48. Cross Hands

(l) Turn the upper body to the left, and shift the weight to the left, toes of the right foot inward. Swing the left palm horizontally forward past the face, and move the right palm to the right side at the same time, both palms forward. Look at the left palm. (Fig. 25l)

(2) Turn the toes of the left foot outward, continue to turn the body to the left, bend the left knee and straighten the right leg naturally. At the same time, continue to swing the left palm to the left and raise the left palm horizontally symmetrical to the right palm on the two sides, elbow slightly bent and both palms forward. Look at the left palm. (Fig. 252)

(3) Shift the weight to the right, toes of the left foot turned inward, and turn the body to the right. Move both palms downward and inward in arcs and cross them at the wrists in front of the abdomen (left palm outside) and raise them to the front of the chest, both palms inward. Look forward. (Fig. 253)

(4) Withdraw the left foot to keep the feet parallel and a shoulder width apart, toes of both feet forward. Then straighten both legs and turn the upper body upright. Keep the palms crossed and raise them in front of the chest at shoulder level, arms forming a circle, left palm outside. Look forward. (Fig. 254)

Points for attention: When swinging the palms to the left, keep the toes of the right foot pointing due south, and turn the left foot gradually outward as the body turns and the weight is shifted to the left. When the hands are crossed, first turn the toes of the left foot inward and then withdraw the left foot before raising the body slowly. Turn the waist back gently until it faces due south. Keep the weight between the legs.