Introduction

I must also emphasize at the outset that this book is concerned mainly with the temporal aspect of meditation: the emotional and physical benefits. I have no guru aspirations or pretensions, and have never been blessed with more than my fair share of cosmic revelation or understanding. Nor do I have any better answers than the next person as to the True Meaning of Life. All I have to offer is an exhaustively researched synthesis of a considerable number of relaxation and meditation techinques which really works. I will show you how to get more out of life, overcome many of the pains and pressures of modern existence and develop a better understanding of what your life is about.

In many respects, the Calm Technique isn't anything terribly new. I've borrowed shamelessly (we call it 'research') from well-worn ascetic practices and schools of meditation. As a result, the Calm Technique exhibits many of the time-proven principles and methods which have been in use for the past 5000 years. Students of some other schools of meditation may recognize this as being somewhat similar to their own. One would hope that they would find the Calm Technique considerably easier to understand and apply.

There are hundreds of religions, sects and common-interest groups in the world today whose objectives are similar to those expressed in this book. But the Calm Technique has no involvement or affiliation whatsoever with any of these groups. Nor does it require you to have any specific spiritual attitudes or beliefs, or to subscribe to any particular philosophy or moral code. Apart from putting aside a little time each day (just as you would for any exercise programme), it doesn't require you to alter your lifestyle in any way at all.

The objective which all people who read this book will almost certainly share is an improvement in the quality of life. A healthier, happier, more meaning-ful life is a goal we all seek, but which few of us search for with any great determination. How often do we vow to follow some course of action which will improve our health or attitude, only to find that the novelty soon wears off and we abandon it in favour of another message, a newer fad, or worse still, nothing at all?

Before you go any further, it is worth reflecting on what you really expect to find from a publication such as this. Are you seeking some new experience? Do you have a strong desire to improve the quality of your life, the way you feel, the way you think, the way you relate to the rest of the world? Perhaps it's just curiosity. Would you like to be a more relaxed, peaceful and contented person? Are you waiting for someone to offer you a new direction? An answer? An easy way out? Are you approaching this subject with an open mind, or do you already have preconceived ideas on what it is about? 

It is important for you to identify your needs and expectations right from the beginning. Only by knowing what you want can you hope to achieve it through the Calm Technique. That may sound elementary, but it is a vital consideration when dealing with such a subtle experience. 

The Calm Technique is a very simple, easy-to-learn exercise which will produce substantial and positive results for anyone who tries it. Nevertheless, the biggest obstacle you will face in using it successfully is your own expectation. If you start out with a fixed idea of how it's all meant to work, you stand a very good chance of being confused or disappointed. Disregard all those things you've heard and read, approach the subject with a completely open mind, and you won't be dissappointed. Forget all those popular misconceptions that promise exotic experiences which range from 'nothingness' to Nirvana. Forget about those stories of mystical rapture. This book contains no miracles, no occultism, and no promise of immediate enlightenment. Nor is it a source of cheap thrills or cosmic experiences.

I suspect it's a very important marketing technique for a 'how to' book to guarantee instant and permanent results with only a minimum of application and effort. I hope you won't bd too disappointed to learn that such successes are seldom forthcoming in real life. Despite how fervently we wish it were true, there are no shortcuts and no easy ways out when it comes to achieving the goals in life that we consider important. If you want a happier, healthier, more harmonious existence, you have to work for it. You have to make the effort. You have to spend the time. But with an open mind, a sincere desire to succeed and the Calm Technique, these goals are easily attained and can have the most profound and positive effects on your life. 

The Calm Technique is so simple and easy to remember that you could easily learn it in two minutes. Then how come you've got to read a whole book? First, because it is important that you clearly understand what the experience is going to be like, before you begin. Second, you have to know what you can expect to gain from using the Calm Technique. And finally, there is the ever-present risk that any sort of aberrant techniques learned in the early stages will be difficult to 'unlearn'. Therefore, it is imperative that you approach it from the beginning... so you'll have to read the whole book. 

This book should take you only two or threr hours to read. For the best results, read it in a quiet and peaceful place - away from people, traffic fumes and television sets. A calm setting will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the reading.

I doubt if there has been a 'how to' book yet written which omits a paragraph about patience, about waiting until you've read it all before you try a thing. I'm afraid I've broken no new ground with The Calm Technique. It also asks you to refrain from experimenting (except where instructions say otherwise) until you've finished the entire book.

The Calm Technique has so much to offer. It will work for you. You will see the benefits. You will find it easy to learn. I'm so eager to tell you about it that I can hardly wait for you to turn the page!

This excerpt was taken from The Calm Technique by Paul Wilson