Podcast appearances and mentions of Steven Webb

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Best podcasts about Steven Webb

Latest podcast episodes about Steven Webb

Inner Peace Meditations
A Meditation to Quiet an Overthinking Mind

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 7:30 Transcription Available


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeMeditation teacher Steven Webb guides you to a quiet railway station where each passing train is simply a thought. Instead of climbing aboard every worry and to do, you learn to stay on the bench and watch them come and go. It is a gentle way to step back from a busy mind and rest in the stillness underneath.Who this meditation is for:The person lying awake while their mind runs through tomorrowAnyone caught in a loop of worry they cannot seem to put downThe overthinker who treats every thought as something to act onSomeone who wants a short, kind way back to calm in the middle of a noisy dayAnyone curious about what it feels like to watch their thoughts rather than be pulled by themKey benefits:A simple image you can return to any time the mind speeds upRelief from the pull to follow every anxious thoughtA felt sense of the quiet that sits between the thoughtsA way to meet a busy mind with kindness instead of a fightA few minutes of genuine rest without needing to fix anythingIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Giving Space: Love Without Taking Over

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 16:42 Transcription Available


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.ukSometimes the most loving thing we can do is stay close without stepping in too quickly.This week I want to talk about one of the hardest forms of love: giving someone space. Not walking away. Not going cold. Not pretending we do not care. But staying close without taking over.It came up for me while talking with my daughter, noticing how quickly I wanted to jump in with answers, advice, solutions and opinions. And I could see the same thing in myself, in council meetings, in family conversations, and even in the way I meet my own thoughts and feelings. Something arises and I want to fix it before I have really heard it.But space is not neglect. Real space says: I am here. I trust you. Take your time.In this episode, I explore why the instinct to help is not wrong, but why fixing too quickly can sometimes be about easing our own discomfort. We look at the small pause after a feeling appears, the gap between notes in music, the three seconds before we answer, and the strange wisdom that often appears when we stop crowding the moment.Key topics:Why giving space is not the same as walking awayThe urge to fix the people we love, especially our childrenHow a few seconds of pause can let wisdom appearThoughts, feelings and body sensations that do not need an instant storyThe gap between the notes, and why space gives life meaningCouncil meetings, family tables, and the need to prove we know somethingAsking whether we are helping or reducing our own discomfortThe three second rule for conversations, emotions and difficult momentsCompanion meditation: IPM 105, Giving Space. A gentle Zen influenced meditation using the image of a closed shed and an open field to feel the difference between being crowded by what arises and giving it room to be seen clearly.If this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee: stevenwebb.ukWith thanks this week to: Cheryl, Nitya, Yvonne, Eleanor and Ryan, Karen, Lani, Jess and Stuart.And thank you to the kind anonymous souls and everyone who supports the work quietly in the background. You keep this podcast advert-free. Thank you.

Inner Peace Meditations
Create Space Around Your Thoughts

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 13:52


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeThis is a gentle Zen influenced meditation on giving space to thoughts, feelings and body sensations.Steven Webb guides you through the image of a closed shed and then an open field, so you can feel the difference between being crowded by what arises and giving it enough room to be seen clearly.We begin by arriving just as we are. No forcing calm. No pushing thoughts away. No trying to fix every feeling that appears. A thought may appear, a feeling may appear, a pain may appear, or a worry may appear. The practice is to notice it without immediately following it, arguing with it, explaining it, or turning it into a problem.Inside the closed shed, a thought or feeling can feel loud, close and urgent. It can seem as if it fills the whole space. Then the door opens. Light comes in. You step into a wider field with sky, air and room in every direction. The same thought may still be there, but now there is space around it. It is no longer the whole truth. It is something passing through.This meditation is for anyone who feels crowded by their own thoughts, emotions, body sensations, worries or stories. It is also a companion practice for the Stillness in the Storms episode on giving space as a form of love.Space does not mean distance from life. Space means just enough room to see clearly.Who this meditation is for:Anyone whose thoughts feel loud or crowdedPeople who want to stop fixing every feeling as soon as it appearsListeners who find Zen helpful when it stays practical and groundedAnyone learning to pause before reactingPeople who need a little more room around worry, pain or emotionWhat it may help with:Creating a gap between awareness and reactionSeeing thoughts and feelings more clearlySoftening the urge to fix everything immediatelyPractising spaciousness through guided imageryReturning to the body with more kindness and less pressureIf this meditation meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee: stevenwebb.uk

Inner Peace Meditations
For The One Who Carries Others

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 10:38


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeThe carer. The parent. The partner. The friend who always answers the phone. The one who keeps going because other people need them to.This meditation is for that person.In this gentle loving kindness practice, Steven Webb guides you to set down the weight of carrying others, just for a few minutes. Not forever. Not because you no longer care. But because the one who holds everyone else also needs to be held.Using three simple phrases, may I be held, may I be soft, may I rest, this meditation helps you turn kindness back towards yourself before offering it to someone you care for, and then to all those quietly carrying others.This is not about pretending the responsibility has gone. It is about softening your grip around it, giving your body a little room, and remembering that love is wider than the weight.If you are emotionally tired, caring for someone, or simply used to being the strong one, this meditation is for you.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
The First 30 Seconds: Why Every Feeling Is a Gift

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 16:14 Transcription Available


