“An incredibly unique and effective approach to dealing with stress—if used correctly, it could add years to your life.” —Stephen R. Covey, New York Times -bestselling author   These days all of us lead hectic, stressful lives. And most of us react to difficult circumstances by struggling against them, which only creates more tension. Three Deep Breaths provides a welcome alternative—a simple technique that you can use, no matter how busy you are, to transform tough situations into positive, energizing experiences. It is a mind/body technique that combines the “cognitive-restructuring” capability of the brain (the ability to change our attitudes and perceptions of the world) with the calmness and presence of an aligned, centered state of being.   Thomas Crum illustrates this radically simple technique through the story of Angus, who is struggling to break through the negative habits that lead to anger, exhaustion, and poor performance. We follow Angus as he learns to use the Three Deep Breaths to maintain clarity and purpose in the midst of seeming chaos, to redirect negative energy to more positive purposes. By working with our breath, by being aware of it and using it as a focusing tool, we can open up a whole new world of possibility.   “In Thomas Crum’s wonderful story you may discover what you felt has been missing . . . until now.” —Dr. Spencer Johnson, #1 New York Times -bestselling author of Who Moved My Cheese? “In Thomas Crum’s wonderful story you may discover what you felt has been missing…until now.” —Dr. Spencer Johnson, author of the bestselling Who Moved My Cheese and The Precious Present “Three Deep Breaths is an incredibly unique and effective approach to dealing with stress—if used correctly, it could add years to your life.” —Stephen R. Covey, author of the bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness " Three Deep Breaths , is a wonderful and caring story about the power of centering and good choices. You will find yourself learning, breathing, feeling, and healing." —Charlie Eitel, Chairman and CEO, Simmons Bedding Company “I read Three Deep Breaths in one evening—New Years Eve! I could not put it down. The message is congruent, simple, and profoundly life changing. I personally felt the book was written for me, even after years of leadership and enlightenment study and practice.” —Greg Link, President and Co-Founder, CoveyLink Worldwide “In today's world where there never seems to be enough time, Tom shows us that connecting to our purpose, achieving balance, and gaining power are only ‘Three Deep Breaths’ away." —Jacqueline Catena, Vice President, Management and Organizational Development, Sony Pictures Entertainment Thomas Crum is a popular corporate speaker and is the president of Aiki Works, Inc. His clients include Sony, Disney, Nestle, the United States Air Force, Kaiser Permanente, Washington Mutual, Raytheon, and many others. Tom is also an Aikido master and uses many of the techniques and knowledge from this sophisticated art in his work with clients. The First Breath Hanford Park was unusually empty on this crisp fall morning. They left the car and Angus followed the old man to a little opening among some aspen trees, adjacent to a pond where ducks happily paddled about before they headed south for the winter. “I am a small, elderly man, wouldn’t you say?” Before Angus could answer, the old man continued, “And you’re a big strong guy. I want you to lift me up off the ground.” Now what have I gotten into? worried Angus, checking around anxiously to see if there were any observers. “Use your legs so you don’t hurt yourself and lift me up.” Angus glanced at his watch. What possessed me to listen to this guy? Angus was a good six inches taller and seventy pounds heavier than the old man. He put his hands under the old man’s arms and easily lifted him a foot off the ground. “Thank you. Now place me back down.” Angus did as he was instructed, wondering about the sanity of the little man. “I was right. You’re very strong! Now I’m not going to change anything physically, and I don’t want you to change how you lift. Simply pick me up again.” Annoyed, Angus repeated his procedures. This time, to his amazement, he couldn’t budge the old man. It was like trying to pick up the front of the old Chevy. Or pulling up one of the aspen trees. It would have been ludicrous to continue trying. This little man had suddenly become like a mountain. Flustered and challenged, Angus’s competitive instinct took over. “I wasn’t focused,” asserted Angus. “Let me try that again.” Angus lifted. Nothing moved. After a third try, Angus felt his frustration change to curiosity. He nervously looked around the park to make sure he was anchored to reality. “What happened?” Angus was confused. “I got centered,” the old man said, as if it were a natural thing. “I don’t know what th