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

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

In 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 Pausch

In 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.uk
• Leave a Review: If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. It truly helps others find the show.

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

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

Have 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.

• 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.

• Support the Podcast & Find More from Steven: Discover courses, meditations, and ways to support the show at https://stevenwebb.uk.
• Companion Meditations: Listen to guided meditations that accompany the podcast episodes on the Inner Peace Meditations podcast.
• Upcoming Course: Stay tuned for Steven's new 7-day audio course, "How to Find Peace in Busy Times."

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

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

Compassion is at the heart of our discussion today, so let’s dive right into it. We explore how compassion serves as a cosmic wink that connects us all, as Alan Watts puts it. This episode unpacks the differences between compassion, empathy, and judgment, and how understanding these can help us navigate our lives better. We’re all just players in this game called life, and recognizing each other’s struggles is key to becoming whole. Join me, Steven Webb, as we unravel what it really means to practice compassion in our daily interactions and why it matters more than ever.

Compassion is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, I dive deep into what it really means. I start by reflecting on Alan Watts' idea that compassion is like a cosmic wink, a warm acknowledgment that we see each other as fellow players in this game of life. I also explore the thoughts of Ken Wilber, who suggests that true judgment comes from a place of compassion. This leads me to ponder the differences between judgment, empathy, and compassion. Judgment often comes with a personal lens, where we see the world through our own experiences, and this can lead to negative assessments of others. Empathy, on the other hand, lets us feel what others feel, but it can sometimes become self-centered, drawing us away from the person in need. Compassion, however, is about genuinely being present for someone without the need to turn the spotlight back onto ourselves. It's about opening our hearts and really seeing others for who they are, not just for their struggles but as whole beings. Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and insights that highlight the importance of compassion in our lives, especially during tough times. I encourage listeners to practice small acts of kindness and to approach each interaction with an open heart, allowing us to become whole together.

Takeaways:

• Compassion is recognized as the cosmic wink acknowledging our shared human experience. It connects us all.
• Empathy and judgment differ significantly, where empathy often centers around our own feelings and experiences.
• True compassion requires us to open our hearts to others rather than projecting our own experiences onto them.
• To foster compassion, we need to embrace both our weaknesses and strengths, allowing us to become whole.
• Compassion is action-oriented, encouraging us to care for others without turning the focus back to ourselves.
• Practicing small acts of kindness daily can help cultivate a more compassionate mindset in our lives.

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

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

In this episode of Stillness in the Storms, I talk about attachment. It's one of the biggest causes of suffering, but I'm not here to tell you to let go. I think that advice is nonsense. What if instead of trying to let go, we simply allowed things to be as they are?

I share what attachment has looked like in my life. From cigarettes to identity to the future I imagined that never arrived. You'll also hear from members of my WhatsApp group who told me what they find hardest to let go of. We cover nostalgia, self-worth, change, and why trying so hard is often the problem.

This is not about giving everything up. It’s about loosening the grip, opening your hand, and allowing what comes and goes to just be.

🎧 Why Listen

• You are struggling to let go and nothing seems to work
• You are attached to a past version of yourself or a future that never came
• You want a down-to-earth take on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings that make sense in real life
• You are tired of chasing happiness and need space to breathe

• “Letting go is pants. It doesn’t work. Just open your hand and let it be.”
• “You don’t have to give something up forever. Just give it up for one hour.”
• “You’re not a smoker who gave up. You’re just someone who didn’t smoke this hour.”
• “The minute you stop trying to be better, the better version of you starts to show up.”
• “Buddhism doesn’t say don’t love. It says don’t cling.”
• “Enjoy the moment but don’t become attached to it. Let it come and go.”

This podcast is free and always will be because of the people who support it. I do not run adverts. That’s a choice I make so you can tune in and hear what I have to say without interruption.

Huge thanks to

Senga – your five coffees came in just as I hit record

Michael, Dominique, Ulysses – yes, you bought 34 coffees, you legend

Nick, Julie, and Anne – thank you so much

And to all my monthly supporters – I see you and I’m deeply grateful

If you want to support the show and keep it advert-free, the link is in the notes. Supporters also get access to the private WhatsApp group where I share new meditations and episodes first, and where we talk honestly about the stuff that matters.

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

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

🎙 Episode Title: Forgiveness Begins When the Heart Breaks Open

Forgiveness Meditation: Forgiveness for Your Freedom

🧘 Host: Steven Webb | Stillness in the Storms

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this honest and raw episode, I talk about my own journey through heartbreak, betrayal and real forgiveness. Not the kind where you say the right words to move on. The kind that comes slowly. Quietly. The kind that has nothing to do with the other person.

I share the story of being cheated on. The numbness. The anger. The questions I never asked. And the moment, years later, when a single text made me realise I had already forgiven her.

This is not about forgetting. It is not about being okay with what happened. It is about breaking the grip that the past has on your heart. It is about grieving the life you thought you were going to live. It is about reclaiming your peace.

If someone has hurt you or left you, or if you are stuck in a story that replays over and over, this episode is for you.