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.ukThe First 30 Seconds: Why Every Feeling Is a GiftYour body's fear response is not a fault. It is thirty seconds of something brilliant.You hear two cars crash outside your door, or a horn behind you, or the word "bear" round a campfire, and before you have thought a single thought your body has already moved. This week I walk through what actually happens in those first thirty seconds, a bit of it borrowed from David Ji's book Destressify. The adrenaline, the heart, the sugar your liver lets go, the hands that go cold so a cut would bleed less. None of it a malfunction. All of it the body doing the most competent, protective thing it knows.Then I want to go further than the science. Fear is a gift. So is anxiety, alertness, even stress. We are taught to get rid of them, and I once sat on a show whose whole aim was to delete fear for good. I spent every break arguing the other way. The trouble is never the feeling. The trouble is when it takes over, when it runs eight hours a day, when it stops you doing the things you want to do. So we keep the whole stick, the joyful end and the hard end, instead of chopping the bad bits off and ending up with nothing. We hear the feeling, we understand it, we let it be there, and then we decide. Hear it, then decide. That is the whole thing.Key topics:What really happens in the body's first thirty seconds, step by stepWhy none of it is a malfunction, and why the calm ones round the campfire did not surviveFear, anxiety, stress and alertness as gifts, and the show that wanted to delete fearThe healthy and unhealthy version of every feeling, including the misread "everything is just thoughts" version of ZenThe stick you keep chopping, and why you end up unable to tell the joy from the painOnly ever seeing three colours, and what we miss when we numb the spectrumThe five second gap, and hearing the feeling before you decide what to doCompanion meditation: IPM 104 on Inner Peace Meditations. [insert IPM 104 title]Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee: stevenwebb.ukWith thanks this week to:A warm welcome to Susan, a brand new monthly supporter.And a special word for Stuart, who reached two years as a monthly supporter this week. That is not a small thing.To everyone who supported the show across these past two weeks: Addie, Amy, Barbara, Michael, Karen, Laura, David, Jenna and Mia, and Johnny.And the kind anonymous souls and everyone on Insight Timer. You keep this podcast advert-free. Thank you.

Inner Peace Meditations
Evening Meditation: Letting the Day Settle Down

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 5:51


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeMeditation teacher Steven Webb offers a short evening practice for the moment when work is done but the day has not quite left the body. Around six minutes of quiet noticing for anyone coming home with the day still held in jaw, shoulders, and breath. Gentle, undemanding, and suitable for any seat, sofa, or floor.Who this meditation is forThe commuter who has walked through the front door and still cannot feel homeThe parent who has finished the day's tasks and is still carrying the day's noiseThe remote worker who closed the laptop an hour ago and is still pacing the kitchenAnyone whose shoulders are up by their ears at eight in the eveningThe one who knows the day is over but cannot quite put it downKey benefitsReleases the day's residue from jaw, shoulders, and the small space behind the eyesMarks a clear threshold between the working self and the rest of the eveningSettles the body without asking for any particular outcomeThree quiet wishes to let what was done, what came, and what is unfinished restShort enough to do before dinner, long enough to make a differenceIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Waking Up to Body Betrayal: How to Find Peace in the Pain

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 16:19 Transcription Available


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.ukWaking Up to Body Betrayal: How to Find Peace in the PainYour body isn't letting you down. It's been carrying you all along.Do you ever wake up and just know it's going to hurt the second you move? I do. Most mornings. This week I want to talk about what to do with a body that feels like it's letting you down, betraying you, or just isn't what it used to be. About the soldiers inside you that have been quietly repairing you all night and why they get tired. About the difference between pain (the fact) and suffering (the story you add on top). And about an ancient violin, which turned out to be the image I needed for the body I've been carrying for thirty years.We are in a partnership with this body. It is not the enemy. It is the only one we get.Key topics:The morning moment when the body hurts before you've even movedThe soldiers inside you who repair you every night, and why they get tired as we ageWhy we treat the body as the enemy when really we are this bodyThe "where are you, really?" tennis-ball thought experimentThe difference between pain (the fact) and suffering (the story we add)Treating your body like an ancient violin: more careful, more respectful, a different tuneCompanion meditation: A Morning Meditation for the Body You Wake Into – a gentle, lying-down practice for that moment before the day begins. Find it on Inner Peace Meditations.Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee: stevenwebb.ukWith thanks this week to (this is actually three weeks worth):New monthly supporter: Sin.Monthly supporters whose contributions came in this cycle: Ellen, Dominique, Adam, Annie, Joe, Sujata, Senga, Jack, Glenn, Denise, Laurie, Audra, Rosie, Laura, Kasia, Megan, Alison, Mallory, Elizabeth, Stefan, Barb, Cheryl, Katarzyna, Jill, Tracey, Hannah, Emmanuelle, Rita, Julie, Daniel, María.And the kind anonymous souls and everyone on Insight Timer. You keep this podcast advert-free. Thank you.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
"I'm Fine": When It's Armour, When It's Honest, and How to Tell

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 21:38 Transcription Available


