Mind/Body Growth in Children

The body and the mind--  as we get older I think we sometimes try to separate them.  But the tango between the two is a powerful beautiful thing in children. 

My 8 month old is learning more and more every day how to use her body-- her legs are getting strong and so is her will.  

I came into the living room yesterday and she was standing, holding on to a tub of Christmas decorations-- overwhelmed with jubilation and pride-- grinning, laughing, able to see tall and high across the room-- her mind dancing around, soaking in the new perspective; her strong stout little core straight as a post.  

Later in the day, I went to put her down for a nap, and peaked into the room 5 minutes later, only to find her like this: 

That strong little body is now going to enable her protest of sleep.  The mind and body of a soon to be toddler-- I'm not sure I'm prepared quite yet to take this on.  

Then there is my 5 year old who has become completely enamored in all things ballet over the last couple of years.  It's the music, and the stories, melded tightly with the the flounce and strength of the dance itself. 

I've always enjoyed ballet, but I've never truly understood its full appeal until recently.  It's one of those mind-body marriages; storytelling and physical movement; costume, color, twirls, and music.  

We watched V in her rehearsal yesterday for her mid-year show.  In a modest room in the community center, with a mop and broom in the corner, these spunky little dancers brought sparks and life to the rainy evening.     

There's no real ending to this post.  I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past day's happenings.  So much growth is happening around us as this year comes to an end, and I feel lucky to witness it every day in these two little elves of mine.