We’re diving into the idea of our circles of acceptance today. How big is your circle of love and understanding? I’ve been thinking about how our perspectives change as we grow up, from a tiny circle in childhood to something much larger as adults. It’s fascinating to look at how our circles can expand or contract based on our experiences and feelings. I’ll be sharing some insights on this journey and how it affects our relationships with ourselves and others. Plus, I've got a guided meditation coming up that’ll help us explore these circles even more. Let’s get into it!

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

🎙️ Stillness in the Storms — Episode: “How Big Is Your Circle of Love?”

A heartfelt reflection on how wide your love really reaches — and how to gently grow it.

🧭 What This Episode Covers

• How big your circle of love, care, and acceptance really is
• Why it naturally shrinks during stress and expands with growth
• The six stages of ego development and how they relate to your caring
• How to reflect without judgment on who is inside — or outside — your circle
• Zen and Buddhist perspectives on expanding compassion

🌀 Circle Stages — Simple Breakdown

• Pre-Egocentric – Me as impulse (pure survival)
• Egocentric – Me as person (all about me)
• Ethnocentric – My tribe (loyalty, shared identity)
• Worldcentric – All humans (equal value, global empathy)
• Planetcentric – All beings (animals, ecosystems, future life)
• Kosmocentric – No separation (universal awareness, nondual)

We move in and out of these stages — even in a single day. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness.

🧠 Quotes That Land

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore the different stages of our circle of acceptance and love.
• Understanding how to recognize and expand our circle can lead to greater empathy and compassion.
• The podcast emphasizes the idea that our circles of caring are not fixed and can change over time.
• We discuss how personal experiences, such as stress or busyness, can contract our circles of acceptance.
• The conversation highlights the importance of caring for not just loved ones, but also for people across the globe.
• We delve into deeper concepts of world centric and planet centric thinking for a broader perspective.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

🧘 Host:

Steven Webb – Meditation Teacher & Former Mayor of Truro

🌀 About This Episode:

What if the key to less suffering wasn’t found in avoiding pain—but in feeling it all? In this powerful episode of Stillness in the Storms, Steven Webb explores why allowing yourself to feel deeply might be the most healing, human thing you can do.

We’re often told to “stay positive” and “chin up,” but what if the real strength lies in making room for grief, sadness, loneliness, and joy alike? Steven shares personal reflections, Zen wisdom, and practical insight into how embracing every emotion can make you more whole—and more at peace.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your sadness, disconnected from joy, or overwhelmed by the ups and downs of life, this episode is an invitation to stop running and start listening... to yourself.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why people who feel deeply often suffer less, not more
• The real meaning of emotional wholeness
• How to stop identifying with your emotions
• The ego vs. the “big mind”—and why balance matters
• A simple shift in language that changes how you relate to feelings

✨ Takeaway:

You don’t need to fix every emotion. You just need to feel it, then let it pass. That’s where peace begins.

💛 Support the Podcast:

If this episode moved you, consider buying Steven a coffee at stevenwebb.uk. No adverts, just real conversations—thanks to listeners like you.

If this episode helps you, please consider treating me to a coffee or signing up for the Weekly Calm newsletter — it keeps the podcast ad-free and fully independent.

👉 stevenwebb.uk

Anger. It hits hard. Sometimes it’s in your face. Other times, it’s in your inbox. Either way, your body reacts like you’re in danger — heart racing, chest tight, maybe even shame flooding in.

In this episode of Stillness in the Storms, I answer a heartfelt question from listener Toby Ross:

“How do you deal with conflict when it feels unbearable?”

We dive into why anger — whether it’s coming at you or rising inside you — feels so overwhelming. From a Zen perspective to real-life stories, this episode is about understanding anger, disarming it, and staying present without abandoning yourself.

This one is personal, practical, and rooted in compassion — for others, and for yourself.

• Why your nervous system reacts to anger like a threat
• How our ancient survival wiring still runs the show
• The Zen view of anger as a mirror (not an enemy)
• Stories about conflict, shouting, and inner shame
• A powerful 30-second grounding practice
• Why “toughness” isn’t strength — and stillness isn’t silence

Thanks to your support, this podcast is completely ad-free.

