Stillness in the Storms

Today, I'm diving into my story of shame and how it can sneakily hold us back in life. I spent 30 years not realizing how deeply shame affected my decisions and happiness. It took one moment of clarity to transform my life completely. If you've ever felt like there's more you want to achieve but fear is holding you back, this episode is definitely for you. I’ll share some insights on recognizing shame in your own life and how to start breaking free from its grip. Let's get into it!Finding inner peace amidst chaos is a journey many of us navigate, and Stephen Webb's podcast, Stillness in the Storms, dives deep into this theme. In this episode, he shares a personal story of shame that has shaped his life. Stephen reflects on his experience of being paralyzed after a diving accident at age 18, which left him with a profound sense of shame that he carried for decades. He candidly discusses how this shame manifested in his daily life, influencing his decisions and interactions with others. For years, he felt undeserving of help, which held him back from truly embracing his capabilities and seeking the support he needed. Through his story, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with shame and to consider how it may be impacting their lives. Stephen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings and working through them to achieve personal growth and inner peace.Takeaways: Shame can be a hidden barrier in our lives, affecting our decisions and actions in subtle ways. Recognizing the impact of shame on our lives can lead to profound personal transformation. Understanding that we are deserving of help and support is crucial for our growth and happiness. Finding the courage to ask for help can be a liberating experience that opens up new possibilities. Meditation and self-reflection are powerful tools to help uncover the roots of our shame. Being open about our struggles with shame can foster connection and understanding with others.

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 how our minds work, especially our subconscious. It’s all about getting to know our subconscious better so it doesn’t end up running the show for us. Think of it like this: if you don’t know how your mind operates, it can control you and stir up anxiety and stress. I’ll share some cool analogies, like why a computer engineer isn’t worried when their computer freezes—they just know how to handle it. By understanding our instinctual mind, subconscious mind, and human mind, we can find a way to take back control and make decisions that lead to more peace in our lives. Let’s get into it!Finding peace in our busy lives can be tough, right? This episode dives deep into how understanding our mind can help us chill out. We chat about the three different minds we all have: the instinctual mind that reacts super fast, the subconscious mind that stores our experiences, and the human mind that thinks and cares. It’s like having a brain team working together! We break down how each part of our mind works, and how by getting to know them better, we can be less stressed and more in control. Instead of letting our subconscious take the wheel, we can be more present and aware, making decisions that actually feel good to us. It’s all about befriending our mind and making it work for us, not against us. So, if you've ever felt overwhelmed, this episode is packed with insights to help you find your calm amidst the chaos.Ever feel like your mind is running the show? You’re not alone! In this episode, we explore how our minds operate and how we can take back control. We talk about the instinctual mind, which is all about quick reactions, and how that can sometimes lead to anxiety. Then, we dive into the subconscious mind, a massive storage house of all our experiences, and how it influences our daily choices. It’s like a library filled with all the things we've ever felt and done, guiding our actions without us even realizing it. Finally, we discuss the human mind, the part of us that has empathy and awareness. By recognizing which mind we’re operating from, we can start to change our habits, make better choices, and ultimately lead a more peaceful life. If you want to understand yourself better and find that inner peace, this episode is a must-listen!Understanding our minds can be a game-changer for inner peace. Today, we break down the three types of minds we have: the instinctual mind that reacts to threats, the subconscious mind that holds all our experiences, and the human mind that thinks critically and cares about others. We chat about how these minds interact and how being aware of this process can help us take control over our lives. It’s all about moving from automatic reactions to conscious decisions. By being mindful and present, we can change our habits and reduce anxiety. The more we understand how our minds work, the more we can navigate life’s challenges with ease. If you’re looking for practical ways to calm your mind and find clarity, this episode offers valuable insights and tools to help you on your journey.Takeaways: Finding inner peace is about understanding how our mind works and operates. Our subconscious mind stores all experiences, influencing our habits and reactions in life. The instinctual mind reacts quickly to danger, while the human mind thinks and reflects. Being aware of our thoughts helps us make better decisions and reduces anxiety. Meditation can help us become more present and aware of our thoughts and feelings. Understanding our three minds can empower us to take control of our lives.