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.ukTwo words I have said roughly 25,000 times. Most of them on autopilot.DescriptionTwo words. Probably the most common two words spoken in the English language. Two words I say almost every single morning, and you probably do too. I'm fine. In this episode I work out that I have said it about 25,000 times to my carers over the last 35 years, and almost none of those times did I actually stop and think about it. I want to look at why we say it, what it costs us, and what happens when we don't. There is a Brené Brown quote, an old Zen master story I have always loved, a Thursday afternoon last week where I cried for 20 minutes and then bought a book on Amazon, and a small image about letting go before your hand hurts. You don't have to stop saying I'm fine. You just have to notice when you do.Key Topics25,000 mornings, two carers, and the most automatic answer in my lifeWhy "I'm fine" is armour, and why armour is not always the wrong thing to wearThe three reasons we wear it (and why "just think positive" is the worst advice in self help)The cost of saying it on autopilot, especially to the people who actually want to hear youAn old Zen story about a master on his deathbed who said the most enlightened thing he could have saidBrené Brown on numbing emotions, and why you cannot block only the bad weatherA real Thursday afternoon I sat here and cried for 20 minutes, then immediately bought a bookThe hand metaphor: I let go a little earlier than I used to, before my hand hurtsCompanion MeditationWhen Anxiety Visits (IPM101). Five minutes. You sit down, you say hello to whatever is actually here, and you ask it why it came. It is the practical opposite of saying "I'm fine." Available on Insight Timer, Aura, and the Inner Peace Meditations podcast.If this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee at stevenwebb.uk.SupportersAlex, Nina, Zoe, A Ma, Kevin, Katarzyna, Deborah, Christopher, and Ariel for recent coffees and PayPal donations.Special thanks: MumMik's Cleaning Services for buying a course this week.You keep this podcast advert free.

Inner Peace Meditations
When Anxiety Visits: A Quick Meditation for Anxious Moments

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 6:47 Transcription Available


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeDescription:Meditation teacher Steven Webb offers a short grounding meditation for those moments when anxiety has already shown up. Rather than trying to push it away, you greet it. You sit with it. You ask it why it came, and you listen, the way you'd listen to a friend who turned up at the door looking pale. It's the practice of meeting an unwelcome feeling with curiosity instead of war.Who this meditation is for:Anyone with anxiety rising in the middle of a busy dayPeople who have been told to "calm down" or "breathe through it" and found that doesn't reach the actual feelingListeners who want a quick reset, not a long sitAnyone who has tried suppressing anxiety and found it gets louderKey benefits:A practical way to meet anxiety with curiosity rather than fight itA short reset you can do anywhere (bus, desk, car park, between meetings)A simple loving kindness close: may I be peaceful, may I be safe, may I trust this momentPairs with this week's Stillness in the Storms episode on dropping the "I'm fine" armourIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
8 Billion Minds. Why Meditation Doesn't Work for Everyone (And What You Can Do About It)

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 22:49 Transcription Available


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.ukThere are eight billion minds in the world, and not one of them was made to fit the same cushion.DescriptionThis week I want to talk about why meditation works beautifully for some people and barely at all for others, and why no single teacher, book or technique was ever going to be the answer for everybody. I tell the story of my own rock bottom at forty, a Saturday afternoon in town with a broken wheelchair and a security guard who said nothing but meant everything. From there to the slow accidental discovery of meditation through As a Man Thinketh, and what it really means to live with an ADHD mind that refuses to sit still. We're all on our own road. The world wasn't designed for you, or me, or any of us. But you can widen your road, push your boundaries, and stop trying to fit into a shape that was never yours.Key TopicsWhy one meditation method will never work for eight billion different mindsThe night I hit rock bottom, and the kindness that started everythingReading As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, and why ten books saying the same thing is hard to ignoreNeuroplasticity, and how you can widen your road even if you can't change itADHD, dyslexia and finding ways to meditate when your mind refuses to be quietWhy accepting yourself is so much easier than trying to change everyone elseIf this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee at stevenwebb.uk.Supporters Thanked in EpisodeSuzanne, Maria, Michael, Tiffany, Ellen, Kathleen, Edyll, Nicola, Jess, Lynette, Linda, Laura, Yavuz, and a few kind anonymous souls.Special thanks: Jane, marking one year as a monthly supporter on 15th April 2026.You keep this podcast advert free.

Inner Peace Meditations
The Garden for Deep Sleep - (A Sleep Meditation)

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 29:58 Transcription Available


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeThe Garden for Deep Sleep. A Spring Meditation for Drifting Off (Inner Peace Meditations Episode 100)Description In this special 100th episode of Inner Peace Meditations, meditation teacher Steven Webb invites you into a small walled garden that only grows at night, and only when someone is resting there. Tonight, that someone is you. You settle onto a cushioned old bench, your body softens with each breath, and the garden quietly fills in around you. Bare earth becomes green shoots. Climbing roses thread the stone walls. Lavender and jasmine drift through the night air. There is nothing to do tonight except rest. Your stillness is the gardening.A soft, slow meditation with a quiet nod to spring, designed to send you to sleep. Listen somewhere safe. You are not meant to make it to the end.Who this meditation is forAnyone who struggles to fall asleepPeople with overactive minds at bedtimeAnyone who feels they should still be doing something, even at restListeners who love gentle nature visualisationsAnyone marking the turn of the season into springKey benefitsHelps the body let go of the dayQuiets the mind enough for sleep to find youReleases the pressure to make sleep happenEncourages the listener to feel held by something gentle and unhurriedA soft place to land at the end of a long dayIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Demystifying Meditation: What You Need to Know

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 29:52 Transcription Available


