In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast, host Herb Stevenson explores the countercultural practice of “not doing.”

We live in a world that glorifies busyness—always moving, always producing. But what happens when we pause? Herb shares how slowing down creates space for clarity, creativity, and authentic connection. Drawing from his consulting work, he offers stories of leaders and organizations that discovered innovation and resilience through reflection and presence.

You’ll hear about:

• Why “not doing” isn’t passivity, but a leadership practice

• How silence and reflection spark better decision-making

• Ways to prevent burnout by resisting false urgency

• Practical steps for shifting from busyness to presence

This conversation is about more than business—it’s about rethinking how we live, lead, and connect in today’s chaotic world.

👉 Subscribe to Natural Passages Podcast for more insights from Herb Stevenson as he continues “revealing the unmarked doors of life.”

In this episode of Natural Passages: Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life, host Herb Stevenson explores what it really means to pay attention. It’s easy to say we’re paying attention, but are we doing it out of old habits and mental routines—or are we consciously aware of what’s right in front of us?

Herb introduces a fresh perspective on the Tuckman stages of group development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—and applies them to our internal process of relating to ourselves, others, and the world. He walks through four stages of attention and shows how they influence our ability to connect, communicate, and grow.

• What it means to “pay attention to what” instead of just paying attention

• How internal safety and self-image shape our awareness (Forming)

• The challenges of differentiation, debate, and defense (Storming)

• Moving into authentic dialogue and shared understanding (Norming)

• Experiencing true presence, connection, and generativity (Performing/We)

• How these stages mirror personal relationships, teams, and even global dynamics

Herb also reflects on the current “storming” stage in the world and offers insights into how shifting toward a me and you or we perspective can create meaningful change in our communities and beyond.

This episode offers practical frameworks for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness, stronger relationships, or more effective leadership. Whether you’re navigating personal growth, business dynamics, or social change, Herb provides tools to recognize where you are in the process—and how to move forward.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how paying attention can transform your inner and outer world.

Show Notes:
In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast, host Herb Stevenson explores the power of attention and presence in a world overwhelmed by noise, stress, and distraction. Herb introduces the concept of the “wobble”—a frenetic, scattered state of mind that keeps us disconnected from ourselves and others. Through stories, practical examples, and timeless wisdom, he shows how shifting your focus can reduce anxiety, improve communication, and restore balance in both personal and professional life.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why most of us only half-listen in conversations—and how to change it.

• How cultivating presence can strengthen relationships at home and at work.

• Why mindfulness and attention are not “woo-woo,” but practical tools for modern living.

• How practicing presence reduces stress, creates clarity, and opens the door to a richer, more meaningful life.

Whether you’re a leader, a coach, or simply someone searching for more calm and effectiveness in daily life, this episode will help you ground yourself, pay attention to what truly matters, and reconnect with the essence of who you are.

👉 Subscribe to the Natural Passages Podcast for more conversations on mindfulness, presence, and transformation.

Host: Herb Stevenson

In this thought-provoking episode, Herb Stevenson brings his trilogy on doubt to a close by exploring how doubt can actually be a powerful internal compass—not just a paralyzing emotion. While previous episodes examined personal doubt and organizational doubt, this installment asks a crucial question: When should you listen to doubt?

Herb introduces the concept of abductive logic—a form of reasoning that blends intuition and logic to create meaning from uncertainty. He explains how this form of thinking is essential in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, where traditional problem-solving often falls short.

Through models like single-loop, double-loop, and triple-loop learning, this episode offers a new framework for approaching confusion, stuckness, and ambiguity—both personally and professionally.

• The 3 types of doubt and how to approach each

• What is abductive logic, and why is it critical now?

• The difference between deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning

• How doubt can spark transformation instead of fear

• Navigating life and leadership in a VUCA/FUBAR environment

• A breakdown of single-loop, double-loop, and triple-loop learning

• Why mindset shifts are essential for personal and organizational growth

• How to ask the right questions when you're stuck

• The role of intuition and insight in modern decision-making

“Doubt can be insidious when it undermines change… but in the right context, it becomes a gateway to insight.” – Herb Stevenson

“Abductive reasoning doesn’t eliminate doubt. It makes space for something new to emerge.”

• Chris Argyris & Donald Schön – Theories on Organizational Learning

• Charles Sanders Peirce – Father of Abductive Reasoning

• VUCA & FUBAR models explained

• Triple-loop learning framework

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🌐 Learn more about upcoming retreats and programs: https://www.healing-den.com/

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🌿 Episode Summary:🧠 Key Topics Covered:🧭 Notable Quotes:📚 Resources & Mentions:🔔 Subscribe & Follow:📌 Hashtags:

Host: Herb Stevenson
Series: The Doubt Series – Part 4 (Final)
Podcast: Natural Passages – Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life

Episode Summary:
In this powerful conclusion to the Doubt Series, Herb Stevenson explores how doubt shows up in leadership, not just as hesitation—but as subtle behaviors and cultural misalignments that derail success. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or navigating a complex project, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you tools to recognize and address the root causes of organizational doubt.

