The Rocking Chair
- Kathy Mattoon
- Aug 27, 2025
- 4 min read
There’s something timeless about a rocking chair–the way it creaks beneath you, the gentle rhythm, the peace it quietly offers. It’s a place where stillness lives, where thoughts can settle, and healing can begin. I never expected a piece of furniture to hold so much meaning, but during one of the hardest seasons of my life, it became my refuge. After walking through the pain of divorce and the weight of emotional exhaustion, I found comfort in the slow, steady motion of that chair. What started as a simple purchase became a sacred space for reflection, journal writing, release, and rebuilding. This is the story of how a rocking chair helped me find my center again–one slow, steady sway at a time.
There’s something about the rhythmic creak of a rocking chair that feels like the heartbeat of home. It carries with it the essence of stillness – the kind that soothes a restless soul. For me, it became more than just a piece of furniture; it became my sanctuary. A place where the chaos of heartbreak gave way to quiet reflection. Where brokenness found a gentle place to rest and slowly mend.
A Bit of History
The rocking chair has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Though its exact origins are debated, it’s believed to have evolved from ordinary chairs with added rockers, inspired by the curved sled runners used in cradles. What started as a practical solution for soothing babies quickly became a symbol of comfort and relaxation. By the 19th century, rocking chairs graced the porches of homes across America, becoming a staple of leisurely afternoons and neighborly conversations. They were more than just a place to sit – they became a gathering spot for sharing stories, a seat of reflection, and a source of comfort. Generations found peace in their gentle motion, making the rocking chair a timeless fixture of both healing and connection.
The End of My Marriage
I had a phase in my life where I faced the devastating end of a marriage. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know that divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s a deeply emotional and painful journey. It’s not just about letting go of a partner; it’s about mourning the loss of dreams, plans, and the future you thought you’d have.
In the midst of it all, I bought a rocking chair.
It might seem like a small, even odd, thing to do, but that chair became my refuge. As I rocked back and forth, the gentle motion allowed me to find peace in the chaos. The hours spent in that chair gave me a space to heal, to breathe, and to finally start the process of mending my broken heart and healing my soul.
Now, I know this may sound crazy to some people. How can a rocking chair heal your soul? Sitting in that rocking chair with my feet on the edge of the deck and a journal in my hand, I was able to calm my mind while I journaled and reflected on moving forward and growth. The calming feeling of sitting in that rocking chair, with the motion of the rocker going back and forth, almost released endorphins that helped soothe my mind and my soul. I was able to focus more mentally and spiritually. I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and calm all at once.
The rocking chair bore witness to my tears, my prayers, and my determination to keep moving forward. With each sway, it carried away a bit of the weight I didn’t know how to put down. It held me when I was too weary to hold myself.
“That rocking chair symbolized so many things and made such a difference, yet in reality, it was just a pile of wood that created the chair.”
CLOSING & NEW MEANING
And now, when I sit in that chair, I don’t just remember the pain – it reminds me of my resilience. It symbolizes the healing that comes, not in grand gestures, but in the stillness of small, simple moments.
So, if you ever find yourself in the thick of heartache or uncertainty, I encourage you to find your own “rocking chair” – whatever that may be. A place where you can sit, breathe, and let time do what it does best: Soften the edges of sorrow and make room for hope again.
Because sometimes, it’s not the grand changes that heal us – it’s the quiet, steady rhythm of the small ones.
We all need times in our lives when healing is needed for our souls. What is a time when you needed healing, and what helped you heal? Share in the comments.
This reminds me of my Grandfather Simpson. I wasn't very old when he passed away. I don't know if it is possible for a 2- or 3-year-old to remember things that happened when they were that young, but I swear I remember my grandfather putting me on his foot, with his legs crossed and bounce me up and down, sitting in this old black rocking chair with a cloth covered seat softened with horsehair batting. We both laughed and laughed. It seems like one of my most favorite memories. We seemed so happy! My mother kept that rocking chair, using it to rock the rest of the kids that came along after me, Nancy and Cindy. Then when I got…