"Heaven and Earth" is not only the name of a traditional dish made of mashed potatoes and applesauce, but it is also a Qi Gong-inspired exercise that I learned during my forest bathing training.
If you don't know Qi Gong yet:
This is a traditional Chinese practice that combines breathing, movement, and meditation to align one's internal energy with the outer energy of the universe.
In other words, it's all about getting back into the flow.
So what could be better than a daily flow exercise than a Qi Gong inspired exercise like the one I would like to introduce to you here?
Especially if you do this exercise in nature, for example on your next walk in the woods!
So, let's do it!
- Stand upright, keep your spine straight, your knees slightly bent.
- Look straight ahead and breathe in and out in a relaxed manner.
- Now slowly bring your arms straight forward until your hands are at shoulder height (your hands hang loosely).
- Imagine how you absorb the energy from the forest floor. For example, you can think of the energy as silver threads that you pull out of the forest floor, or you can find another image that you like better.
- When your arms are at shoulder height, slowly bring your arms to the side at shoulder level, opening your hands (as if you were trying to hug someone). Turn the palms of your hands slightly upwards.
- As you do this, you imagine the energy of heaven or the energy of the treetops flowing into your open arms.
- Now bring your hands towards your chest so that the palms of your hands come in front of your chest (the arms are bent) and bring the energy of heaven and earth into your body. Feel the harmony of the energy from heaven and earth with your energy system.
- Finally, turn your hands a little so that the palms of your hands are facing downwards and slowly bring your hands down until you are back in the starting position.
- Repeat this exercise 5-10 times (or as many times as feels right for you.
This little exercise can help you manage stress better, improve your energy levels, and make you more focused and concentrated.
It is best to do the exercise regularly, ideally naturally in nature. But you can also do the exercise wonderfully at home, for example in the evening after a hard day at work.