The Art of Movement

Our little fellow is a walker.  And it's amazing.

It's hard to believe that at one time this self-propelled inquisitive force was at one point immobile.  Yet, he was.  It's a most fascinating thing, watching someone learn to move.  First they wriggle and roll, surprising themselves and completely unaware of what they are doing.  A look of shock accompanies the movement until it is harnessed and the next challenge broached.

They get up on hands and knees.  The balance required for this is just astounding.  One little part not right and the whole thing comes tumbling down.  And that's to balance on all fours!  A small rocking appears as they imitate thorny devils and attempt to shake their way forward.  Or a fellow on his belly wriggles and squiggles to no apparent gain until you remember that he started over there.

When finally they get all the balance in gear, they have to go forward or back.  It's a laborious practice with slow, deliberate actions.  Slow and deliberate for a few days anyway and then off they race, chasing dreams and toys and something that looks highly appealing and that you didn't realize was in reach.

But to reach you must stand! Our fellow started furniture walking a week after he started crawling.  Furniture is a good thing to balance against and hold as you explore a bipedal existence.  How do feet do that?  Hold the floor while propelling, maintaining balance and rhythm.

All of these milestones are accompanied by crashes as gravity will not be denied.  Some crashes are tearful and others unnoticed as the goal to move and to make one's mark still dangle tantalizingly like a carrot or a cup of coffee (wait, that's maybe just for me to get moving) held aloft always out of reach.

One day something is too exciting and must be had.  So he lets go and takes that step, that first step alone in the world, unsupported and free.  Freedom is all fine and good, but none too comfortable, so the first step is alone.

Confidence gains the upper hand, however, and soon these toddlers toddle precariously and oddly, yet gracefully. I've seen him do many things to balance himself to keep moving without thinking of it.

Walking could never be enough with things to climb and conquer.  New levels must be explored, identified and tasted to verify their meaning.  These movements and action stupefy parents as they query "how did he do that?" Possibly the only way is with his sticky gecko feet.

I don't know.  I don't actually know how I walk.  Think about it as you glide across the floor, carrying things, making minor adjustments for corners, for impediments.

And at the same time, I feel these movements inside as many little person learns to do all sorts of things and tests his/her limits as he/she goes.

It's an art, this moving thing.  So let's get moving.  What do you want to do? Dance? Sweep the floor?  Idly stand?  You can do it.  And beautifully.