It’s Easier to Find Balance In Motion

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”

-Albert Einstein.

How true this is.
After trying to teach 6yo G how to ride without her training wheels, it became all too clear. Mr. Einstein was onto something.

And boy did we test his theory.
We spent many moments trying to find the balance in stillness — G just didn’t want to pedal. Or more precisely — she didn’t want to fall. I’d start her off with a little push to gain some momentum which inevitably stopped because she wouldn’t move on her own.

When does this fear of falling kick in? As a toddler she learned to walk enthusiastically, a bit daring even. Does she get this from me? I’m scared to fall. Every time handstand practice comes up in yoga my stomach gets the flutters. And why am I so frustrated by her not getting it on the bike? She seems to care less, and is perfectly content riding her scooter instead. Before we left the park I asked if she wanted to give it one more try.

Nope.

She was done for the day. She’s not ready to ride solo on the bike. And I need to accept where she is –even if she’s much slower on the scooter, and can’t quite keep up with the rest of us. Guess I’ll have to slow down.

And stay close to my little girl.