Stillness in the Storms Steven Webb

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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 realityHe 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 ariseAs thoughts move up through the funnel, more layers like stories and emotions are addedThis 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 themNotice how quickly thoughts create emotions, judgments and complexityThe 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 remainsWe wrongly believe the cluttered top of the funnel is realityTrue 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 itThoughts often start with care before other emotions ariseWe can choose whether to engage in a thought storyline or notWith 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...

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 PodcastSteven 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"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!

Unlock the Secret Army Inside You: How to Boost Health and Find Inner PeaceIn 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 PodcastSteven 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.

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.comSign up for Steven's weekly newsletter: https://www.stevenweb.ukCheck out Steven's meditations: https://innerpeacemeditations.com

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 thoughtsDiscover meditation techniques to embrace your busy mindFind inner peace in small moments throughout your dayStop judging yourself and simply observe your thoughtsIntegrate mindfulness into everyday life