The Three Questions, Breathing, and the Power of Now

“Remember then: there is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power.” Leo Tolstoy, The Three Questions

Tolstoy’s timeless short story, The Three Questions, asks us to consider:

1. When is the right time to act?

2. Who is the most important one?

3. What is the right thing to do?

Each question circles back to this truth: the present moment holds the only real power we have. And yet, how often do we miss it—rushing, scrolling, replaying, or predicting? We lose connection with our breath, with our body, and with the people right in front of us.

To live well—truly well—is to return to now. And often, the doorway is breath.

          Inspire: To Breathe In

The word inspire shares a root with respire—to breathe.

To inspire isn’t just to ignite creativity or energy in someone; it literally means to breathe in.

And when we pause to do that—breathe deeply, mindfully—we aren’t just sustaining life.

We are calling ourselves back to it.

To be influenced means to be moved or shaped by something.

But when we are over-influenced by the noise of the world, the worries, or the what-ifs, we become fragmented.

Our power becomes diluted.

Mindful breathing recenters. It reclaims.

          The Gift of Reorientation

When you inhale deeply and intentionally, something incredible happens:

You interrupt autopilot.

You pause the panic.

You reorient your attention toward now.

Your breath says:

“You’re here. You’re safe. You can begin again."

This is not passive stillness. It is an active act of returning. (Ex.14:14)

To what is true. To what is real. To what you can influence—right now.

          A Simple Call to Action

The next time you feel rushed, scattered, or unsure, ask Tolstoy’s three questions.

But before you answer—

breathe.

• Breathe in, slowly: Inhale inspiration.

• Breathe out: Release the need to know everything.

• Breathe in again: Receive what this moment is offering.

• Exhale: Let presence replace pressure.

This moment is the answer.

This breath is the way back.

🕊️ You are invited to practice

Right now, close your eyes and take three mindful breaths before you move to the next thing.

Let that small act of presence shape how you step into what’s next.

Because as Tolstoy reminds us,

 “The most important time is now.

The most important person is the one you are with.

And the most important thing is to do good to them.”

That includes you.

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