The Extraordinary Ordinary Day—A Journey Back in Time with Steven Webb – 29 Years on

In the latest episode of the Stillness in the Storms podcast, host Steven Webb takes us on an emotional odyssey that rewinds the clock to a life-altering day 29 years ago—the day he broke his neck and became quadriplegic. On the surface, it seemed like just another ordinary day. But in reality, it was a day tinged with a form of extraordinary significance that would only become clear in retrospect.

Steven dives deep into the nuances of that fateful day, offering a vivid tapestry of moments that were so easy to take for granted at the time. It was the last day he would rise from his bed unassisted, savor the solitude of a shower, or experience the simple dignity of using the toilet in peace. Each of these ‘mundane’ activities held an incalculable value that was only realized when they were lost forever.

While the narrative is intensely personal, Steven’s reflections resonate universally. The crux of his message is not to instill fear of the unknown, but to awaken an appreciation for the present. He implores us to pause and truly experience the beauty of what we do have, whether it’s the brilliant colors that meet our eyes each morning or the freedom to engage in day-to-day activities. Because one day, like Steven, we might find that these simple joys have slipped through our fingers.

What makes this episode even more poignant is its airing date—exactly 29 years to the day that Steven’s life took its unexpected turn. This timely episode, which was also featured on BBC radio, invites us all to consider the delicate impermanence of life. Steven’s authentic storytelling imbues the podcast with a heartfelt emotion that provides both a cathartic release and a timeless lesson: that any given day could be as ordinary as it is extraordinary, and it’s up to us to honor the beauty in both.

So, as you tune into this impactful episode, prepare yourself for a transformative journey that not only traverses the corridors of time but also delves into the deepest corners of what it means to be truly alive.

portrait photo of Steven Webb in a checked shirt and yellow top

About Steven Webb
Steven Webb is a Zen Buddhist meditation teacher, former Mayor of Truro, and host of the Stillness in the Storms and Inner Peace Meditations podcasts. Paralysed at 18 and reborn through a “dark night of the soul” at 40, he now guides millions worldwide (including one of Insight Timer’s most popular sleep practices) to find peace without perfection. By day, he’s a Truro City Councillor and Lib Dem candidate, advocating for dignity-first policies and community energy projects. Oh, and he once towed a replica helicopter 500 miles in his wheelchair to fundraise for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

“The breath knows how to breathe. Our job? Just allow it.”

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Weekly Calm is my weekly newsletter with links to my latest podcast episode, guided meditations and a little bit about me. Working on the weekly part, mostly couple times a month.