Crossing self and touching the ground- where from/WHY ?

[CorpusChristi]

in the only Orthodox im familiar with we always touch the ground after signing ourselves at certain times, veneratin icons,etc and before we get a Blessing too... where does this come from and/or where is it in writing? and who else does this and what does it mean.........I have been asked and all i could say, was ill get back at you with that one, I kinda know ,but want to give you an exact and precise response....
so help me out

[Kollyvas]

This is called a small bow from the waist which is a relaxed form of prostration. Both the Greek and Russian churches have simple crossing, bows from the waist, and prostrations: they are done during the services at certain times in earthly facsimile of the services in heaven, in union with the heavenly choirs..."Obrjad" or "orthopraxia" is understood as a form of askesis and even way of life which conditions the body and soul and orders/harmonizes ones environment/life in worship of the Master. It is a way of the Orthodox life but NOT the reason. For an indication as to when they should be done, please refer to the back of the Jordanville Prayer Book.
R

[CorpusChristi]

so its done more as a sign of piety, in union with the services in heaven, in union with the heavenly choirs ? in the catholic circles of not trusting Priests, and not going to church, we often would do this same type of touching of the floor, but a cross was always made with your finger on the ground and it basically meant "He came from Heaven to earth ".. I guess my Orthodox life has been somewhat strange,because things are starting to appear very familiar to me., ive found things that have been verbally and physically handed down to me by my grandparents not similiar to roman catholicy,but our similarities to Orthodox piety.............

[Kollyvas]

Indeed, there are many survivals and commonalities of praxis between Orthodox and Latins...we should be quick to look into this and explore what Western Orthodoxy was to restore it...
R