Herb draws from real-life stories, including multi-million dollar project rollouts, to show how burnout, fading leadership support, and unspoken cultural rules can sabotage even the best-laid plans.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How organizational culture and “unwritten rules” influence success

• The difference between functional and personal conflict

• What fading leadership support really looks like

• How to identify burnout and competing commitments early

• Why clear messaging and consistent presence are essential for influence

• The impact of “tyranny of distance” in leadership effectiveness

• Strategies to prevent apathy, fatigue, and team drift during change

Memorable Quote:

"Leadership is about influence—and when you're consistent, present, and supportive, doubt has no place to take root." — Herb Stevenson

Resources & Mentions:

• Past episodes of the Doubt Series (Episodes 26–28)

• Herb Stevenson’s leadership development programs

• Natural Passages Podcast Archive

Connect with Herb Stevenson:
🌐 https://www.clevelandconsultinggroup.com/
🎧 Subscribe to Natural Passages on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

#NaturalPassagesPodcast #HerbStevenson #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagingDoubt #OrganizationalCulture #ExecutiveCoaching #ProjectSuccess #ConsciousLeadership

In this deeply reflective episode, Herb Stevenson invites you into the subtle, powerful world of self-doubt — not as an enemy of change, but as a revealing force that can guide your transformation.

Building on the Four Laws of Change, Herb explores how doubt arises, why it disrupts confidence and commitment, and how it often originates from outdated internal stories or generational fears. Through vivid storytelling and spiritual insight, he teaches how to witness your process, reclaim your internal authority, and move beyond "active inertia" — that stuck feeling where change stalls before it begins.

Key Topics Covered:

• What triggers the self-doubt cycle

• How “felt sense” and internal narratives shape your beliefs

• Being both the painter and the painting in your life

• Recognizing and moving through imposter syndrome

• Building boundaries, trust, and clarity as you step into change

• Honoring ancestral roots while creating your own story

Whether you're stepping into a new chapter, breaking old habits, or confronting fear, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate guide for walking through the unmarked doors of your life.

00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Doubt as a Process, Not a Problem
06:42 – The Self-Doubt Cycle Explained
12:58 – Emotional Narratives and Felt Sense
20:14 – The Painter and the Painting Metaphor
27:45 – Imposter Syndrome and Ancestral Beliefs
35:02 – New Patterns for Forward Movement
42:00 – Final Reflections and Closing

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Hosted by Herb Stevenson

In this powerful episode of the Natural Passages Podcast, Herb dives into the Four Ancient Laws of Change—a timeless guide for navigating personal transformation.

Whether you're facing a major life transition or just feeling stuck, these four laws can help you move from frustration to lasting growth.

🌱 The Four Laws of Change:

1. Change must come from within

2. Change requires a compelling vision

3. Change involves a great learning

4. Change is sustained by community ("the healing forest")

Herb shares stories, insights, and practical applications for each law—plus a deeper reflection on why doubt is the hidden saboteur of most change efforts.

📌 Key Topics Covered:
– Why excitement fades during personal change
– What most people miss when trying to shift habits
– How to create a vision that actually pulls you forward
– The essential role of support in lasting transformation

🔗 Learn more about Herb and the podcast at: www.natural-passages.com

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📩 Have a question or reflection? Reach out through the site—we'd love to hear from you.

Host: Herb Stevenson
Podcast: Natural Passages – Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life

In this episode, Herb dives deep into one of the most transformative crossroads we all face: the tension between external authority and internal authority. Are you living a life shaped by societal expectations—or one defined by your authentic self?

🧭 Learn how early conditioning creates a divided self, why midlife often sparks a major identity shift, and how reclaiming your internal authority is key to building a life rooted in presence, sovereignty, and self-authorship.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• What is internal vs. external authority?

• Why many midlife “crises” are actually midlife corrections

• The illusion of success through social compliance

• How to develop a stronger sense of self and personal power

• Using presence to live authentically in a noisy world

🌱 "True authority comes from within. It’s not about rebellion—it’s about remembering who you are." — Herb Stevenson

💬 Tune in if you’re ready to:

• Break free from fear-based conformity

• Rediscover your voice and values

• Create a life aligned with your truth

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Don't miss future episodes exploring presence, self-awareness, and transformational living.

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