Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.
Gratitude meditation Link
In this episode of "Stillness in the Storms," Steven Webb reflects on the overwhelming challenges of the modern world, from global crises to personal struggles. He acknowledges the "storm" that many feel – the constant barrage of negative news, societal pressures, and personal difficulties. However, Stephen guides listeners towards finding moments of peace and gratitude amidst the chaos. He shares his own recent struggles with illness and how he's working to shift his focus from external turmoil to inner resilience.
Key Quotes:
- "The storm feels like it's worse than ever... whether it's political, whether it's weather, or whether it's just the information bombardment."
- "How much of the outside storm are you bringing in?"
- "How many open doors? How many times are you going to sit? Are you sitting outside in the storm?"
- "It's all well and good that we can blame the world for the storms, but we've got to ask ourselves."
- "We also have still so much to lose, and so much to fight for. And so much to be grateful for."
- "If you just learn to hold them [life's challenges] in the right way, not too, not too tight, not too loose, music plays through you."
- "Life's got to play through us."
- "It's about balance."
- "Don't connect with the world so much that you're filling your mind with everything you can not cope with."
- "Close your door but don't close it so tight it's locked."
How This Episode Helps Listeners:
- Validation: Acknowledges the widespread feeling of being overwhelmed by current events and personal struggles, offering a sense of shared experience.
- Perspective Shift: Encourages listeners to examine how much external negativity they are internalizing and to consciously limit their exposure to it.
- Gratitude Practice: Promotes a focus on gratitude for the simple things in life, highlighting what we still have to lose and appreciate, even amidst hardship.
- Mindfulness Reminder: Reinforces the importance of being present and finding stillness in the moment, rather than being consumed by future worries or past regrets.
- Practical Steps: Offers tangible actions like limiting news consumption, focusing on what's within one's control ("arm's length"), and engaging in activities that bring joy.
- Balance: Highlights the need for balance between engagement with the world and self-care, avoiding both excessive exposure and complete disconnection.
- Self-Awareness: Prompts self-reflection on personal coping mechanisms and encourages listeners to recognize when they might be overly stressed or anxious.
- Community: Mentions a WhatsApp support group for those who have supported the podcast, fostering a sense of connection and shared journey.
- Resouces: Mentions the Inner Piece Meditations, and stephenwebb.uk for further support.