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.ukBack to Basics: Why Meditate?DescriptionYou've tried meditation. Maybe you dip in and out of it. You feel a little better for a few days, then life gets loud and you forget. Then you snap at someone, or you fire off the email you regret, and you think "I know better than this." This episode is for you, and honestly, it's for me too.In this back to basics episode, I bust the biggest myths about meditation. I talk about why we don't meditate to clear the mind, why five minutes really is enough, why a wandering mind is not a failed mind, and why the real test of meditation is not how peaceful you feel on the cushion, but how you handle the family barbecue, the doctor's waiting room, and the colleague who winds you up.If you've ever felt like you're doing meditation wrong, this is your invitation to start again. Simply, honestly, and from wherever you are.Key topicsWhy meditation matters in real life, not just on the cushionThe seven biggest myths about meditation, bustedThe gap between thought and reaction, and why it's the whole gameWhy little and often beats long and rareHow to know if your meditation practice is actually workingCompanion meditationInner Peace Meditations #99: Peace Right Where You Are. A simple five minute guided meditation to go with this episode. No visualisation, no setup, no special place. Just breath, thoughts, and the peace that's already here.With thanks toSin, Margaret, Annie, Melike, Helen, Laura, Adam, Dominique, and a special welcome to Linda who has just joined as a new monthly supporter. You are the reason this podcast stays advert free.If this episode meant something to you, please share it with someone who might need it, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or treat me to a coffee at stevenwebb.uk.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
The Dignity of Being Tired: Give Yourself a Break

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 16:21 Transcription Available


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.ukThe Dignity of Being Tired: Give Yourself a BreakWhat if tiredness isn't weakness? What if it's the most honest thing your body is telling you?In this episode, we talk about why we treat exhaustion like a personal failure instead of listening to what it's actually telling us. I share what it was like being Mayor of Truro, running on empty, showing up to every event because stopping felt like letting people down. We explore why busyness has become a badge of honour, why animals rest without guilt and we can't, and what actually happens in your brain when you don't get proper rest. This isn't about life hacks. It's about giving yourself permission to stop before you have nothing left.Key topics:Why tiredness is not a weakness but honest information from your bodyThe culture of celebrating exhaustion as proof of commitmentWhat happens in your brain during deep sleep and why rest mattersThich Nhat Hanh on how animals rest and heal without guiltPractical permission to disconnect and stop being on callCompanion meditation: Inner Peace Meditations #98 — Permission to RestIf this episode meant something to you, please share it, leave a review, or treat me to a coffee: stevenwebb.ukWith thanks to: Senga, Sujata, Jack, Denise, Glenn, Aileen, Joe, Laurie, Barb, Audra, Bronwyn, and Emily.

Inner Peace Meditations
Permission to Rest: A meditation for time out

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 13:22 Transcription Available


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeTitle: Permission to Rest — with meditation teacher Steven WebbDescription: A guided meditation for when you're running on empty and stopping feels like giving up. Meditation teacher Steven Webb leads you through a gentle body scan and a peaceful forest visualisation to help you truly rest without guilt.Who this meditation is for:You're exhausted but it's not about sleepYou've been pushing through for too long and can't switch offYou feel guilty about stopping or taking time for yourselfYou're overwhelmed and your mind won't stop making listsYou need permission to just do nothing for a whileWhat you'll experience:A gentle body scan to release tension you didn't know you were holdingA calming forest visualisation where nothing is needed from youPermission to stop without guilt or judgementA loving kindness moment with hand on heartA soft return that leaves you feeling lighter and kinder to yourselfCompanion episode: Stillness in the Storms EP163 — The Dignity of Being TiredIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
What Rises When You Stop Pushing

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 20:30 Transcription Available


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.ukWhat Rises When You Stop PushingAn Easter Sunday conversation about what comes back to us when we finally stop forcing. Steven opens with daffodils appearing on Cornish roadsides and moves into a wide-ranging reflection on renewal — drawing on Alan Watts, Shunryu Suzuki, and Junpo Denis Kelly to explore why the things we thought we'd lost often return on their own. This one speaks directly to anyone at a low point.All episodes of Stillness in the Storms are brought to you without adverts by the generous donations of listeners treating Steven to a coffee.DETAILSLevel: All levels Type: Conversational podcast episode Duration: ~20:00 Companion meditation: Inner Peace Meditations EP97 — "Find the Green Shoot"IN THIS EPISODEDaffodils on roadsides and what spring actually looks like before it looks like springAlan Watts on waves and rhythm — the wave rises, crests, and falls, but the ocean never runs out of wavesJunpo Denis Kelly on what arises first: caring. Anger comes from caring.Shunryu Suzuki and beginner's mind — meeting the season as though you've never seen one beforeA reference to Tony Hoagland's poem "The Color of the Sky" and the line about the end turning out to be the middleSteven's own recent hospital stay and what it clarified about renewalA direct word to anyone feeling behind or broken: you're neitherWHO IS THIS FOR?You're going through a difficult period and need to hear that it doesn't last forever — without being told to think positiveYou're curious about Alan Watts, Zen philosophy, or contemplative ideas but want them grounded in real life, not theoryYou've been forcing yourself to recover, improve, or move on and it's not workingYou want a thoughtful Easter listen that goes deeper than chocolate eggsYou enjoy Steven's conversational style and want something reflective to sit with over a cup of teaWHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAYA different way to think about low points — not as failure but as the turning point of a wavePermission to stop forcing renewal and trust that some things return on their ownA felt sense of being spoken to honestly by someone who has been thereFresh ways into Watts, Suzuki, and Kelly that connect to everyday experienceThe companion meditation (IPM EP97) as a practice to carry the themes furtherABOUT STEVEN WEBBSteven Webb is a meditation teacher, podcaster, politician, and the host of Inner Peace Meditations. A former mayor of Truro in the county of Cornwall, Steven continues to split his time between politics and the contemplative work he is best known for. After a life-changing accident left him paralysed from the chest down, he found his way to inner peace through mindfulness, Zen philosophy, and the teachings of Alan Watts and Shunryu Suzuki. He now helps others find calm and resilience — especially those who find meditation difficult. Steven lives in Cornwall, England and shares his work at stevenwebb.com. You can also find his podcast on politics and public life, Stillness in the Storms, at https://stillnessinthestorms.com/KEYWORDSstillness in the storms, renewal, spring, Alan Watts, Shunryu Suzuki, Junpo Denis Kelly, beginner's mind, Easter, inner peace, low point, waves

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Finding Inner Peace: Do You Need to Be a Buddhist?