If you’d like to help keep it that way and join our private WhatsApp group, head to:

👉 stevenwebb.uk

Reflections, gentle reminders, and real talk when life gets overwhelming. (Sent when it’s ready, not when it’s perfect.)

Please share this episode with someone who needs it.

And if you can, leave a rating or review — it helps more than you know.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

Taking little timeouts can be a powerful spiritual practice. I’m Steven Webb, and today we dive into how those forced pauses in our day can help us find inner peace, even when life feels chaotic. We often think that spirituality means lengthy meditation sessions, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Instead, we can use everyday moments—like waiting at a traffic light or taking a breath before a meeting—to reconnect with ourselves. Let’s explore how these simple breaks can help us manage stress and stay present, making our spiritual journey a lot more manageable and meaningful.

Finding peace in a fast-paced world can be a daunting task, but it’s all about perspective. This podcast episode dives into the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the simple yet profound practice of taking timeouts to reconnect with ourselves. I share my own experiences, noting that while I can smile and breathe, the challenge often lies in slowing down. The message here is that spirituality can be found in the everyday moments, not just in long meditation sessions or complicated practices.

Throughout our conversation, I encourage listeners to embrace the forced pauses in their daily lives, such as waiting at traffic lights or dealing with interruptions. These moments can be transformed into opportunities for mindfulness, helping us to breathe, reset, and refocus. By allowing ourselves to take these timeouts, we can cultivate a sense of calm that permeates our lives, helping us navigate the chaos with more grace and clarity.

I remind everyone that the spiritual journey is not a straight line; it’s filled with ups and downs, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s about becoming more compassionate toward ourselves and recognizing that we’re all doing our best. By integrating these small moments of stillness into our day, we can create a more peaceful existence and ultimately allow ourselves to respond to life rather than react. This episode serves as a gentle nudge to appreciate the little pauses that life offers us and to use them as tools for growth and awareness.

Takeaways:

• Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to smile, breathe, and take things slow in life.
• Spiritual growth isn't just about long meditations; it's about finding peace in small moments.
• Using forced timeouts can help us reconnect with ourselves and find inner calm.
• Compassion and self-acceptance are signs that your spiritual journey is making progress.
• Life's ups and downs are normal; accepting this messiness is part of the journey.
• Each little moment of stillness helps us build a longer fuse to manage stress better.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

What if enlightenment isn’t about hours of meditation or decades of study, but tiny moments of awareness you can practice anywhere, anytime? After paralysis, heartbreak, and a battle with intrusive thoughts, Steven Webb discovered that awakening thrives in life’s margins—in stolen seconds between tasks, breaths during chaos, and pauses before reactions. In this episode, he shares:

• How to turn traffic jams, work stress, and even arguments into portals of peace
• Why 2-minute practices work better than marathon meditation sessions (and how to start)
• The science-backed power of "enlightened micro-moments" to rewire your brain

• ⏱️ "Enlightenment for the time-poor" – Transform洗碗, commuting, or waiting in line into spiritual practice
• 🧠 Neuroplasticity hack – How micro-moments of awareness compound into lasting change
• 🚫 No altar/incense required – Stephen’s "30-second reset" for panic attacks, overwhelm, or decision fatigue
• 💥 Breakthrough for meditation quitters – Why short bursts beat "perfect" sessions (and how to avoid self-judgment)
• 🌱 Grow peace incrementally – Trackable daily wins vs. vague spiritual goals

1. “You don’t need 30 minutes—steal 30 seconds. A deep breath while the microwave spins? That’s a revolution.”
2. “I’m dyslexic, paralyzed, and once thought enlightenment was for gurus. Now I find it staring at my ceiling fan.”
3. “An enlightened moment isn’t when you stop feeling anger—it’s the half-second where you notice you’re angry. That’s the crack where light gets in.”
4. “Ten 2-minute practices scattered through your day? That’s 20 minutes of awareness—without sitting cross-legged once.”
5. “I didn’t change my life in a cave. I changed it waiting for caregivers, between sips of tea, in the silence after a text notification.”

