Last Thursday we taught a zoom Qi Gong class for elementary school teachers preparing to teach in person this week. These teachers needed calm, focus and balance to take on a very difficult job in the midst of the Covid pandemic. One of the exercises I modeled was the Crane Stretching its Wings and the Crane Flying.
The Crane develops grace, flexibility, balance and lightness. It helps relax the whole body, balance the heart-energy, gently stretch ligaments and release the spine. An ancient Chinese teacher described the crane as “graceful, standing like a pine tree, then opening its wings and soaring into the clouds.” When in need of centering, balance and concentration, these Crane exercises lift up qi energy within and enable us to inspire others with our grace and steadiness.
As we age, it is very important to practice some balance exercises every day. Since falls account for the highest number of accidents that send the elderly to nursing homes, I practice the Crane every day to increase my agility and balance.
The Crane stretches its wings in front, while lifting a leg behind the body on the in-breath, then gently brings both wings and leg back down on the out breath. When the Crane flies, one leg begins firmly on the ground, connecting her to earth, as the other gently rises behind on on the in-breath, The ‘wings’ rise at the same time to each side of the body, graceful and deliberate. Looking up we nourish the Crane's flying energy. Playing with the Crane’s Energy We Soar.
Enjoy The White Crane Stretches Its Wings with this Instructional Video.