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 19:48 Transcription Available


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

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
"Is This All There Is?" Answering the Quiet Question in Your Heart

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 23:13 Transcription Available


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
Awakening the Child Within: A Window of Wonder

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 14:50 Transcription Available


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeTitle: Awakening the Child Within: A Meditation on Pure Seeing with Meditation Teacher Steven WebbDescription: Meditation teacher Steven Webb guides you through a gentle visualisation practice that reconnects you with the wide eyed wonder you had as a very young child. Inspired by Rumi's timeless words "sell your cleverness, buy bewilderment," this meditation invites you to stand before an imaginary window of wonder and rediscover the extraordinary mystery hidden inside everyday life. It is a companion to the Stillness in the Storms episode exploring the question "Is this all there is?"Who this meditation is for:Anyone who has felt that quiet inner whisper of "is this all there is?"Listeners looking to reconnect with childlike curiosity and beginner's mindPeople who feel stuck in overthinking, labelling, or needing to figure everything outAnyone drawn to contemplative practices inspired by Rumi and Zen wisdomKey benefits:Reconnects you with the sense of wonder and awe you had as a childEases the pressure of needing to know, understand, or fix everythingCultivates presence, openness, and beginner's mindOffers a fresh perspective on the mystery of simply being alivePairs beautifully with the Stillness in the Storms podcast episode for deeper explorationIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Inner Peace Meditations
When Letting Go Feels Impossible, Try This Instead

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 16:01


Title: When Letting Go Feels Impossible, Try This Instead — with meditation teacher Steven WebbDescription: Meditation teacher Steven Webb guides you through a practice that challenges one of the most common pieces of mindfulness advice: "just let go." Instead of forcing difficult thoughts away, Steven shows you how acceptance creates the space that resistance never can, using a powerful open hand visualisation.Who this meditation is for:Anyone who feels frustrated when told to "let go" but can't seem to do itPeople carrying persistent worry, tension or unresolved thoughtsThose new to acceptance based meditation looking for a practical way inExperienced meditators wanting a fresh perspective on working with difficult emotionsKey benefits:Learn why forcing yourself to let go often strengthens the very thing you're resistingExperience the physical difference between resistance and acceptance in your own bodyDiscover a simple visualisation you can use anytime stress or tension arisesBuild a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with uncomfortable thoughtsIf you'd like to contact Steven or support his work, go to https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
When Letting Go Feels Impossible, Try This Instead

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 20:33


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
Morning Abundance: Seeing What Was Always There

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 12:55


Stevens new course: Finding Peace in Everyday Life (you choose how much to pay)Support Stevens work and links to other podcasts: stevenwebb.ukDonate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Buy Steven a coffeeInner Peace Meditations — Episode 92: Morning Abundance: Seeing What Was Always ThereIn this gentle morning meditation, Steven Webb guides you into a quiet practice of rediscovering the abundance that is already present in your life. Not the abundance we're told to chase, but the ordinary, faithful things that hold us every single day without us ever noticing. Through a simple process of imagining life without the things we take for granted, and then welcoming them back, something shifts. Gratitude moves from being a thought into something you can actually feel. This meditation was written and guided by Steven Webb.This meditation is for you if:You move through your mornings on autopilot and want to arrive more fully in your dayYou know you have much to be grateful for but struggle to really feel itYou want a gentle, unhurried start that grounds you before the day beginsYou're drawn to mindfulness that is simple, honest, and free from pressureBenefits:A genuine felt sense of gratitude rather than a surface thoughtA calmer, more open quality of awareness to carry into your dayA shift in perspective that can last well beyond the meditation itselfA reminder that this moment, just as it is, is already enoughThank you so much for listening and for being part of this community. To find out more about Steven and to support his work, visit https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Who Are You When No One Needs Anything?

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 12:07 Transcription Available


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.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Apricity and the Calm After the Storm

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 16:56 Transcription Available


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.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Forget Resolutions: Why One Word Is All You Need This Year

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 14:30 Transcription Available


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
Falling Asleep By The Sea – A Sleep Story Meditation

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 50:00


WARNING: This is a sleep meditation and should not be listened to while driving or doing anything that needs your attention. IMPORTANT: You will fall asleep.If you would like to support the podcast in any way, you can visit https://stevenwebb.ukFalling Asleep by the SeaIn this gentle sleep meditation you are guided into a deep state of rest with a simple body release practice followed by a quiet story that leads you across warm dunes and down to a peaceful beach at dusk. The waves slowly drift into the distance as the tide moves out and they fade away completely, leaving you in complete silence so there is nothing to disturb your sleep and no ending to pull you back awake.This session is recorded by me, Steven Webb, in top Studio Quality. You can listen with headphones, through your phone, or through speakers. Choose whatever feels most comfortable for you as you settle in.You will begin with a soft full body tense and release, letting go of the day in stages. After that your body is invited to move toward sleep while your mind takes a slow quiet walk across the sand. You settle into a warm and comfortable dip at the top of a small dune, safe and undisturbed, listening as the tide slips further away. The waves grow softer, more distant, until they fade completely and you drift into a deep and peaceful sleep.This meditation has no ending voice and no music at the close. It simply carries you into the night and leaves you resting.If you enjoy this session or want to help support the work I do, you can find out more at https://stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
When Jesus and the Buddha Sit at the Same Table