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukWe're diving into some real talk today about life and its fleeting nature. I recently went to a funeral that got me thinking about our time here and how we often forget to appreciate it. I’m sharing 10 profound lessons that can help you reflect on your life and find some peace amidst all the noise. It’s all about embracing the moment, recognizing our connections, and understanding that life is short. So, let’s get into these lessons and see how they can change the way we live.Have you ever wondered what the real answer to living a fulfilled happy peaceful life is? I have, and I think the best people to answer this are the ones that have already lived it and what they would do differently if they did it again.The latest episode of *Stillness in the Storms* dives deep into the ten life lessons that we often overlook but can profoundly impact our lives. The host, Stephen Webb, shares his reflective thoughts triggered by recent funerals he attended. He emphasizes how these solemn events remind us of life’s fragility and the importance of making the most of our time. Stephen captures the essence of living with urgency, suggesting that recognizing our mortality can motivate us to embrace each day fully. He encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and take actionable steps to appreciate the present. Throughout the episode, Stephen intertwines personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and practical advice, urging everyone to live intentionally and cherish the connections and experiences that truly matter.As Stephen outlines each lesson, he stresses that life is short and that we must prioritize what is truly important. He discusses the significance of love and connection, urging us not to take our relationships for granted. Each lesson is presented with heartfelt honesty, and Stephen shares his own struggles with self-identity and the journey of embracing oneself. The episode is both a call to action and a gentle reminder that while life is unpredictable, we can find peace by focusing on what we value most. By the end of the episode, listeners will feel inspired to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can implement these lessons to live more fulfilling lives.Takeaways: Life is short, so make the most of every moment and embrace each day with gratitude. Don't take things for granted; appreciate the little things that make life enjoyable and meaningful. Love and connection are what truly matter in life, so prioritize your relationships over material possessions. Failure is a natural part of the journey, and it's important to learn from our mistakes and grow from them.

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.ukWe’re diving into a real talk about how to handle rude and meddling people in our lives. You know, those moments when someone cuts in front of you in line or lets a door slam in your face? Yeah, we’ve all been there, and it’s super annoying. So, today, we’re exploring how to deal with that frustration and not let it ruin our day. We’ll chat about having compassion for others and recognizing that everyone has their own struggles. Let’s find a way to keep our cool and not let the rudeness of others throw us off balance.There's a surprisingly simple way of not making your life worse. You don't always have to deal with rude ignorant aggressive people. Sometimes we can just let them be.https://stevenwebb.ukRude behavior is something we all encounter, and it can really test our patience. In this episode, I talk about those frustrating moments when people act thoughtlessly, like cutting in line or slamming doors in our faces. I share a story involving my sister and a queue jumper that highlights the irritation we all feel when someone disregards common courtesy. But instead of letting these encounters ruin our day, we can choose how we respond and maintain our inner calm. We explore the idea that the way we react can either escalate the situation or help us move on peacefully.I introduce some timeless wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, who reminds us that the world is full of people who may not recognize their own rudeness. He suggests that we can expect to meet ungrateful and arrogant individuals, but we don’t have to let their behavior affect us. This perspective encourages us to cultivate compassion for others and ourselves. After all, we all make mistakes. When we approach rude behavior with understanding rather than anger, we can preserve our own peace of mind and navigate through life’s challenges more smoothly.The episode concludes with practical tips on how to handle rudeness effectively. I emphasize the importance of mindfulness and the choice we have in our reactions. Ignoring the rudeness or responding with kindness can transform a negative encounter into an opportunity for personal growth. It’s about letting go of the need to control how others behave and focusing instead on how we can maintain our own serenity amidst the chaos.Takeaways: People can be incredibly rude and it's frustrating to deal with them daily. Understanding that everyone has their own struggles can help us be more compassionate. It's important to remember that mistakes happen, and they don't define who we are. Having compassion for ourselves and others is key to managing our reactions to rudeness.

