Connecting heaven and earth

This is not only a great stretch but, also an energy medicine exercise. It will help to relax you and is great to do before getting into bed if you feel wound up from the day. Stand with your back straight and your feet shoulder length apart, rub the palms of your hands vigorously. Place them on the tops of your thighs. Take a deep breath. Now bring your hands into prayer position in front of your heart and, with an inhale, raise one hand up above your head with the palm up facing up and stretch the other hand down to the ground with the palm facing down. Look up to your raised hand and hold your breath. Really get into the stretch and feel yourself holding up the heavens and holding down the earth. You are connecting heaven and earth. Feel the energy from both flowing through you. On your exhale bring your hands back to prayer position. Repeat the process with your hands switched. Do this about two or three times on each side. On your last exhale, bend at the waist, allowing your upper body to hang and your hands to dangle by your feet. When you feel ready, begin to move your arms in figure-8 motions as you slowly come back to standing position.