Rocking Power

A prenatal reaction to rock or sway is undoubtedly related to when a fetus is being carried in the womb and is subject to a gentle rocking motion that the mother is unaware of. Subconsciously, in times of high anxiety, it is possible for one to revert back to or rather mimic the sensation of being carried in the womb.

Rocking is therefore a universal soothing technique that spans across every culture. From being rocked as a baby and child, humans seem to never loose their sensitivity to rocking motion. Whether by the gentle lapping of waves on a boat, a swing in a playground, or hammock in the garden most people would be able to find relaxation and comfort.

The motion of rocking makes blood pressure fall and respiration slow. the physical act taps into a pleasure centre located in the brain that produces endorphins and thus creating a therapeutic affect. It is a self comforting system in which smooth, rhythmic changes in linear motion act as a natural stimulant to the central nervous system.

Interestingly rocking also helps stimulate our ability of balance, by activating the system within our inner ear. This also goes some way to help us be alert and attentive.

Spiritual Rocking
Most of the time we think of prayer as a static activity. Some orthodox jews use a rocking motion called ‘shukkeling’ when praying on the ha'shem. There are mixed explanations of this tradition; some believe that at the beginning of the production of scriptures there were few books for everyone to read so the rocking motion reflects an old custom of taking it in turns to look at the pages. Others might say that the motion of shukkeling is a way of enhancing concentration or that the words are igniting the soul like the lighting of a wick and so the body moves like a flame.

In some cases rocking is a proportional physical and spiritual response to prayer. Just as we might nod our head or tap our feet in time with a piece of music, some find that the saying of prayers stimulates a physical rocking motion.

The spiritual society of the ‘shakers’ has the most impressive rocking tradition. Rockers are part of all life stages - a craddle for the new born; a rocking horse toy; a rocking stool for work in the
household of the community; a rocking chair for leisure time, social meeting and reading of spiritual texts;an adult-size craddle for ill, weak or aged invalids. The gentle rocking movement helps to calm their spirit and prevent from bedsores. The rocking motion closes the circle of life,
from birth to death!

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