Laban correlated physical efforts with mental efforts, relating Space effort to Attention, Weight to Intention, and Time to Decision. Warren Lamb added shape to this scheme, noting that “We cannot move in making an Effort without an accompanying movement of Shaping.”
The paths traced by the moving parts of the body lie predominately in one of three planes – in the horizontal or table plane, in the vertical or door plane, or in the sagittal or wheel plane. Lamb related these movement patterns to cognitive processes in the following way.
He noted that “horizontally-oriented movement puts the performer in touch with what is going on around him.” Thus shaping in the table plane relates to giving Attention.
Vertical orientation then emphasizes where the person stands “in relation to whatever he is in touch with.” That is, shaping in the door plan relates to forming an Intention.
Finally comes the sagittal orientation, Lamb writes,“a form of decision to advance or retire from the subject matter.” Consequently, shaping in the wheel plane is linked to making a Commitment.
Interestingly, this progression also underlies motor development. The infant first learns to roll over (horizontal plane). Then he pulls up to standing (vertical plane). Finally, he walks (sagittal plane). Perhaps these early development phases provide the sensorimotor foundation of our decision-making processes!