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 24:15 Transcription Available


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.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
The Truth About Inner Peace: 5 Myths Debunked

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 22:51 Transcription Available


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.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
In a Hard World, Your Softest Skills Are Your Strongest Asset

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 20:02 Transcription Available


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
The Garden of Your Heart: A Meditation to Uncover Your Inner Strengths

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 13:39


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukGuided Meditation: The Garden of Your HeartIn a world that often rewards being loud and tough, it's easy to mistake our quiet, gentle qualities for weaknesses. We might overlook our own capacity for kindness, patience, and empathy, believing they don't count in the grand scheme of things.But what if these are not weaknesses at all? What if they are our deepest, most resilient strengths?This guided meditation invites you on a gentle journey into the garden of your heart. Here, we will walk through a peaceful inner landscape where your unique strengths are discovered not as abstract ideas, but as living parts of your very nature, a resilient tree of patience, a clear pool of empathy, a soft moss of kindness. It is a time to simply recognise, honour, and appreciate the quiet power you already hold within.To get the most from this practice, find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably without interruption for the next 15 minutes.Explore This Topic Deeper in the Podcast:This meditation was inspired by a recent conversation on my podcast, Stillness in the Storms. If you'd like to explore the idea of our soft skills as our greatest assets in more detail, I invite you to listen to the companion episode: "In a Hard World, Your Softest Skills Are Your Strongest Asset."You can find the episode here: In a Hard World, Your Softest Skills Are Your Strongest AssetThank you for sharing this space and time with me. May this practice remind you of the incredible strength and beauty you carry within.To connect further, please visit https://stevenwebb.uk.

Inner Peace Meditations
The Lantern Path: Deep Sleep Journey

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 61:04


The Lantern Path: Deep Sleep JourneyIn this deeply relaxing Steven Webb sleep meditation, you will be gently guided from a busy mind into a safe and peaceful deep sleep. This 40-minute session begins with simple tips for preparing your room, followed by a full-body relaxation that helps you release tension, sink into the bed, and let your body rest so your mind can follow.Once your body feels heavy and deeply calm, Steven takes you on The Lantern Path, an unusual and soothing bedtime story that leads you through a quiet village, across a wooden bridge, and up a gentle hill lit by warm lanterns. The journey is slow, peaceful, and designed to quiet the mind so you can drift naturally into deep, restorative sleep.There is no wake-up at the end. The gentle background music fades to silence, allowing you to stay asleep for the night.Perfect for anyone struggling to unwind, this guided sleep meditation will help you feel safe, relaxed, and ready for your best night's rest.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
How to Be Your Own Loving Parent

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 15:59 Transcription Available


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."

Inner Peace Meditations
The Embrace of Your Inner Parent

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 12:10


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukMeditation DescriptionHave you ever wished for a voice of unconditional love and support, especially during difficult times? This guided meditation is your invitation to connect with that voice within.As a companion to the Stillness in the Storms episode, "The Parent You Never Knew You Had," this practice will help you create a safe inner space to meet and embrace the wise, compassionate, and reassuring parent that resides within you. Allow yourself to move from self-criticism to deep self-acceptance and feel the profound comfort of coming home to yourself.Who is This Meditation For?This meditation is for you if you:Struggle with a loud or persistent inner critic.Are seeking clarity, direction, or gentle guidance in your life.Wish to build self-compassion and improve your sense of self-worth.Feel overwhelmed and are in need of comfort, safety, and reassurance.Want to cultivate a more loving and supportive relationship with yourself.Benefits of This MeditationBy practicing this meditation, you can:Reduce Self-Judgment and Anxiety: Quiet the harsh voice of your inner critic and feel a greater sense of calm.Cultivate Deep Self-Compassion: Learn to treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend.Increase Feelings of Safety and Security: Create an inner sanctuary where you feel unconditionally loved and accepted.Access Your Inner Wisdom: Connect with your intuition to make decisions that are more aligned with your well-being.Support Emotional Healing: Gently nurture parts of yourself that may have felt neglected or criticized in the past.

Inner Peace Meditations
Out Of Your Head, into Peace

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 3:48


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukOut of Your Head, Into Peace is a simple 3-minute meditation to help you gently drop out of mental chatter and reconnect with the quiet calm of your body and breath.Whether you're overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a moment of clarity, this short practice invites you to let go of control, soften your thinking, and return to the wisdom of your heart.This track is free from ads thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. If you'd like to support the podcast or listen to more meditations, you'll find links below. Thank you for being here.Steven

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Empathy vs. Compassion: What's the Real Difference?

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 20:57 Transcription Available


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
Quickly Back to Calm – A Gentle 3 Minute Reset

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 3:14


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukBack to Centre: A Gentle 3-Minute Reset is your pause button for the day. When life gets loud or the mind feels scattered, this short practice helps you come home to yourself—grounded, present, and calm.In just three minutes, you'll reconnect with the simplicity of your breath, the steadiness of your body, and the quiet space that always lives within you. No need to change anything. Just notice, allow, and soften.This meditation is free from ads thanks to the kindness of listeners like you. If it helped you, consider sharing it or supporting the podcast through the links below.With gratitude,- Steven

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Attachment Isn't the Enemy. The Struggle to Let Go Is

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 23:27 Transcription Available


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

Inner Peace Meditations
The Open Hand of Allowing: A Meditation for Releasing Attachments