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

Gratitude meditation Link

In this episode of "Stillness in the Storms," Steven Webb reflects on the overwhelming challenges of the modern world, from global crises to personal struggles. He acknowledges the "storm" that many feel – the constant barrage of negative news, societal pressures, and personal difficulties. However, Stephen guides listeners towards finding moments of peace and gratitude amidst the chaos. He shares his own recent struggles with illness and how he's working to shift his focus from external turmoil to inner resilience.

Key Quotes:

• "The storm feels like it's worse than ever... whether it's political, whether it's weather, or whether it's just the information bombardment."
• "How much of the outside storm are you bringing in?"
• "How many open doors? How many times are you going to sit? Are you sitting outside in the storm?"
• "It's all well and good that we can blame the world for the storms, but we've got to ask ourselves."
• "We also have still so much to lose, and so much to fight for. And so much to be grateful for."
• "If you just learn to hold them [life's challenges] in the right way, not too, not too tight, not too loose, music plays through you."
• "Life's got to play through us."
• "It's about balance."
• "Don't connect with the world so much that you're filling your mind with everything you can not cope with."
• "Close your door but don't close it so tight it's locked."

How This Episode Helps Listeners:

• Validation: Acknowledges the widespread feeling of being overwhelmed by current events and personal struggles, offering a sense of shared experience.
• Perspective Shift: Encourages listeners to examine how much external negativity they are internalizing and to consciously limit their exposure to it.
• Gratitude Practice: Promotes a focus on gratitude for the simple things in life, highlighting what we still have to lose and appreciate, even amidst hardship.
• Mindfulness Reminder: Reinforces the importance of being present and finding stillness in the moment, rather than being consumed by future worries or past regrets.
• Practical Steps: Offers tangible actions like limiting news consumption, focusing on what's within one's control ("arm's length"), and engaging in activities that bring joy.
• Balance: Highlights the need for balance between engagement with the world and self-care, avoiding both excessive exposure and complete disconnection.
• Self-Awareness: Prompts self-reflection on personal coping mechanisms and encourages listeners to recognize when they might be overly stressed or anxious.
• Community: Mentions a WhatsApp support group for those who have supported the podcast, fostering a sense of connection and shared journey.
• Resouces: Mentions the Inner Piece Meditations, and stephenwebb.uk for further support.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

Life is all about those little moments, and I really want to dive into that today. I recently reflected on my journey, where I covered 500 miles in Cornwall using my electric wheelchair, and it hit me how my life is just a collection of moments. Yesterday, I had a powerful encounter with a paramedic from 33 years ago who helped me during a critical time, and it brought back a flood of emotions. I realized that our experiences aren’t just a straight line; they’re a bunch of moments that shape who we are. So, let’s chat about the moments that matter, how we can cherish them, and reflect on what they teach us.

Reflecting on life's fleeting moments can be profound. Steven Webb shares his journey of exploring the significance of moments in our lives, particularly through his experiences over the past year. He embarked on a remarkable 500-mile journey around Cornwall using his electric wheelchair, meticulously documenting his adventures. As he revisits his diary, he realizes that life is not just a series of events, but a collection of moments that shape our existence. Each encounter, each emotion, and each experience contributes to the mosaic of our lives. During a poignant moment, he reconnects with Melvin, the paramedic who flew him to Salisbury 33 years ago, triggering a flood of emotions and reflections on how interconnected our lives can be, even across decades.

Steven encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the moments that have defined them. He emphasizes that memories are stored not in a linear fashion but as emotional experiences. Whether joyful or painful, these moments teach us resilience and shape who we are. He shares personal anecdotes, like the time he walked his dog and how that experience became a lasting memory. These moments, whether big or small, can hold great significance.

