2. The Red-Headed Crane Delights in Seeing Its Mate
Lift both arms up to the sides until they are both above shoulder level. The hands take the shape of the Crane's Hand they move above shoulder height. (The ladies in the pictures below exemplify the posture desired when hands and knees are raised to the highest levels.)
As the arms raise up, lift the left knee up until it is about at hip level. Breathe in as you lift both arms up. Pause for a moment at the highest point and look forward as if recognizing your mate or sweet-heart in a group. Then lower the left leg and arms simultaneously as you exhale. As the hands come down to the sides of your thighs, bend the knees slightly and dip down a little. Then raise the arms up again as you lift the right knee up to hip height. Inhale as you rise, exhale as you lower down. Alternate the raising of arms and one leg for 4 to 10 repetitions.
The height to which you will raise your knee depends upon your balancing skills, coordination, strength, confidence, and degree of skill. Do try your best to raise the knee upward and draw your foot off of the floor.
Folklore favors the idea that Cranes mate for life. Some scientific research indicates that they do mate monogamously for long periods, but may change mates after a long period of time - serial monogamy. Keeping the same mate means that their partner is special, recognizable, identifiable, and can be spotted in a group of Cranes feeding in a marsh or flying in formation during migration.