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, I’m diving into the most important lesson I’ve learned on my spiritual journey—how to reduce suffering. I started this journey because I was in a dark place, feeling overwhelmed and contemplating serious thoughts about ending it all. The main takeaway? Meditation is the key, but not in the way you might think. I’m going to simplify it for you because, honestly, all those complicated methods just added to my stress. We’ll talk about how to check in with yourself throughout the day and observe your thoughts without feeling like you have to do anything about them. So, stick around as we explore practical ways to find a little peace amidst the chaos.The heart of this discussion revolves around a personal journey of overcoming deep suffering through spirituality, particularly meditation. The host, Stephen Webb, opens up about his own struggles with depression, loneliness, and the feeling of being at rock bottom at the age of 40. He shares a raw and honest account of his experiences with suicidal thoughts and how that dark period led him to seek ways to alleviate his pain. Stephen emphasizes that he was initially unaware he was embarking on a spiritual journey; he simply wanted to stop the suffering that felt unbearable. The episode dives deep into the transformative power of meditation as a tool for self-awareness and healing. Stephen reveals that he found traditional forms of meditation incredibly difficult. His mind was always racing, and he felt overwhelmed by the constant barrage of thoughts. Instead of trying to silence his mind, he learned to observe his thoughts and feelings without feeling the need to act upon them. This realization marked a turning point for him. He explains that meditation, for him, became about checking in with himself throughout the day—taking moments to breathe and acknowledge how he was feeling without judgment or pressure to change anything. Ultimately, the episode is a heartfelt invitation for listeners to consider meditation not as a daunting task but as a simple practice of awareness. Stephen encourages listeners to observe their thoughts and emotions rather than getting caught up in them. By sharing his personal journey, he offers a message of hope and a pathway towards peace, highlighting that inner calm can be achieved even amidst chaos and suffering. Through this episode, Stephen aims to show that simplifying the concept of meditation can lead to profound changes in one's life. Whether sitting quietly in a park or simply being aware of the sounds around you, the goal is to cultivate a sense of stillness and presence that can ultimately help reduce suffering and enhance overall well-being.Takeaways: Meditation is not about silencing your mind; it's about observing your thoughts. The key to reducing suffering is realizing you don't have to act on every thought. Just take timeouts throughout your day to check in with your feelings and thoughts. Life can get overwhelming, but simple practices can help create moments of stillness. You don't need a perfect meditation practice; just find what works for you personally. Observing your feelings without needing to change them is a powerful step towards peace.

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 deep into gratitude and how it can seriously boost our happiness. I kick things off by admitting I wasn’t really feeling up to it, but that’s life, right? It’s not always about the good vibes; sometimes we just have to push through. I share how gratitude has helped me through rough patches, especially with the support of those around me. We explore how appreciating what we have—rather than what we lack—can lead to a more peaceful and content life. So, let’s get into it and see how we can practice gratitude daily!Gratitude plays a central role in our lives, and today we dive deep into that topic. I started off feeling a bit off, honestly not wanting to record this podcast. But I pushed through because I know how important it is to share thoughts that might help us find peace. Gratitude is something that has made me happier than any other practice. It has often been asked why I seem so positive, and I have to admit, I'm not always positive. The outside doesn't reflect the inside all the time. But what really helps me is focusing on gratitude, especially on tough days. I shared a tough morning I had and how grateful I was for the caregivers who helped me, even when they weren’t particularly thrilled about it. Their support reminded me of the importance of appreciating those around us. The episode goes on to discuss what the Buddha said about gratitude. To achieve happiness, we need to appreciate what we have rather than dwell on what we lack. I reflect on how this perspective shifts our mindset. Instead of desiring what we don’t have, we can find joy in being thankful for our current state. This could lead us to a more content life instead of constantly chasing after more. I urge listeners to consider how feeling content is different from seeking happiness as a destination. I encourage everyone to take a moment to think about what contentment feels like. It’s essential to realize we often have everything we need in this moment. The more we practice gratitude, the more we can transform our perspective on life. I wrapped up with a gratitude exercise that involves recognizing the intricate web of contributions that go into our daily comforts. The more we acknowledge these connections, the deeper our gratitude can grow. This practice of appreciating everything, even the struggles, can truly change how we experience life. It’s about being thankful not just for the good, but for everything that shapes us. So, let's cultivate this gratitude together and see how it changes our outlook on life.Takeaways: The episode emphasizes that gratitude can significantly enhance our overall happiness and peace of mind. We often overlook the significance of small things and how they contribute to our daily comfort and happiness, like a cup of coffee. The speaker reflects on how our struggles can teach us vital lessons and shape who we are as individuals. Practicing gratitude daily can shift our perspective from wanting more to appreciating what we already have. The speaker shares that even difficult moments can lead to growth and understanding, encouraging us to appreciate all experiences. Gratitude is not just about thankfulness, but about recognizing the depth and complexity of everything we receive in life.

