Customer Reviews

Three Deep Breaths: Finding Power and Purpose in a Stressed-Out World (BK Life (Paperback))

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Okay so the story/parable was interesting and well-written. It was easy to identify with Angus' behavior at some level if not fully. But who needs another interesting story? It was the technique that I was interested in, the technique that boldly refers to finding "power and purpose in a stressed out world". So before I judged the book I practiced the simple breathing techniques for seven days. I am nothing if not a skeptic.

I was stunned. They are amazing in simplicity and more so in their efficacy. Even as a fairly regular meditator I could sense the difference "in the moment" which is when of course we want to turn back stress and dis-ease.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use, extremely effective, technique, buy this book...now. If you are looking for a great parable that amuses for a moment or two, save your money.

The three deep breaths will change your life. Thanks, Tom Crum.

I saw Tom Crum at a 3 day seminar called "Masters of Influence". He was one of my favorites (and there were plenty of good ones there). He has such a calm demeanor and heartfelt way of delivering his message. He was a great storyteller on stage, really allowing me to 'feel' what is was like when he met the Dali Lama. So I decided to purchase his book while at the seminar.

It was fantastic. It was a quick read, but carried a profound message. He does an excellent job of teaching through his storytelling. Just about anyone can identify with the main character in one way or another, or at one time or another in their life. As the character learns, so do you the reader.

I have recommended this book to several of my friends and family. Even my husband liked it! (he is a much tougher 'sell' than I am)

There were even a few times I had tears in my eyes as a read. Very powerful. I can't emphasize enough what a wonderful little book this is.

If you know anyone that feels stressed, overworked, or that they just don't have enough time get them this book.

Although I was already familiar with Thomas Crum's work, this book provided a really nice synthesis of his ideas on how to lead a more centered, fulfilling, and less stressed life. The format of the book is simple and enjoyable, and I found it to be an excellent reminder of how to be my best in stressful times. -Plus, it's a great book to curl up with for an evening.

This is an outstanding book! The story helps the reader to see the benefits of adopting the Three Deep Breaths as part of their daily regimen. As for me, I have begun using the technique described in the book to improve my ability to focus during bowling events. The results have been fantastic; I have won a tournament and placed second in another by using the three breaths to reduce stress and stay focused on my goal. I bowled my first 279 during a qualifying event because of the second breath. I look forward to my first 300 and am confident that the Three Deep Breaths will be a factor in that accomplishment.

The wind was blowing over 30 miles and hour, wind shear was being reported from the air traffic control tower, and this was her first time landing a plane in circumstances like this. I could see her knuckles go white on the controls and perspiration beading on her forehead, her breath quick and shallow. We where both quiet, concentrating on the weather and the challenging landing ahead. Her nervousness was making me nervous and that is when I finally piped in with "Why don't you take a deep breath in and slowly let it out." As she drew the breath in I could see her death grip on the flight controls ease. The exhale had an even greater effect and I could even see a smile, albeit a nervous one, and a sense of confidence came over her face. She responded with "thanks for helping me relax".

Many times before I do something difficult I take a deep breath in and then breathe out slowly. I didn't know why this helped me, but I now have some better insight into this method of dealing with stress from reading Three Deep Breaths: Finding Power and Purpose in a Stressed-Out World by Thomas Crum. The main character in Crum's parable is a man who, like most of us, has a high pressure job and even higher pressure lifestyle. In the beginning of this book we see how the main character deals with the smallest stresses in life by erupting like Mt Vesuvius.

Through this story I learned how a simple method of controlled breathing can help in dealing with many of life's stresses. It also made me realize that what I see as stress in life many times originates in my mind and is often not as serious as I might think initially. Thomas Crum has created a manual for using deep breathing to enhance your life and reduce stress.

Crum has accomplished much in life and is an inspiration because of his ability to design a life in which he is the lead and is making a positive impact on the lives of many. A former systems analyst and graduate of Bucknell University with a degree in mathematics, Crum has has chosen an unusual path in his life, considering his background. I am thankful he did. His words of wisdom and coaching have affected many, including myself.

This book is simple. It is clear. It presents tools that are real and immediately useful by anyone who wants to better deal with the stresses of day to day life. I am familiar with Tom Crum's teachings and have found them to be very effective in helping me to greatly improve how I manage my own stress. This book gets to the core of how we can take responsibility and change the way we manage the conflict of stress in our lives. Choosing the pathway of Three Deep Breaths is personally powerful and peaceful. Don't miss reading it.

Three Deep Breaths is a beautiful book, outside and inside, that delivers simple but effective wisdom, tools, and practice techniques to live a life of power and purpose. The book is a guide that stays with the you and supports you through the every day hassles and stress of living, working, and being in the world.

Tom, and his words, have always been an inspiration to me. Who wouldn't sign up for what this book offers to deliver?

I loved this book. It won't win any awards for literature, but the parable is engaging enough to keep you reading to learn how things turn out with Angus, and it's a tremendous vehicle to delivering some of Tom's best stuff in so very few pages. There's tons of good to take away from this, things we can all put into practice every day, and if it lights a fire under you, it serves as a great jumping board to learn more about centering, purpose, conflict, and more from his other two books. The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art goes into great detail about how these techniques can be applied to manage conflict constructively in our lives, and Journey to Center: Lessons in Unifying Body, Mind, and Spirit uses stories to reflect on the concept of center and how it permeates our entire lives.

The solution is that simple (just breathe!), but that doesn't imply that it is easy. Letting go of all of our garbage and becoming centered is major work, something to work at every day, all day, for our entire lives. At the same time, using our breathing (which, hey, we gotta do anyway!) as a trigger or reminder to take just a few seconds - right now - to practice that crucial life's work, is all that it takes to help us move along our own path toward becoming the selves we all want to be.


(If you really want to experience something amazing, check out one of his seminars. I promise you, they are like nothing else you've ever encountered!)

This is a great story! Using a parable-like format, Tom Crum has identified "every person's" delimma...finding balance in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. We often look for solutions outside ourselves, while Tom reminds us that the real answer to our time-challenged life resides within us. Our task is to delve inward to determine what is of greatest value. The three deep breath concept is a simple, yet powerful tool that helps the mind and spirit settle down. In doing so, we are able to clear the clutter, see our best self emerge, and focus on possibilites that are aligned with our intrinsic needs and lifelong desires. Give the book (and the breaths) a chance. You'll be glad you did -- and so will the people you live and work with.

What a great book. I love how the author takes a simple parable that we can all relate to and breaks it down into 3 simple steps (and breaths) we can come back to anytime, anyplace to breathe in the person we really want to BE.