Nevertheless, you will be distracted along the way. You will encounter more uninvited (and probably irrelevant) thoughts than you would think possible. You will also be discomforted by every little itch, twitch and urge under the sun. You will hear things, smell things and feel things that you would normally never notice. These are the distractions of the Calm Technique. They are completely natural and happen to everyone. They exist because the mind does not want to be quietened. It enjoys being master, and will use every possible diversion to retain its superiority and to distract you from your task. The mind does not take kindly to this Calm Technique stuff. But your response to this should be simply to acknowledge that this condition is entirely normal and predictable. Just be passively aware of these thoughts and itches as they come and go, and let them exist quietly in some little corner of your brain. Don't entertain them. Don't be seduced by them. Ignore them. And if they do make their presence felt, calmly turn your attention back to your Calm Expression. Let it dominate all distractions that come your way.
There may be times when your thoughts will be more serious. Perhaps you have work or home problems, financial worries, a speech to deliver in an hour, a wedding. On occasions like this it's probably better for you to give in. If you are really anxious and concerned, your mind will continually turn to your problem rather than the Calm Expression. Although the Calm Technique will eventually be an effective and calming relief from such tensions, in the early stages your resolve will probably not overcome the distraction. Better to postpone your meditation till evening or the following morning.
On occasions when you are greatly distracted by physical discomfort such as an itch or cramp or pins-and-needles, I believe it's usually better to give in, have your scratch, and get on with the job. It is possible to continue until the discomfort passes, but great sacrifices aren't required for the Calm Technique.
Always bear in mind the object is to teach yourself how to centre your attention, not to force yourself to. The most effective results are gained when you can guide your wandering mind away from distraction by applying your Calm Expression, not by sublimating your thoughts.
IMPATIENCE
One of the most damaging characteristics of stress is impatience. The condition many people set out to overcome through the Calm Technique can often be the very source of their failure.
Recognize that stress produces a number of nervous conditions such as the apparent inability to cope, lack of concentration, listlessness, fatigue or hyperactivity, irritability and impatience. Like stress itself, these conditions cannot be willed away, or even concealed for any length of time; they are most persistent when they are least needed. As a relaxed, peaceful and non-urgent activity, the Calm Technique is a natural target for impatience. If you are severely stress-affected, impatience will probably be present in your early meditations. In the first week or so, before your stress levels have reduced significantly, you may find impatience getting the better of you. You will complain that things aren't happening fast enough. You will search for short cuts. You may even seek out other means of achieving your ends. But you will be succumbing to one of the maladies you had hoped the Calm Technique would cure.
The truth is that the Calm Technique will triumph over impatience. The issue is how long it will take. It varies, obviously; but the longer you are with the Calm Technique, the less you will be affected by stress symptoms. For some, the improvement is both immediate and very noticeable. For others, it is more progressive and requires much more perseverance, particularly in the early stages. What is important is that you recognize stress exists, accept that it can be eliminated, and be constantly on guard against its negative effects. As time passes, so does impatience.
-- This excerpt was taken from The Calm Technique by Paul Wilson
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