In order to really experience what it means to be a human we have to feel things deeply. How do we do that without being rattled and disturbed constantly. That's the topic of this week's podcast. https://stevenwebb.uk

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukToday, I'm diving into three big lessons I've learned over the past year that have really changed my game. First off, there's a huge gap between knowing something and actually doing it. It's all about putting that knowledge into action. Then, I'm here to tell you that everyone is just winging it in some way, so if you feel lost, you're definitely not alone. Lastly, I've figured out the importance of trimming the fat from my life—saying no to the things that don’t serve me anymore. If you want to influence future episodes or just share what’s on your mind, hit me up at stephenweb.uk. Let's get into it!Happy New Year, and what better way to start the New Year than to share what I learnt from last year.stevenwebb.ukThe podcast kicks off with Stephen Webb welcoming listeners to the Stillness in the Storms podcast, setting a tone of reflection and personal growth. Stephen expresses gratitude to his friends, Sandra and Mo, for their thoughtful gesture of treating him to coffee, which he links to healing his inner child. He reflects on how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on our well-being. As he transitions into the core content, he shares that he’s taken some time to organize his thoughts and plans for the new year, emphasizing the importance of this reflection period during the holiday season. This episode explores the idea that as we face difficult times, it’s crucial to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally. Stephen invites listeners to engage with him by suggesting topics they want to hear about, promoting a sense of community and shared experience. Moving forward, Stephen reveals three key lessons he learned in the past year that have helped him navigate life’s challenges. The first lesson is about the distinction between knowing and doing. He reflects on how many of us know what we should be doing to improve our lives but often fail to act on that knowledge. He shares personal anecdotes about his struggles with meditation and self-discipline, stressing that awareness alone is not enough; we must take action. This leads to a deeper discussion about the importance of consciously choosing to implement what we know in our daily lives. The second lesson Stephen shares is the realization that everyone is essentially “winging it.” He discusses the common experience of imposter syndrome, highlighting that many people feel insecure about their knowledge and abilities. He emphasizes that it’s okay to not have all the answers and encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty while still striving for personal growth. Lastly, he touches on the importance of simplifying life by deleting unnecessary commitments and focusing on what truly matters. He concludes with a powerful reminder to treat others based on our values rather than their behavior, encouraging kindness and integrity in all interactions. This episode serves as a thoughtful guide for listeners to reflect on their own lives as they embark on a new year.Takeaways: I learned that knowing something and actually doing it are two very different things. Everyone struggles with their confidence and is, in a way, just winging it through life. It's important to regularly delete unnecessary tasks from our lives to focus on what matters. Treat others based on who you are, not based on how they treat you, to stay true to yourself. Taking time for self-reflection can help put into practice what we know we should do. The importance of reaching out and sharing struggles can help others feel less alone.

