Sleep Soundly: Lake of Tranquillity
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
Sleep Soundly: Lake of Tranquillity” is a 45-minute guided meditation designed to transport you to a serene lakeside setting, where the gentle lapping of water and a soothing musical outro will guide you into a deep, restful sleep. Like its predecessor, this meditation begins with gentle stretching to relax your body, followed by a calming narrative. The meditation concludes with a musical sequence that gradually fades, leaving you in a state of profound rest.
List of Benefits:
- Helps you achieve a deep, uninterrupted sleep
- Calms an overactive mind, making it easier to drift off
- Enhances emotional well-being by reducing nighttime anxiety
- Improves sleep quality and duration over time
- Gradual fade-out of music provides a gentle transition into sleep
Time of Day:
Best suited for nighttime, right before you intend to go to sleep.
Difficulty Level:
All levels. This meditation is designed for anyone looking to improve their sleep, regardless of meditation experience.
Instructions:
- Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Remove any distractions such as electronic devices.
- Position yourself comfortably in your bed.
- If using headphones, make sure the cable is safely away from your neck to prevent any hazards.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to prepare for the meditation.
Equipment Needed:
- A comfortable bed
- Headphones (optional, but if used, ensure the cable is positioned safely)
Afternoon Lunchtime Boost: Confidence, Energy, and Joy
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
We’ve all been there—hitting that afternoon slump when your energy nosedives, your confidence wavers, and the joy seems to evaporate from your day. What if you could reboot in just 12 minutes?
Length of the Meditation:
12 minutes
Description:
“Afternoon Lunchtime Boost: Confidence, Energy, and Joy” is a meditation session designed to be your midday refresher. Led by Steven Webb, a meditation teacher who has garnered over 10 million listens, this meditation aims to supercharge your afternoon by elevating your confidence, revitalising your energy, and reigniting your joy.
List of Benefits:
- Boosts self-confidence
- Recharges dwindling energy levels
- Restores joy and a sense of purpose
- Tailored for the unique challenges of a workday afternoon
- Immediate, tangible benefits in just 12 minutes
Time of Day:
Best suited for the afternoon, especially during your lunch break.
Difficulty Level:
All levels. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a complete beginner, this meditation is formulated to uplift anyone’s afternoon.
Instructions:
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths.
- Allow the words and pacing to guide you toward newfound energy, confidence, and joy.
Equipment Needed:
- A quiet space
- Optional headphones (if used, make sure the cable is positioned safely)
How the Thought Funnel Shapes Your Reality
You can support the show and submit you questions here – stevenwebb.uk
On this episode of Stillness in the Storms, meditation teacher Steven Webb explains how our thoughts shape our reality through what he calls the “thought funnel.” Discover how becoming aware of this funnel can help reshape your perspective.
Introduction (0:00-1:00)
- Steven introduces the concept of the “thought funnel” and how it impacts our reality
- He asks listeners to visualize this funnel to understand how thoughts build in complexity
The Thought Funnel Explained (1:00-6:00)
- At the bottom is the “point of origin” where thoughts and feelings arise
- As thoughts move up through the funnel, more layers like stories and emotions are added
- This adds complexity until we’re stuck in “pea soup” at the top, disconnected from clarity
Experiment to See the Funnel in Action (6:00-10:00)
- Steven leads a visualization exercise looking at objects and how stories build around them
- Notice how quickly thoughts create emotions, judgments and complexity
- The more we dwell on a subject, the thicker the funnel gets
Key Takeaways About the Funnel (10:00-14:00)
- Everything in the funnel is impermanent, but the point of origin remains
- We wrongly believe the cluttered top of the funnel is reality
- True reality is at the base – pure awareness before stories
How to Return to the Funnel’s Source (14:00-19:00)
- Meditation helps witness the funnel without getting lost in it
- Thoughts often start with care before other emotions arise
- We can choose whether to engage in a thought storyline or not
- With practice, we gain the ability to stop stories and return to the present moment
We all know what it’s like to be lost in thought – falling down rabbit holes, getting tangled in stories, and feeling disconnected from the present moment. This week on Stillness in the Storms, meditation teacher Steven Webb offers a powerful mental model to understand this phenomenon – the thought funnel.
According to Steven, our minds are like funnels that thoughts and feelings flow through. At the very bottom is the point of origin, where each thought arises before it builds in complexity. As thoughts move up through the funnel, we unconsciously add layers to them – judgments, emotions, past experiences, future fantasies. Before we know it, our clear thoughts have turned to muddy confusion.
The problem is that most of us spend our mental lives near the cluttered top of the funnel, caught up in the swirling chaos. We mistakenly believe this overflow of thoughts represents reality. But the truth is, reality exists at the clear bottom of the funnel – in the space of pure awareness that exists before thought.
So how do we return to clarity? Through meditation, says Steven. By watching the thought funnel in action, we can learn to catch ourselves getting sucked into unhelpful thought loops. Instead of going down every mental rabbit hole, we can gently return to the bottom of the funnel – to pure presence.
