More Lessons from the Geese

I created this video: Lessons from the Geese a couple of years ago.  I had planned on launching my book about nature’s lessons in the spring of 2014, but the universe had other plans for me.  I hope that you enjoy the video and it inspires you to look at nature through a different lens.

As background information, this wonderful story  was done  by scientist and teacher, Dr. Robert McNeish.  It shows how nature teaches us some very valuable lessons. I am grateful to Dr. McNeish for giving me permission to use this story in my book whenever it will be ready!

Here is the poem in its entirety:

When you see geese flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way.

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone. Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird immediately in front.  Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will join in formations with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.  Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership – with people, as with geese, interdependent with one other.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.  Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging – not something less helpful.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down to help provide protection. They stay with this member of the flock until he or she is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or catch up with their own flock.  Lesson: If we have as much sense as the geese, we’ll stand by each other like that.

I absolutely love the wisdom that nature shares with us if we are just willing to slow down, look and listen.  Here is to you hearing these messages.