The first rocking chair, invented by Benjamin Franklin, dates back to the early 1700s. It was created by attaching ice skates to the bottom of a regular chair. Originally designed as outdoor furniture, the rocking chair eventually made its way off the porch and into the house.
Rocking chairs are beneficial as the motion of rocking soothes anxiety, promotes relaxation, eases pain and helps with insomnia. It encourages the release of endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress. For the elderly, rocking improves balance and blood circulation.
Dad bought the chair for Mom many years ago, and it ended up at my house. A rocking chair like this one is so much more than just a chair or mere pieces of wood.
In that chair, Mom rocked their five babies and their grand-babies after that. I, too, rocked our grandkids in that chair. It’s dark varnished wood has a few blemishes, and its homemade seat cushion has disappeared to parts unknown. The chair has a well-earned creek somewhere deep within, but it remains sturdy. These rockers could leave an angry gash if you got too close to the wall. They seemed to have a life of their own, working their way across the floor as you rocked.
When I look at it, I think about the stories told, the books read, and the bottles of milk drank in that chair. The image of a weary child, their heavy eyelids fluttering as they try to stave off sleep, crosses my mind.
What do people think about in those quiet moments sitting in a rocking chair? While resting the body and focusing the mind, we can think with clarity about the day that is done, plan for the future and solve the world's problems. It is a place to reflect on our losses and triumphs.
For a child, there’s nothing more comforting than being held close in a loved one’s arms, listening to the beat of their heart as they rock back-and-forth. It is a place of safety and comfort. A tiny child in sleeper jammies, smelling of soap and baby powder, looking up at you like you hung the moon is an incredible feeling.
Many mothers have spent hours rocking a sick or unsettled child, praying sleep would come, only to feel sad when they finally put them in their crib. If you were an older sibling you can probably relate to trying to get closer to your mom, who was rocking the precious baby, by standing beside the chair only to have your toes run over.
Today’s rocking chairs are more comfortable than the hard wooden ones, but I don’t think they will last as long or become as legendary. Those old chairs have stories to tell.
If you have a rocking chair, take the time to rock and find peace.
If you liked this story, I would appreciate it if you shared it with your friends and family. Thanks, Norma.
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