As the episode unfolds, Steven invites us to cherish every moment, reminding us that they are fleeting yet impactful. He urges us to embrace the good and the bad experiences alike, as they all contribute to our growth. Life is about collecting these moments, learning from them, and creating new ones that define our journey. The essence of his message is clear: every moment is a gift, and it is up to us to recognize and appreciate them as we navigate through life.

Takeaways:

• Life is made up of moments, and those moments are what shape our experiences.
• When I look back at my life, I remember the moments that made me feel deeply.
• Collect moments that are meaningful, both good and bad, as they shape who you are.
• Emotions play a huge role in how we remember and store our life experiences.
• The universe might have a plan, and every moment could teach us something valuable.
• Cherish the small moments with loved ones, as they will be significant in the future.
• 
  

This episode delves into the profound and often unspoken struggles of accepting one's disability, as host Steven Webb reflects on his personal journey and the metaphorical "elephant" in the room. He candidly shares his experiences of grappling with acceptance, the societal labels surrounding disability, and the complexities of living a life that sometimes feels disconnected from his physical reality. Steven questions whether true acceptance is possible or if avoidance is at play, exploring the paradox of living fully in the moment while wrestling with the implications of his condition. Through his reflections, he highlights the importance of recognizing and sitting with our struggles, while also acknowledging that everyone has their own "elephant" to face. This conversation invites listeners to contemplate their own challenges and the nature of acceptance, emphasizing that finding peace amidst life's turbulence is a shared human experience.

In a heartfelt narrative, Steven Webb shares his personal journey of navigating life with a disability in his latest podcast episode. After a prolonged illness, he reflects on his experiences and the emotional weight of accepting his paralysis. The episode begins with a candid discussion about his health struggles and the subsequent introspection it sparked, leading to the creation of a poignant written piece. Through this piece, Steven confronts the uncomfortable reality of his condition and the societal implications of disability. He shares how relinquishing his manual wheelchair felt like an admission of defeat, a poignant moment that encapsulates the profound struggle many face in coming to terms with their identities.

As he reads his writing, Steven poses thought-provoking questions about acceptance and the nature of suffering. He explores the irony that while he has built a life that appears optimistic and full, he has not fully reconciled with his disability. This tension between outward appearance and internal acceptance becomes a focal point of the discussion. Stephen encourages listeners to reflect on their own 'elephants'—the unacknowledged truths in their lives—and to consider the value of sitting with discomfort rather than fleeing from it. He emphasizes that true acceptance may not come from fighting against our realities but from recognizing and embracing them.

The episode evolves into a broader philosophical discourse on the essence of suffering and the human experience. Steven articulates the idea that the desire to alleviate suffering is a fundamental aspect of life, influencing our choices and interactions. He suggests that in our quest for relief, we often overlook the beauty of simply being present with our struggles. By fostering a sense of stillness amidst life’s challenges, Steven advocates for a mindful approach to acceptance that allows for vulnerability and growth. The conversation ultimately serves as a reminder that while the path of acceptance is fraught with questions, it is also rich with opportunities for connection and understanding.

Takeaways:

• Acceptance can be a complicated journey; sometimes it feels like avoidance instead.
• Living fully doesn't guarantee acceptance of one's reality; it may mask deeper struggles.
• The paradox of living in the moment is that it often hides past pain.
• Sometimes, acknowledging the elephant in the room can lead to profound insights.
• Suffering less is a universal goal, but understanding how to achieve it is personal.
• Finding stillness amidst life's storms is crucial for personal peace and growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://stevenwebb.uk
• https://stillnessinthestorms.com
• https://innerpeacemeditations.com

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

The exploration of the true self is a central theme in this episode, as Steven Webb delves into the elusive nature of our authentic identity beyond the ego. He discusses how the false self, shaped by our stories and experiences, often leads to suffering and disconnection from our true essence. By inviting listeners to embrace moments of stillness and awareness, Steven highlights the importance of recognizing the constant presence of our true self, which offers unconditional love and acceptance. Throughout the conversation, he shares personal anecdotes and insights on the journey of self-discovery, emphasizing that true peace and safety reside within us, waiting to be acknowledged. This episode encourages a deeper understanding of oneself and the liberation that comes from letting go of ego-driven narratives.