🛠 In This Episode:

• Why "forgive and forget" is a myth
• How I navigated betrayal while living with paralysis
• The day I realised I had truly forgiven
• Why we grieve the imagined life more than the person
• How to let go when there are no answers
• A simple practice to begin your own path to forgiveness

🧘 Forgiveness Practice and Affirmations:

Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably. Bring to mind the person or situation that caused the pain. Let it sit without story. Just feel what is there. Then say inwardly:

• I remember the harm that was done.
• I may not be ready to forgive, but I am willing to try.
• May I find peace in my heart.
• May I be free from the pain that caused you to hurt me.
• I release myself from the burden of this hurt.

You do not have to rush. You do not have to think about it every day. Just let the practice do its work. And when the mind brings it up again, simply say, I forgave them. Let it pass. And over time, the weight softens.

💬 Listener Support:

If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs it. And if you can, help keep the podcast going by visiting stevenwebb.uk

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

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

Meditation that goes with this podcast: A Dharma Meditation Beyond Overthinking

Overthinking 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.

• You are not your thoughts; you have thoughts, but they do not define you.
• The subconscious mind generates thoughts that can be observed without attachment.
• Meditation helps in recognizing the distinction between thoughts and awareness.
• Negative thoughts are a natural part of human experience and survival.
• Choosing which thoughts to engage with can change your mental trajectory.
• Awareness of thoughts allows for greater control over emotional responses.
• Thoughts often originate from external influences, not just personal experiences.
• You can smile at your thoughts and not take them seriously.
• The journey to awareness often involves exploring different spiritual practices.
• Your subconscious mind is designed to support you and bring forth thoughts that align with your desires.

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

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

Episode 147: The Truth About Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome

Welcome to Stillness in the Storms with your host, Steven Webb. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Steven tackles two of the most common yet misunderstood challenges: anxiety and imposter syndrome.

He argues that these feelings themselves are not the problem. The real issue? Our belief that we shouldn't be experiencing them. Steven shares his own vulnerable journey, from council meetings feeling unqualified, to navigating high-pressure Q&A panels, and the everyday internal dialogues that come with stepping up.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Reframing the "Problem": Anxiety and imposter syndrome are natural human experiences, not flaws to be eradicated. The real struggle comes from resisting them.
• The Power of Listening (Not Obeying): Our minds are full of voices – some fearful, some critical, some brave. The skill is in acknowledging them all, like a chairperson listening to a committee, without letting any single voice dictate your actions.
• Authenticity in Vulnerability: Sharing your doubts and fears doesn't make you weak; it makes you relatable and authentic. Steven would rather be in a room with people who acknowledge their imposter syndrome than those who deny it.
• Showing Up Anyway: True courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting despite it. Your unique 1% of knowledge or perspective might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
• Personal Anecdotes of Resilience:
• Feeling like an outsider in professional council meetings.
• The "climate change conference" Q&A panel where a simple, honest answer resonated most.
• Being a charity trustee (Community Energy Plus) and doubting his contribution.
• The internal battle when asked to apply for a vice-chair role.
• The physical manifestations of anxiety before important events.
• It Doesn't Go Away, It Becomes Part of the Dialogue: These feelings may not disappear, but our relationship with them can change. They can become familiar (if sometimes annoying) companions rather than paralyzing enemies.

Food for Thought:

• What if your anxiety and imposter syndrome are simply signals, not stop signs?
• How can you "chair" the committee of voices in your own head more effectively?
• Remember: "Confidence isn't the absence of self-doubt; it's showing up anyway."

Support Stillness in the Storms:

This podcast is ad-free thanks to listeners like you! If you find value in these conversations, please consider supporting the show with a donation (like buying Steven a coffee!).

https://stevenwebb.uk

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

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

Self-acceptance is key, and today we dive into how Zen teaches us to stop needing to fix our lives. We explore what Zen really means and how we can apply it to our daily routines without it just being some trendy catchphrase. Through this episode, we challenge the idea that our lives are broken and discuss the importance of embracing the present moment as it is. I share personal stories and insights on how Zen can help us find peace amidst chaos. So, let’s sit back, relax, and learn how to just be in our moments without the urge to change everything around us.

Self acceptance is a journey we all navigate, and in this episode, Steven Webb dives deep into the concept of Zen and how it relates to our everyday lives. He shares a powerful quote: "Zen doesn't fix your life; it stops you needing to." This sets the stage for a conversation about what Zen truly means. It's not just a trendy phrase or a meme we see online; it's about embracing the present moment and realizing that life is not broken, but rather, we often feel the urge to fix things that don't need fixing. Steven invites listeners to explore how to incorporate Zen into their lives, focusing on being present and accepting ourselves as we are. He emphasizes that life is full of challenges, but rather than trying to change everything, we can learn to sit with our experiences and recognize that suffering is part of being human. By adopting a Zen mindset, we can find peace in the chaos and appreciate the beauty of the moment without the constant need for improvement.

Takeaways:

• Zen doesn't fix your life but helps you stop needing to fix it.
• Being present in the moment allows you to accept life as it is right now.
• The desire to always fix things can lead to never-ending dissatisfaction in life.
• Happiness is not an achievement but an experience that happens in the mundane.

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

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

• Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.uk
• 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 or Coffee stevenwebb.uk
• 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.