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 10:52


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode Summary:Do you ever feel like you're holding on too tightly to something – a person, a thought, a desire, or even an expectation? In this guided meditation from the "Inner Peace Meditations" podcast, we explore the gentle yet powerful practice of "The Open Hand of Allowing." Discover how to release the struggle of attachment and find freedom not by forcing yourself to let go, but by simply allowing things to be as they are. This practice can lead to a profound sense of calm and a lighter, more peaceful state of being.In this episode, you will be guided through a meditation to help you:Acknowledge and sit with your attachments without judgment. [0:08]Understand the physical and mental strain of holding on too tightly. [3:08]Experience the difference between forcefully trying to let go and gently allowing. [3:45]Cultivate a sense of inner peace by releasing the need to control. [5:11]Develop a new, more compassionate approach to dealing with attachment in your daily life. [9:23]Benefits of this Meditation:This meditation offers a unique approach to dealing with attachment. Instead of creating more tension by trying to force things away, you will learn the art of non-resistance. The key benefit is discovering that true release comes from a place of acceptance, not struggle. By practicing the "open hand of allowing," you can reduce the mental and emotional energy spent on clinging to outcomes, thoughts, or feelings.This practice is particularly helpful for:Reducing anxiety and stress associated with attachment.Cultivating a greater sense of emotional freedom and resilience.Improving your ability to be present and mindful.Fostering a more compassionate relationship with yourself.If you are looking for a way to find peace from the constant pull of attachment, this meditation provides a gentle and effective path. Join us to learn how to open your hand and your heart to a more peaceful way of being.Keywords: Meditation, Inner Peace, Guided Meditation, Attachment, Dealing with Attachment, Letting Go, Mindfulness, Stress Relief, Emotional Wellbeing, Acceptance, Non-resistance.

Inner Peace Meditations
Stillness by the Sea: Ageing Gracefully with Gratitude

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 15:01


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode Title: Stillness by the Sea: Ageing Gracefully with GratitudeDescription:Welcome to another episode of Inner Peace Meditations. Today's journey invites you to the serene shores of an imaginary sea—where stillness, reflection, and gratitude meet. This meditation offers a peaceful space to contemplate the beauty of ageing, releasing societal fears, and embracing the wisdom that comes with each passing year.Through vivid imagery and gentle guidance, you'll be encouraged to recognize your inner radiance and honour your journey. Whether you're noticing the first signs of change or are well into your golden years, this meditation helps bring grace, presence, and self-acceptance to the process of growing older.Take a deep breath, find a comfortable seat, and let the waves of peace carry you inward.Benefits:Cultivates gratitude for the ageing processSupports emotional acceptance and inner peaceEncourages presence and self-reflectionPromotes a loving mindset towards life's transitionsFosters a sense of wisdom and inner resilience

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Forgiveness Begins When the Heart Breaks Open

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 18:11 Transcription Available


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

forgiveness coffee breaks personhow steven webb
Inner Peace Meditations
The Freedom of Forgiveness: Letting Go For Yourself

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 10:50 Transcription Available


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode Title: The Freedom of Forgiveness: Letting Go For YourselfPodcast: Inner Peace Meditations with Steven WebbWelcome to Inner Peace Meditations. This podcast will always be free and without adverts, made possible by the kind support of listeners. Thank you for being here.A Note from Steven: If you find this meditation on forgiveness helpful, you may also wish to listen to the discussion on the same topic on my other podcast, Stillness in the Storms. You can find that episode here: [Insert Link to Stillness in the Storms episode]About This MeditationThis guided meditation is an invitation to find freedom by forgiving. Forgiveness isn't about excusing what happened or forgetting the pain; it's about choosing to release the heavy weight of resentment for your own well being. It's a gift you give to yourself. Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to be harmed; this practice is the antidote, allowing you to reclaim your own peace and move forward.In this session, we will gently acknowledge past hurts and use the power of affirmation to cultivate an open and peaceful heart. You will be guided to see that you can be whole again, even after being hurt.Who Is This Forgiveness Meditation For?This meditation is designed to help if you are struggling with the pain of past events and want to find a way to move forward. It can be particularly helpful if you are looking to:Find peace after being cheated on or betrayed in a relationship.Let go of the anger and hurt caused by a friend or family member.Heal from difficult experiences at work or from childhood.Release resentment you hold towards a person, an organisation, or a situation that caused you pain.Stop feeling stuck in a loop of thinking about what happened.Learn how to forgive someone for your own peace, even if you never speak to them again.Find a sense of freedom from the past so you can live more fully in the present.Key Concepts in This MeditationForgiveness for You: The central theme is that this act is for your freedom, not because the other person deserves it.Mushin (No-Mind): We touch on the Zen concept of a mind free from attachment and lingering resentment, allowing experiences to arise and pass freely.Acknowledge, Don't Re-live: You will be guided to acknowledge the event and the feelings it stirs without getting lost in the story.Affirmations for Healing: The practice uses gentle, inward affirmations such as, "I forgive you. Not for you, but for me," and, "May I live with an open and peaceful heart".Support the PodcastThese meditations are offered for free, without ads, to help as many people as possible. If you find value in this and would like to help support its creation, you can make a small donation. Thank you for your support.Follow Steven and find all his work at stevenwebb.ukRead Steven's blog at

Battleground Wisconsin
Evers in 2026? Budget battle sets the stage

Battleground Wisconsin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 49:45