Exploring the concept of the true self, Steven Webb guides listeners on a profound journey into understanding the essence that lies beneath the layers of ego and identity. The conversation begins with the recognition that traditional words often fail to capture the depth of this experience, as it transcends emotion and thought. Webb emphasizes the paradox of the true self being both always present yet elusive, often overshadowed by the narratives we create about ourselves. He contrasts the true self with the false self, defined by the stories and roles we adopt throughout our lives, such as being a podcast host, a city counselor, or simply Stephen. This dialogue encourages listeners to delve deeper into their consciousness, moving beyond the ego's limitations to experience a state of awareness that is tranquil, expansive, and free from desire.

Webb's reflections also touch on the importance of experiencing this true self for those on a spiritual journey, particularly those who seek to alleviate suffering. He articulates that understanding the true self is crucial for realizing inner peace, as the ego often drives our pain and desires. By allowing oneself to simply be—free from the compulsion to act or react—listeners can uncover a profound sense of peace and acceptance. This state of awareness, described as non-focused yet all-encompassing, is likened to a moment of stillness where one becomes aware of everything without attachment to any particular thought or feeling. The episode culminates in a powerful poem that encapsulates these themes, inviting listeners to embrace the silence and stillness that exists beyond the chaos of the mind.

The conversation is rich with insights and practical guidance for those looking to explore their inner landscape. Webb encourages a deep breath and a moment of presence, illustrating how this practice can lead to a transformative awareness. This episode not only serves as a philosophical exploration but also as a call to action for listeners to reconnect with their true selves, promoting a sense of peace that is always within reach. Ultimately, Steven Webb's contemplative approach provides a nurturing space for listeners to reflect on their identities, their desires, and the essence of who they truly are beneath the noise of everyday life.

Takeaways:

• The true self is a place of awareness beyond our ego and narratives.
• Understanding the true self can lead to reduced suffering in our spiritual journey.
• The ego creates a story of who we think we are, but it's not our essence.
• True love is about feeling safe and accepted without judgment or conditions.
• In moments of stillness, we can connect with our true self beneath the noise.
• The true self is always present, providing support and love without needing anything in return.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb
• Steven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk

This podcast episode centers around the theme of interdependence, highlighting the importance of recognizing our reliance on others throughout life. Steven Webb expresses gratitude for the support he has received over the past year, sharing personal experiences that illustrate how moments and connections shape our lives. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing that life is about the moments we create with others rather than a linear path. The conversation touches on vulnerability and the need for community, urging listeners to embrace their dependence on one another. Ultimately, Steven's heartfelt message encourages us to appreciate the relationships that enrich our lives and to approach each other with kindness and understanding.

A heartfelt reflection on the past year unfolds as Steven Webb expresses gratitude and shares profound insights about life and interdependence. He begins by contemplating the significance of marking the New Year, suggesting that our human experience is far more magical than mere calendar dates. Through personal anecdotes, including his remarkable journey of completing 500 miles in an electric wheelchair for charity, Steven emphasizes the importance of moments over milestones, highlighting how life's beauty is often found in fleeting interactions and the kindness of strangers.

Steven candidly discusses his reliance on others due to his physical challenges, revealing a deeper truth about human existence: we all need each other. Whether it's seeking help to get out of bed, showering, or simply sharing experiences, the need for connection is universal. He challenges the societal stigma that comes with dependency, advocating for a mindset shift towards embracing our interdependence as a source of strength rather than weakness. This episode is a celebration of vulnerability, kindness, and the little moments that shape our lives, urging listeners to open their hearts to the help and love that surrounds them.

Takeaways:

• Life is about moments rather than a linear journey; cherish the moments you create.
• Interdependence is essential; everyone relies on others for support and connection.
• We need to embrace vulnerability and accept help from others in our lives.
• Recognizing our interdependence can lead to deeper connections and understanding among people.
• Kindness from strangers can leave lasting impressions and create beautiful memories.
• Being open to receiving help allows us to foster greater community and support networks.