Learning this skill is not easy, but it holds the key to serenity. When we stop identifying with every passing thought, we reconnect to our inner stillness. We realize thoughts are just thoughts – not necessarily truth or reality. We become less reactive, more responsive to life’s curveballs.
So if you’re looking for more inner peace, listen to this week’s episode on the thought funnel. Understanding how thoughts build into suffering can be the first step to dismantling it. Let Steven’s wisdom guide you from the noisy top of the funnel to the blissful bottom – the open, lucid space that lies beneath…
Morning Meditation: Finding Joy in Every Day
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
Seeking a timeout from stress and anxiety? Find sanctuary in “My Peaceful Place,” an 11-minute meditation designed to give you the breather you need.
Length of the Meditation:
11 minutes
Description:
“My Peaceful Place (Guided Meditation for Timeout)” is an accessible, 11-minute meditation intended to offer a quick but effective respite from stress and anxiety. With straightforward guidance, this meditation takes you to a peaceful sanctuary within, where you can catch your breath, recalibrate, and re-engage with life.
List of Benefits:
- Offers quick relief from stress and anxiety
- Creates a mental sanctuary for moments you need it the most
- Simplifies meditation for immediate results
- Encourages taking purposeful breaks to rejuvenate
- Fosters mental clarity and emotional calmness
Time of Day:
Ideal for anytime you feel overwhelmed and need a brief timeout to collect yourself.
Difficulty Level:
Suitable for all levels. No prior meditation experience is necessary, making it perfect for anyone in need of a timeout.
Instructions:
- Select a quiet, comfortable space for your meditation.
- Get into a relaxed sitting or lying position.
- If using headphones, ensure the cable is positioned safely away from your neck.
- Close your eyes, follow the guided instructions, and journey to your peaceful place.
Equipment Needed:
- A tranquil space for meditation
- Headphones (optional, but if used, ensure the cable is safely positioned)
Embracing Your Humanity: Discovering Peace and Suffer Less
Podcast title: Embracing Our Humanity: Discovering Peace Within Our Condition
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Steven explores what it really means to embrace our humanity, flaws and all. He discusses accepting our limitations, finding freedom in who we are, and discovering inner peace through self-acceptance.
Timestamps:
- [0:00] – Introduction
- [2:19] – Fantasizing about being something other than human
- [5:24] – Trying to change our inherent humanness causes suffering
- [10:00] – Stepping outside the chatter of our minds
- [15:12] – Seeing life anew through a child’s eyes
- [21:00] – Living without worries about tomorrow
- [25:00] – Wrap up and closing thoughts
Key Points:
- We cannot change our basic human condition, so acceptance is key.
- Observing our thoughts and emotions creates more mental clarity.
- Embracing our flawed humanity allows us to find inner freedom.
- Being present and engaged with the “here and now” is the secret.
Quotes:
- “The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and obvious, and yet everybody rushes around in a panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” – Alan Watts
- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Links and References:
- Inner Peace Meditations Podcast
- Steven Webb Blog
Call to Action:
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! And remember you can always support the show by visiting https://stevenwebb.uk.
Embark on the journey of self-acceptance with us every Friday at 4 PM. At “Stillness in the Storms,” serenity is not a destination, but a journey.
100 Episodes, 32 Years On: The Most Important Message I Have
“100 Episodes, 32 Years On: The Most Important Message I Have”
To support Steven head over to https://stevenwebb.uk
In this landmark 100th episode, Steven Webb reflects on a journey spanning 32 years and shares what he considers to be the most important message he has learned along the way. This episode is not just a milestone—it’s a treasure trove of hard-won insights and life lessons. You won’t want to miss it.
Timestamps:
- [02:43] – The evolution of the podcast and why it matters
- [07:15] – A lesson learned from my years as a young man
- [13:50] – The most important message I have to share
- [19:22] – Why this message is crucial for personal growth
Notable Quotes from Steven:
- “In the grand scheme of life, we often miss the beauty of the moment when we’re constantly looking ahead.”
- “We’ve built this community together, and it’s become something much larger than just me or any single episode.”
- “This message isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life, a practice that requires daily diligence.”
Support the Show:
If you found value in this episode and want to show some love, head over to https://stevenwebb.uk and treat me to a coffee. Your support helps keep this show running and brings a smile to my face!
Perfect Meditation for the Toughest Days
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
We all have those days—the ones that test us, stretch us, and demand every ounce of our inner strength. Wouldn’t it be liberating to have a tool that could reset your mindset and fortify your emotional resilience?
Length of the Meditation:
13 minutes
Description:
“Perfect Meditation for the Toughest Days” is a 13-minute guided experience that serves as your emotional armour. It’s designed to be a versatile aid, suitable for any occasion but particularly potent for preparing you for challenging days. With this meditation, you’ll cultivate the strength, resilience, courage, and wisdom required to navigate life’s toughest challenges.
