Questions and Answers

Q: Sometimes I just fidget for twenty minutes and it doesn't seem to work at all. Am I doing something wrong?
A: Try the Calm Exercises first, which should make a difference. If not, perhaps you're just going through a dry period in which case you should persist. However, if things seem really difficult, be content to sit for twenty minutes and enjoy the solitude. And if things get really desperate on any occasion, postpone till the next session.

Q: Sometimes after twenty minutes I realize that I don't remember a single moment of that time; it's just as if I closed my eyes one instant, and opened them the next, with twenty minutes missing in between. Is this desirable?
A: It happens sometimes. I'm not sure why. All I know is it is pleasant, but it is not something you should pursue as an objective, and is one of those things that happen in meditation.

Q: I find it almost impossible to fit two twenty-minute sessions into my schedule. What should I do?
A: It would be glib of me to say 'rearrange your schedule'. But it does work. You'll never regret rising a half hour earlier (except when the alarm sounds) to perform the Calm Technique. If you can't manage it twice a day, then at least do it once a day. Then when you are very familiar with the technique, you can grab moments here and there throughout your day. Ensure you do it once a day though.

Q: What if I miss a few days?
A: Missing a few days is undesirable but shouldn't mean the end of your programme. Resume it as soon as you can.

Q: What if there's nowhere I can do it?
A: This sometimes happens when you live in a crowded house or you're staying with people you don't know too well. On such occasions you can rise early, you can take walks in the park (wonderful for the Calm Technique), do it on the train, in fact, you can do it practically anywhere (and it doesn't frighten the horses).

Q: Why do you say the Calm Technique should be done before meals?
A: Two reasons. The first is because the metabolism slows down and your digestive process is suspended during the Calm Technique. If you have just finished eating that's not a very healthy situation to be in. The second reason is because the sounds and discomforts of delayed digestion are quite a distraction during the Calm Technique. Do it before meals or more than two hours after.

Q: I've been told that meditation is a great time for problem-solving. Is there some way I can use the Calm Technique for any practical purposes?
A: The Calm Technique is a time for 'hearing' your Calm Expression, not for solving problems. Nevertheless, it is an excellent prelude to a time of problem solving. In those peaceful moments when you have finished the Calm Technique, your mind is fresh, creative and alert. It is an excellent time for problem-solving and creative thinking. Use those moments well.

Q: And what about the ideas that come into your mind while you're doing the Calm Technique - should they be acted upon?
A: You'll find that your distractions will become more and more inventive during the Calm Technique. Some of the schemes and conceps that you'll think of (when you're supposed to be thinking only of your Calm Expression) will seem quite extraordinary. As a general rule, these schemes and conceps should be treated like any other distraction that crosses your mind: you should forget them and go back to your Calm Expression.

Q: Is it possible to change your Calm Expression after you have been using it for a while?
A: Your Calm Expression is a very special part of your meditation development. It should remain an important part of your life and, once accepted, never changed. If at any stage you decide to further your meditation studies with another teacher, that teacher may wish to give you another mantra. In such a case, you will already have decided to search further than the Calm Technique so you will feel no compunction about changing your Calm Expression (nor should you, because in such a situation, change is perfectly acceptable). I can foresee no reasons other than the one just mentioned for wanting to change it. After all, the Calm Expression is meant to be a meaningless word or phrase. However, if you feel really strongly about it, change. But try to select a suitable one in the first place.

-- This excerpt was taken from The Calm Technique by Paul Wilson