My Lessons With Kumi: How I learned to perform with confidence in life and work

By Michael Colgrass

Psychological principles and skills applied to performance and presentation, taught through fictional narrative and lessons/exercises. Michael Colgrass combines neuro-linguistic programming, mime, creativity, hypnosis, psychology and Grotowski physical training in this engaging teaching tale. Nick's encounters with his teacher, Kumi, become one of the most comprehensive self-development chronicles ever written.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0911226400
• ISBN13: 9780911226409
• Release Date: November 2019
• Publisher: Real People Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

One word describes this book

This is a very good book. I was able to get something out of most of the chapters--they were very useful and I enjoyed applying stuff from this book to my life. However, the style of this book is fascinating. As far as I can tell, Colgrass actually has at least two alter egos in this book. They are Nick, who probably represents Colgrass when he was in his early thirties and Kumi, who represents everything that Colgrass thinks that he is. I would guess that the other three characters are probably alter egos in some way, too. The pacing of this book is interesting. Every chapter goes over a different "lesson" where you learn a new age, NLP, or Zen-like approach to life. I strongly recommend skipping the appendix until your third or fourth time reading this book. The appendix is very readable, unlike most appendices, so there is a strong lure to read it while you're reading the book. I tried referencing each chapter's part in the appendix for a while, and it got really confusing, because I had two bookmarks in the book at once. Anyway--skip the appendix. This book starts out with Nick learning lessons on how to cope with stress and how to supercharge yourself by programming words so that they mean stuff to you. It then goes into how to use models--kind of like you get to use a hero of yours as an imaginary friend who helps you with stuff. I'm not doing it justice, because this is really good stuff. At first the differences between Nick and Kumi are very distinct. Then, Nick starts to learn things on his own, starting with this thing about your eye position being correlated. Then, a few chapters later, Kumi talks about the same thing, and bang--this results in the first contact between Nick and Kumi directly exchanging knowledge. The rhythm of this mutual exchange between two alter egos grows and grows throughout the book. I thought that the peak of it was when Nick, Kumi, and Nick's girlfriend made a quasi-threesome as they laid their heads on each other's stomachs in a circle. But I was wrong--the intensity subsided and the story moved on. Somehow toward the end, Nick knows all of the right questions to ask. Nick and Kumi seem to merge together and you forget who is who, if it even matters at this point. The final peak up the mountain is Chapter 17, where Nick and Kumi go canoeing together. Gone are all of the other alter egos. All that is left are Nick, Kumi, and no distractions. Nick and Kumi seem to be working in tandem like never before. They canoe in a double-seated canoe. Kumi teaches Nick some canoeing tricks, and they canoe down water that becomes more and more intense. Finally, they reach the brink of the final, most intense rapids in the river. They stop, and let their excitement subside for a while. They walk up and down the length of the rapids. Kumi takes Nick though eight steps, initiating him for the intensity that is to come. Finally, they are ready. They get back in the canoe, and plunge through th

Furthering My Journey

Michael Colgrass is a very practical and entertaining writer. This book is a joy and inspiration to read. It explain how to tap into your 'Brain' and run your life in the best possible way.By applying the concepts he has outlined and skillfully presented in real life situations, Michael Colgrass opens news levels of learning and understanding for all.As one appreciates the working of the 'Brain', one cannot help but realize in a compassionate way, that due to our own ignorance, we at times sabotage our lives.This book outlines in practical ways how to take charge and run your life in all areas to the best of your ability.Thanks Michael for this wonderful book which also provided an additional dimention to my holidays.Next year I will tell you of my progress. I have also recommended a number of my patients to get this book.Warm regards,Dr. Don

PERFORM AT YOUR VERY BEST

I am a classical concert pianist who used to suffer from pretty unrewarding experiences performing, no matter how well I played. This book helps you deal directly with the psychological obstacles that keep your best from shining through, and keep you from being in control and enjoying a situation. It manages this through precise mental excercises which seem somewhat innocuous when you're reading about them but the moment you do them yourself you realize what has been wrong all along. This is not written as your usual self-help book, rather as a well-written and interesting novel which helps develop the ideas it holds. I recommend this to everyone. It will improve your every day life

One of the best books I've read!

this is not just another self help book, this is a book to have in your bookcase for continual reference. It is so clear and it has such good ideas and exercises that you will be suprised! It is a must-have!! It is beautifully written. You will be really glad that you bought it!