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.