Rocking, or shaking, refers to a back-and-forth movement that can occur in various contexts. This motion can be seen in natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, where the ground shakes due to tectonic plate movements. It can also occur in everyday activities, like when a person rocks in a chair or a baby is gently rocked to sleep. In addition to physical movements, rocking can be a response to emotional states. For example, some individuals may rock back and forth as a self-soothing mechanism during times of stress or anxiety. This behavior is often observed in children and can also be seen in certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.