List of Benefits:
- Fortifies emotional resilience
- Builds lasting confidence
- Nourishes inner strength and courage
- Cultivates wisdom and discernment
- Prepares you for life’s most demanding challenges
Time of Day:
Versatile—ideal for mornings but effective whenever you need it.
Difficulty Level:
All levels. This meditation is your companion through the highs and lows, whether you’re a seasoned meditator or just starting out.
Instructions:
- Find a quiet, comfortable space.
- Close your eyes and take deep, intentional breaths.
- Allow the meditation to envelop you, filling you with the courage and resilience you need.
Equipment Needed:
- A quiet and peaceful location
- Optional headphones (if used, ensure the cable is safely positioned)
“Gear up for life’s toughest challenges with ‘Perfect Meditation for the Toughest Days.’ This 13-minute guided experience provides you with the strength, resilience, and wisdom you need to navigate anything life throws your way.”
Unlock the Secret Army Inside You: How to Boost Health and Find Inner Peace
Unlock the Secret Army Inside You: How to Boost Health and Find Inner Peace
In this episode, host Steven Webb introduces the concept of our “little internal soldiers” – the cells in our immune system that work hard to protect our health. He explains how we can support these soldiers through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and avoiding harmful habits.
Timestamps:
- [00:00] – Introduction
- [02:13] – Meet your internal soldiers
- [04:11] – How our soldiers get tired as we age
- [06:22] – Ways we can support our soldiers
- [12:33] – Steven’s story about the chili eating contest
Key Points:
- Our immune system cells are like little soldiers fighting daily battles to protect our health.
- As we age, these soldiers get more tired and have more repair work to do each day.
- We can support our soldiers by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising, meditating, and avoiding things like smoking.
- Making healthy choices helps empower our soldiers to do their healing work.
Quotes:
- “You cannot complain about aches and pains and hangovers and tiredness if you’re not giving your soldiers what they need to help you repair.”
- “What would my soldiers say to me today? They’d say, you’re doing alright Stevie, but… Damn, slightly less takeaways, slightly less processed food, do a bit of exercise, a little more meditation, a little more chilling.”
Links and References:
- Inner Peace Meditations Podcast
- Steven Webb Blog
Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and consider supporting Steven’s work at https://stevenwebb.uk.
Podcast and Host Info:
Welcome to “Stillness in the Storms,” a podcast hosted by Steven Webb that helps you find inner peace amidst life’s challenges.
In each episode, Steven shares teachings to help you understand life and yourself more deeply. Drawing from his experience overcoming adversity after a paralyzing accident, Steven guides you on a journey towards resilience, self-discovery and tranquility.
For more from Steven, subscribe to his weekly newsletter and check out his blog via the links above. New episodes released every Friday – join us on this transformative journey towards stillness.
How to Embrace the Full Stick of Life
Embracing the Full Stick of Life – Ep. 98 of Stillness in The Storms
In this episode, Steven shares the analogy of the “stick of life” and how we can embrace all of life’s experiences – both the highs and lows.
Key points in this episode:
- The problem with trying to “chop off” the negative end of the stick and only experience positivity [00:02:00]
- Practical tips for creating space between positive and negative experiences, like practicing gratitude [00:09:00]
- How accepting the “whole stick” allows you to truly enjoy the good times [00:11:00]
“The more you accept them all, including the negative, including the bad times, accept it for what it is, and then you can embrace it, then you take control of it.” [00:11:23]
“You actually enjoy the better times way more when you keep including the rough times in your life as well, rather than denying it.” [00:11:41]
In this week’s episode, Steven dives deep into the universality of life’s dualities – light and dark, good and bad. He shares his insightful “stick of life” analogy for embracing all of life’s experiences, and offers practical wisdom for finding inner peace during difficult times. Tune in for a thought-provoking perspective on leaning into the full spectrum of life.
Links:
- Support the Show: https://www.thankyousteven.com
- Sign up for Steven’s weekly newsletter: https://www.stevenweb.uk
- Check out Steven’s meditations: https://innerpeacemeditations.com
How to Quieten Your Busy Mind
Find inner peace even with a busy mind. Steven Webb shares how to embrace your thoughts and use meditation techniques that work for you.
Support this podcast at https://thankyousteven.com.
Highlights:
- “You cannot quiet the mind to a point where you can stop your thoughts. There is no off switch.” [00:01:30]
- “Meditation is not about quieting the mind. Do you get that? I hear why you with me? So why meditate, if it’s not about quieting the mind?” [00:08:00]
- “The more you meditate, the more you see.” [00:11:30]
- “Even if you have a busy mind, you can meditate. And you don’t have to sit down and try to silence your mind for 40 minutes.” [00:17:00]
Steven shares that the goal of meditation is not to silence your thoughts completely, but to embrace them and find inner stillness. Even just taking a few minutes to focus on your breath or listen to sounds can help calm your mind.
Benefits of this episode:
- Learn why you can’t fully “turn off” your thoughts
- Discover meditation techniques to embrace your busy mind
- Find inner peace in small moments throughout your day
- Stop judging yourself and simply observe your thoughts
- Integrate mindfulness into everyday life