Empathy vs. Compassion: What's the Real Difference?
Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukCompassion is at the heart of our discussion today, so let’s dive right into it. We explore how compassion serves as a cosmic wink that connects us all, as Alan Watts puts it. This episode unpacks the differences between compassion, empathy, and judgment, and how understanding these can help us navigate our lives better. We’re all just players in this game called life, and recognizing each other’s struggles is key to becoming whole. Join me, Steven Webb, as we unravel what it really means to practice compassion in our daily interactions and why it matters more than ever.Compassion is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, I dive deep into what it really means. I start by reflecting on Alan Watts' idea that compassion is like a cosmic wink, a warm acknowledgment that we see each other as fellow players in this game of life. I also explore the thoughts of Ken Wilber, who suggests that true judgment comes from a place of compassion. This leads me to ponder the differences between judgment, empathy, and compassion. Judgment often comes with a personal lens, where we see the world through our own experiences, and this can lead to negative assessments of others. Empathy, on the other hand, lets us feel what others feel, but it can sometimes become self-centered, drawing us away from the person in need. Compassion, however, is about genuinely being present for someone without the need to turn the spotlight back onto ourselves. It's about opening our hearts and really seeing others for who they are, not just for their struggles but as whole beings. Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and insights that highlight the importance of compassion in our lives, especially during tough times. I encourage listeners to practice small acts of kindness and to approach each interaction with an open heart, allowing us to become whole together.Takeaways: Compassion is recognized as the cosmic wink acknowledging our shared human experience. It connects us all. Empathy and judgment differ significantly, where empathy often centers around our own feelings and experiences. True compassion requires us to open our hearts to others rather than projecting our own experiences onto them. To foster compassion, we need to embrace both our weaknesses and strengths, allowing us to become whole. Compassion is action-oriented, encouraging us to care for others without turning the focus back to ourselves. Practicing small acts of kindness daily can help cultivate a more compassionate mindset in our lives.
--------
20:57
--------
20:57
Attachment Isn’t the Enemy. The Struggle to Let Go Is
Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🧘 Episode SummaryIn this episode of Stillness in the Storms, I talk about attachment. It's one of the biggest causes of suffering, but I'm not here to tell you to let go. I think that advice is nonsense. What if instead of trying to let go, we simply allowed things to be as they are?I share what attachment has looked like in my life. From cigarettes to identity to the future I imagined that never arrived. You'll also hear from members of my WhatsApp group who told me what they find hardest to let go of. We cover nostalgia, self-worth, change, and why trying so hard is often the problem.This is not about giving everything up. It’s about loosening the grip, opening your hand, and allowing what comes and goes to just be.🎧 Why ListenYou are struggling to let go and nothing seems to workYou are attached to a past version of yourself or a future that never cameYou want a down-to-earth take on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings that make sense in real lifeYou are tired of chasing happiness and need space to breathe🌟 Quotes from the Episode“Letting go is pants. It doesn’t work. Just open your hand and let it be.”“You don’t have to give something up forever. Just give it up for one hour.”“You’re not a smoker who gave up. You’re just someone who didn’t smoke this hour.”“The minute you stop trying to be better, the better version of you starts to show up.”“Buddhism doesn’t say don’t love. It says don’t cling.”“Enjoy the moment but don’t become attached to it. Let it come and go.”☕ Thank YouThis podcast is free and always will be because of the people who support it. I do not run adverts. That’s a choice I make so you can tune in and hear what I have to say without interruption.Huge thanks toSenga – your five coffees came in just as I hit recordMichael, Dominique, Ulysses – yes, you bought 34 coffees, you legendNick, Julie, and Anne – thank you so muchAnd to all my monthly supporters – I see you and I’m deeply gratefulIf you want to support the show and keep it advert-free, the link is in the notes. Supporters also get access to the private WhatsApp group where I share new meditations and episodes first, and where we talk honestly about the stuff that matters.
--------
23:27
--------
23:27
Forgiveness Begins When the Heart Breaks Open
Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.uk🎙 Episode Title: Forgiveness Begins When the Heart Breaks OpenForgiveness Meditation: Forgiveness for Your Freedom🧘 Host: Steven Webb | Stillness in the Storms🎧 Episode Summary:In this honest and raw episode, I talk about my own journey through heartbreak, betrayal and real forgiveness. Not the kind where you say the right words to move on. The kind that comes slowly. Quietly. The kind that has nothing to do with the other person.I share the story of being cheated on. The numbness. The anger. The questions I never asked. And the moment, years later, when a single text made me realise I had already forgiven her.This is not about forgetting. It is not about being okay with what happened. It is about breaking the grip that the past has on your heart. It is about grieving the life you thought you were going to live. It is about reclaiming your peace.If someone has hurt you or left you, or if you are stuck in a story that replays over and over, this episode is for you.🛠 In This Episode:Why "forgive and forget" is a mythHow I navigated betrayal while living with paralysisThe day I realised I had truly forgivenWhy we grieve the imagined life more than the personHow to let go when there are no answersA simple practice to begin your own path to forgiveness🧘 Forgiveness Practice and Affirmations:Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably. Bring to mind the person or situation that caused the pain. Let it sit without story. Just feel what is there. Then say inwardly:I remember the harm that was done.I may not be ready to forgive, but I am willing to try.May I find peace in my heart.May I be free from the pain that caused you to hurt me.I release myself from the burden of this hurt.You do not have to rush. You do not have to think about it every day. Just let the practice do its work. And when the mind brings it up again, simply say, I forgave them. Let it pass. And over time, the weight softens.💬 Listener Support:If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs it. And if you can, help keep the podcast going by visiting stevenwebb.uk
--------
18:11
--------
18:11
Overthinking Is Not Your Fault (But Here's How to Stop)
Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukMeditation that goes with this podcast: A Dharma Meditation Beyond OverthinkingOverthinking 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.TakeawaysYou 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.
--------
20:24
--------
20:24
The Truth About Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome
Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukEpisode 147: The Truth About Anxiety & Imposter SyndromeWelcome 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
Stillness in the Storms brings a fresh voice to mindfulness - one that truly understands transformation comes not from escaping hardship, but finding peace within it.
Join Steven Webb, a man who turned personal tragedy into an uplifting journey, as he reveals how to uncover inner calm and meaning in life's toughest moments.
After a devastating diving accident left him severely paralyzed at 19 years old, Steven emerged with deep insights on resilience, presence, and living fully. Now, he shares those hard-won lessons to help you transform adversity into personal growth.
Blending Zen Buddhism, Stoic philosophy, and his own story, Steven speaks to those struggling with grief, health challenges, burnout, and other storms we all face. Through relatable examples and practical wisdom, he makes mindfulness feel accessible - no retreat required.
Inspirational yet down-to-earth, Steven will reframe how you approach life’s difficulties. You’ll gain tools to build courage, practice gratitude, release regret, manage stress, and unlock contentment - no matter what comes your way.
Join the Stillness in the Storms community by subscribing and sharing your own journey. Help Steve keep these calming conversations flowing for everyone searching for inner peace in chaotic times.
The storms of life do not define you. But with Steven’s guidance, you can find stillness and meaning within them. Are you ready to transform?
Ireland