanding? I’ve been thinking about how our perspectives change as we grow up, from a tiny circle in childhood to something much larger as adults. It’s fascinating to look at how our circles can expand or contract based on our experiences and feelings. I’ll be sharing some insights on this journey and how it affects our relationships with ourselves and others. Plus, I've got a guided meditation coming up that’ll help us explore these circles even more. Let’s get into it!Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🎙️ Stillness in the Storms — Episode: “How Big Is Your Circle of Love?”A heartfelt reflection on how wide your love really reaches — and how to gently grow it.🧭 What This Episode CoversHow big your circle of love, care, and acceptance really isWhy it naturally shrinks during stress and expands with growthThe six stages of ego development and how they relate to your caringHow to reflect without judgment on who is inside — or outside — your circleZen and Buddhist perspectives on expanding compassion🌀 Circle Stages — Simple BreakdownPre-Egocentric – Me as impulse (pure survival)Egocentric – Me as person (all about me)Ethnocentric – My tribe (loyalty, shared identity)Worldcentric – All humans (equal value, global empathy)Planetcentric – All beings (animals, ecosystems, future life)Kosmocentric – No separation (universal awareness, nondual)We move in and out of these stages — even in a single day. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness.🧠 Quotes That Land“Growth is always in the direction of greater wholeness and inclusion.” – Ken Wilber“Love is a state of being.” – Eckhart Tolle“If we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it.” – Richard Rohr“Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Jesus (Luke 23:34)Takeaways: In this episode, we explore the different stages of our circle of acceptance and love. Understanding how to recognize and expand our circle can lead to greater empathy and compassion. The podcast emphasizes the idea that our circles of caring are not fixed and can change over time. We discuss how personal experiences, such as stress or busyness, can contract our circles of acceptance. The conversation highlights the importance of caring for not just loved ones, but also for people across the globe. We delve into deeper concepts of world centric and planet centric thinking for a broader perspective.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🧘 Host:Steven Webb – Meditation Teacher & Former Mayor of Truro🌀 About This Episode:What if the key to less suffering wasn’t found in avoiding pain—but in feeling it all? In this powerful episode of Stillness in the Storms, Steven Webb explores why allowing yourself to feel deeply might be the most healing, human thing you can do.We’re often told to “stay positive” and “chin up,” but what if the real strength lies in making room for grief, sadness, loneliness, and joy alike? Steven shares personal reflections, Zen wisdom, and practical insight into how embracing every emotion can make you more whole—and more at peace.Whether you’re feeling stuck in your sadness, disconnected from joy, or overwhelmed by the ups and downs of life, this episode is an invitation to stop running and start listening... to yourself.🎧 What You’ll Learn:Why people who feel deeply often suffer less, not moreThe real meaning of emotional wholenessHow to stop identifying with your emotionsThe ego vs. the “big mind”—and why balance mattersA simple shift in language that changes how you relate to feelings✨ Takeaway:You don’t need to fix every emotion. You just need to feel it, then let it pass. That’s where peace begins.💛 Support the Podcast:If this episode moved you, consider buying Steven a coffee at stevenwebb.uk. No adverts, just real conversations—thanks to listeners like you.

☕️ Support the Show & Stay ConnectedIf this episode helps you, please consider treating me to a coffee or signing up for the Weekly Calm newsletter — it keeps the podcast ad-free and fully independent.👉 stevenwebb.uk🧘‍♂️ Episode Summary:Anger. It hits hard. Sometimes it’s in your face. Other times, it’s in your inbox. Either way, your body reacts like you’re in danger — heart racing, chest tight, maybe even shame flooding in.In this episode of Stillness in the Storms, I answer a heartfelt question from listener Toby Ross:“How do you deal with conflict when it feels unbearable?”We dive into why anger — whether it’s coming at you or rising inside you — feels so overwhelming. From a Zen perspective to real-life stories, this episode is about understanding anger, disarming it, and staying present without abandoning yourself.This one is personal, practical, and rooted in compassion — for others, and for yourself.🧩 What You’ll Hear:Why your nervous system reacts to anger like a threatHow our ancient survival wiring still runs the showThe Zen view of anger as a mirror (not an enemy)Stories about conflict, shouting, and inner shameA powerful 30-second grounding practiceWhy “toughness” isn’t strength — and stillness isn’t silence🫶 Keeping It Real – No Ads, No NoiseThanks to your support, this podcast is completely ad-free.If you’d like to help keep it that way and join our private WhatsApp group, head to:👉 stevenwebb.uk📬 Join the Weekly CalmReflections, gentle reminders, and real talk when life gets overwhelming. (Sent when it’s ready, not when it’s perfect.)🙌 Like What You Heard?Please share this episode with someone who needs it.And if you can, leave a rating or review — it helps more than you know.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukTaking little timeouts can be a powerful spiritual practice. I’m Steven Webb, and today we dive into how those forced pauses in our day can help us find inner peace, even when life feels chaotic. We often think that spirituality means lengthy meditation sessions, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Instead, we can use everyday moments—like waiting at a traffic light or taking a breath before a meeting—to reconnect with ourselves. Let’s explore how these simple breaks can help us manage stress and stay present, making our spiritual journey a lot more manageable and meaningful.Finding peace in a fast-paced world can be a daunting task, but it’s all about perspective. This podcast episode dives into the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the simple yet profound practice of taking timeouts to reconnect with ourselves. I share my own experiences, noting that while I can smile and breathe, the challenge often lies in slowing down. The message here is that spirituality can be found in the everyday moments, not just in long meditation sessions or complicated practices.Throughout our conversation, I encourage listeners to embrace the forced pauses in their daily lives, such as waiting at traffic lights or dealing with interruptions. These moments can be transformed into opportunities for mindfulness, helping us to breathe, reset, and refocus. By allowing ourselves to take these timeouts, we can cultivate a sense of calm that permeates our lives, helping us navigate the chaos with more grace and clarity.I remind everyone that the spiritual journey is not a straight line; it’s filled with ups and downs, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s about becoming more compassionate toward ourselves and recognizing that we’re all doing our best. By integrating these small moments of stillness into our day, we can create a more peaceful existence and ultimately allow ourselves to respond to life rather than react. This episode serves as a gentle nudge to appreciate the little pauses that life offers us and to use them as tools for growth and awareness.Takeaways: Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to smile, breathe, and take things slow in life. Spiritual growth isn't just about long meditations; it's about finding peace in small moments. Using forced timeouts can help us reconnect with ourselves and find inner calm. Compassion and self-acceptance are signs that your spiritual journey is making progress. Life's ups and downs are normal; accepting this messiness is part of the journey. Each little moment of stillness helps us build a longer fuse to manage stress better.