02/12/2019
* Unfolding Movement Series - Part Eight *
"If we give children enough space and possibilities for free movement, they will move as beautifully and gracefully as animals: nimbly, simply, confidently and naturally" - Dr Emmi Pikler
The images of this guy really speak for themselves on this one...From laying on the back, relaxed, ready to move how he chooses... to sitting with ease, grace and fluidity.
A variation of the hands and knees posture must come before a natural, independently achieved sitting position. It makes perfect, biological sense. Try it for yourself...lie on your back and then naturally, with as much ease as you can, come to a comfortable sit position.... how did you get there?
I just adore this guys posture as he sits perfectly balanced, with his wee foot tucked against his inner thigh for an extra stable, secure base. How does he know to do this? Because he has achieved it all on his own.
His intelligent body knows exactly what next step to take. He is not at risk of losing his balance and hitting his head, because he is READY to be here. He chose to be here. He has done all the important foundation work in the months leading up to this, to prepare and ready his body. When he is ready to move on, he does so with grace and fluidity. He got up here on his own accord, so he has the skills to get down too. Because of this, he is free. He can work interdependently and does not need you to help when he grows tired of sitting or when he wants to move somewhere.
Imagine you have been propped up in a sitting position. You do not yet know how to use your arms, nor have the core strength, to help your upper body. You are stuck...rigid... Can you reach the things that interest you? Do you feel content and relaxed? What if you were to begin to grow tired? To wobble a little...nothing you can do to prevent your fall. In fact, your only way to get down from here, is to fall. Unless someone rescues you first.
When the infant is propped up to sit in this way, he is tense and stiff - he cannot relax fully. His airways and ribcase are compressed and jammed up, rather than open and free. He is, in this position, trapped. Yes, he becomes accustomed to it quickly if we place him here often, and he may grow to not want to spend time working laying down as much if this becomes his new normal. In a way, by sitting him up, we actually risk robbing him of the time on his back, sides and tummy - which we know is so important.
Infants do not need to be propped up to sit! They will achieve this position in their own time, in their own way. When they do, their spine, neck and core will be ready. You will notice that infants who achieve sitting naturally, sit like little Yoga teachers with beautiful straight backs and a posture to envy.
Babies truly are incredible!