This week we dig into the federal and state budget battles, and the question of a 3rd term for Governor Tony Evers, with special guests Dan Shafer of the Recombobulation Area and Civic Media, and Steven Webb from Planned Parenthood. We open with a discussion of the critical importance of Juneteenth this year, as DEI is under attack by the Trump Administration, and some cities and businesses pull back from supporting local celebrations. Robert provides a simple explanation of how the new U.S. Senate budget bill is even worse on Medicaid than the House budget bill, and it particularly damages rural hospitals. We update listeners on the latest State Budget news, including Speaker Vos' continuing crusade to force Governor Evers' hand with slashing cuts to UW System funding. The plot thickens because Senate Republicans can't pass a budget without UW cuts or they will lose the most right-wing members of their caucus, Senators Kapanga & Nass. In addition, to serious tactical disagreements with the governor on how to win his state budget priorities the public supports by huge margins, like properly funding public schools, expanding BadgerCare, funding child care and closing Green Bay, their is now a serious discussion about whether it is time for Governor Evers to lead by a timely passing of the torch to the next generation of Democratic leaders and not running for Governor in 2026. We welcome award winning Milwaukee area journalist, Dan Shafer, founder of The Recombobulation Area and now part of the Civic Media network, who makes the case that it's time to pass the Torch and Tony Evers should not run for a third term as governor. He argues Wisconsin's governor needs to do what so many other Democrats have failed to do and step aside when the time is right. We close the show with Citizen Action board member, Steven Webb, who is the executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, to discuss the devastating cuts to healthcare in the federal Budget bills that will damage Planned Parenthood's ability to provide vital frontline healthcare to Wisconsinites. Steve tells us how you can also get involved in organizing with PPAWI to fight back.

Inner Peace Meditations
Afternoon Stillness for a Busy Mind

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 5:33


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukAfternoon Stillness for a Busy MindSometimes the hardest part of the day is the middle. You've done a lot, but there's still more ahead. Your mind races, your focus scatters, and your body feels tight or heavy. This five-minute guided meditation offers a simple pause to help you reconnect with calm, reset your attention, and soften the noise.This practice is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed, distracted, or mentally exhausted during the afternoon. It's especially supportive for those juggling work, caregiving, chronic health issues, or emotional burnout. Whether you're sitting at your desk, taking a quiet moment in the car, or finding a few minutes alone between tasks — this meditation is a soft anchor to bring you back.You'll be guided through gentle breath awareness and subtle body connection to help ease tension and slow the pace of your thoughts. There's no pressure to do it perfectly — just space to be, breathe, and return to your centre.This track can help with:Afternoon overwhelm or brain fogEmotional stress or anxious thoughtsReconnecting with presence and clarityCreating a mindful break in your routineCultivating inner peace in the middle of busy daysGive yourself this small gift of stillness. You deserve it.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Overthinking Is Not Your Fault (But Here's How to Stop)

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 20:24 Transcription Available


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.

Inner Peace Meditations
A Dharma Meditation Beyond Overthinking

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 14:06


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukA Dharma Meditation Beyond OverthinkingThis guided meditation gently blends spoken reflection with quiet awareness, offering a way to move beyond the restless swirl of thoughts without trying to stop them. You will be invited to notice the momentum of thinking, like a flywheel or a passing train, and then return attention to the simplicity of the body and the present moment.Rather than fixing or fighting the mind, this Dharma talk meditation brings a sense of ease and acceptance. With soft encouragement, lovingkindness, and a gentle re-entry, it helps you remember that peace is not something you chase. It is something you return to by stepping out of thought and into now.

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
The Truth About Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 18:35 Transcription Available


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

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Self Acceptance – The Zen Way

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 23:45 Transcription Available


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven'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.

Inner Peace Meditations
Self Acceptance, the Zen Way

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 12:26


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEmbrace self-acceptance through the gentle wisdom of Zen. This guided meditation helps you release the constant need to "fix" yourself and discover the profound peace of acknowledging your inherent worth. Learn to simply be, and find wholeness in the present moment, the Zen way.

Inner Peace Meditations
Expanding Your Circle of Love

Inner Peace Meditations

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 12:03


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukExpanding Circle of Love – Guided MeditationThis episode offers a gentle, imagery‑rich meditation designed to help you widen the circle of people (and beings) you hold with warmth and goodwill. Inspired by a discussion on the Stillness in the Storms podcast ("Circle of Love & Circle of Care"), this practice turns concept into lived experience. The practice was inspired by our earlier talk‑episode “Circle of Love & Circle of Care,” where we explored the idea that compassion can be trained like a muscle. Today we move from theory to felt experience – settling the mind, then letting love ripple outward.Why Listen?Deepen empathy & soften judgment – practice seeing more of humanity as “in your circle.”Soothe anxiety & self‑criticism – loving‑kindness lights up the brain's calming networks.Strengthen emotional resilience – caring connection is a proven buffer against stress.Create positive ripple‑effects – the kinder you feel inside, the kinder you act outside.What to ExpectContext & gentle settling – a short reminder of the circle‑of‑care principle.Guided practice – Expanding Circle of Love (no background ads, just my voice and subtle music).Grounding close – simple ways to carry the feeling forward into your day.Completely Ad‑FreeEvery meditation in this feed stays serene and uninterrupted thanks to listeners who keep the lights on by treating me to a coffee. Your generosity lets these practices remain free for everyone. ☕

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
How Big Is Your Circle? Let's Talk Love and Acceptance

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 19:49 Transcription Available


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/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb
Feel Deeply, Suffer Less: The Unexpected Power of Emotion

Living Deeper Lives with Steven Webb

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 15:43 Transcription Available


Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebbSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk