[![Rocking chair][1]][1] I've replaced the rocking chair with a circle with a smaller inset circle representing the centre of gravity (CoG). The weight is $mg$. Now assume there's plenty of friction between the circle (rocking chair) and floor, so as to prohibit any sliding/slipping. At this point the distance between the vector $\mathbf{mg}$ and the vertical running through $\text{O}$ is $L$. Gravity now forces the CoG to be lowered. A torque $\tau$ *about* the point $\text{O}$ arises: $$\tau=mgL$$ This torque causes rotational acceleration of the circle: $$\tau=I\alpha$$ This angular acceleration causes not only to move the CoG downward but also to the right. [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/QoBwO.png