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.ukI just turned 50 this week, and man, that’s a big deal for me! I’m feeling a lot of gratitude for my life, especially considering I’ve been in a wheelchair for over 30 years. In this episode, I dive into what it really means to become whole. We talk about how embracing all parts of ourselves—good, bad, and everything in between—can totally change how we live and love. Plus, I share how reflecting on my life and the people I’ve lost has shaped my views on legacy and connection. So, let’s explore how we can integrate all those messy feelings to create a life we love!No sponsors but you can treat me to a coffee at stevenwebb.ukTurning 50 is a milestone that brings a lot of reflections. I just celebrated this birthday, and it’s wild to think of all the years I’ve lived, especially considering I’ve been in a wheelchair since I was 18. There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it to this age, but here I am, feeling grateful for every moment. I spent my birthday evening at a carol singing event at a crematorium, which sounds heavy, but it turned into a beautiful celebration of life and a reminder of the legacy we leave behind. I’ve lost many friends along the way, and it’s a poignant reminder that every moment counts. In this podcast, I want to discuss the importance of reflecting on our lives and the legacies we create.The conversation about legacy is intertwined with our journey of becoming whole. I’ve struggled with feelings of shame related to my disability for years, and it held me back from asking for help and embracing my life fully. This episode is about recognizing those feelings and integrating them into our lives rather than pushing them away. Becoming whole is about accepting all parts of ourselves, the good and the bad. When we acknowledge our struggles, we can learn to move forward and grow. It’s about understanding that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.As I reflect on my experiences, I encourage listeners to think about their own journeys and how they can embrace their true selves. We often look for others to complete us, but true wholeness comes from within. This episode is a call to action to integrate all our experiences and emotions into a coherent self. Let’s support each other in this journey, acknowledging our past while looking forward to the future, and celebrating the lives we’ve lived and the legacies we’re building.Takeaways: Turning 50 is a milestone, and I celebrate it because I've made it this far. Having been paralyzed since I was 18, I never thought I would reach 50 years old. Reflection on life and loss happens on birthdays, especially when attending funerals. Becoming whole means embracing all parts of ourselves, even the uncomfortable ones. Integrating our feelings leads to better relationships and a greater appreciation for life. It's essential to listen to the quiet voices within us and not rely on others.

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.ukThis week, I’m diving into a really heavy topic: the moment I hit a low so deep that I actually understood why someone might consider euthanasia. It’s not something I ever thought I would feel, but life threw some serious challenges my way this week. I’m sharing my experiences, which have been tough and raw, to show that life can really swing from the highs to the lows in no time at all. We all go through these difficult times, and it’s important to recognize that they are part of being human. I want to embrace the reality of these feelings and remind you that they are temporary, and that there’s always a way back up.In this podcast I share my experience of a really hard week. Probably one of the toughest weeks I've had in many years. Which fits perfectly with a podcast that helps you through the toughest times. stevenwebb.ukNavigating the complexities of life can sometimes lead us to dark places we never expected. This week, I found myself in a very low state, grappling with thoughts about euthanasia—something I had never considered before. It was shocking to realize just how low I had sunk, feeling overwhelmed by my physical struggles and the emotional toll they took on me. I want to share this experience with you all because it highlights the reality of living with a disability. Life isn’t always a positive journey; it’s filled with challenges that can feel insurmountable at times.As I recount my week, I experienced severe dysreflexia, which caused extreme discomfort and pain. It was during these moments of suffering that I truly understood why some might view euthanasia as an option. It was not that I was advocating for it, but rather that I finally grasped the depth of despair that can accompany such conditions. I want to emphasize that while I understand these thoughts, I also recognize that they come from a place of pain, and my life is still filled with moments of joy and hope. This podcast aims to bring awareness to the struggles many face and to encourage a conversation around embracing the full range of human emotions—both good and bad.Next week, I’ll be diving into the theme of becoming whole, particularly in the context of being single. For now, let’s acknowledge that hard times are part of life and that feeling low is a human experience. It’s okay to sit with those feelings and to share them with others. By opening up about our struggles, we can build a community of support that helps us all navigate the storms of life together. Remember, tough days are temporary, and each experience helps us grow stronger.Takeaways: This week, I experienced a really tough time that made me reflect deeply on life. I had moments where I understood why some people consider euthanasia as an option. It's important to embrace both the good and bad times in our lives as they are temporary. Life is all about experiencing a wide range of emotions, not just the happy ones. Even during the most painful experiences, we can find moments of joy and connection later. It's okay to acknowledge hard times; they are part of becoming a whole person.