“When we walk, our arms can work for or against us. If our chests are collapsed and our arms droop down like salamis hanging in a delicatessen, they are going to make walking and breathing more difficult. Likewise, if our chests are raised and thrust forward and our shoulders held back and our elbows cocked, that’s going to make us tight and stiff.
“The crane offers us something better. The crane reminds us that our two arms can work as one expansive wingspan. Play with the following uplifting crane movement.
“Let your fingertips float toward one another and scoop us the front of your body so that the back of your fingers and hands are gently touching one another as they come together comfortably in front of your sternum. Elbows are close to the body, with fingertips pointing up and palms facing out to their respective sides.
“This movement may feel a little prayerlike. As air enters and leaves your body, let your heart soften. This is the crane teaching you how to wrap your wings around your broad back, like a warm blanket.
“Enjoy raising and lowering your wings with the sense of your whole back expanding.”
