"Air Awareness"

I love the Olympics. I love the drive and dedication of the athletes, the artistry, the human interest angles, the pretty costumes (where applicable!)and most of all, I love the pure power and confidence exuded by these people really using their bodies.

This year Evie has taken a shine to skating and has been looking things up online to gets some pointers on how to do an axle, a waltz turn etc. We have a rink a block away so we are out as often as we can be. Evie is a very physical person. She has been from the moment she was born. I remember sternly telling myself that I was not going to be a mother that puts restrictions on the way her kid moves in space. And I haven't. I've gotten dirty looks at playgrounds, shrieks of dismay when I have been recounting an escapade, there have been a few minor cuts and one major one. Mostly, there has been pure, unadulterated joy. Evie is totally aware of her body in space. Her body works for her. She can be creative, strong, safe and beautiful all because she knows how her body works and is free to use it.

Tonight we were watching snowboarding (a perennial favorite). The announcer praised one athlete's "air awareness," saying she was a powerful competitor because she "took up space." That is what I want for Evie. Self-confidence, resiliency, adaptability, innovation, competence and the drive, endurance and gumption to "take up space" in the world--that's why we live this life.