Sunday, October 6, 2013

Lessons from Geese


"The autumn hill gathers the remaining light,
A flying bird chases after its companion.
The green color is bright
And brings me into the moment,
like a sunset mist that has no fixed place."
                            Wang Wei

The first Winter Storm Advisory went up yesterday here on the Wasatch Back. Snow is expected by week’s end and messages about snow tires and boots fill my mailbox. The shift feels both melancholy and exhilarating!  I’m sad that the glorious autumn we’ve enjoyed is waning but grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to soak it up: the epic hikes, soul-filling vistas, and dinners on the deck in OCTOBER – these memories will help to warm my heart in the months ahead. Soon, I’ll be storing my walking stick and pulling out the snowshoes to enjoy new adventures in the pristine drifts in the meadows near my home.  To everything there is a season…..

Yesterday I decided to head into the yard to get some of the leaves raked off the lawn before the flakes fly.  Even though the blustery wind had turned my plan into a rather futile exercise, it was warm and sunny, the dog was providing great entertainment chasing leaves and bees and grasshoppers, so I lingered. I’m so glad I did, for otherwise I would have missed the, possibly, last flock of geese passing by; a sight and sound that always moves me! 

The scene made me think of a seminar I attended sometime ago, and I’d like to share the “take away” (still with me after many years) with you:

Lessons from Geese

1.    As each goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for others behind it. There is 71 percent more flying range in V-formation that in flying alone.

~Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get there more quickly.

2.    Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it feels drag and tries to get back into position.

               ~Lesson: It's harder to do something alone than together.

3.    When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.

~Lesson: Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest.

4.    The geese flying in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

  ~Lesson: Encouragement is motivating. We need to make sure our "honking" is encouraging - and not discouraging.

5.    When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up or join another flock.

 ~Lesson: We should stand by our colleagues in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
  
Nothing puts me in the moment, and in the reality of my place and connectedness to the greater world, better than a little nudge from nature.  We are all part of a bigger picture. Whether in our family circles, our workplace teams, our community’s development, or our world’s betterment, our individual choice and commitment to do the right thing strengthens the greater good for all.

Fly with the greatness of others, do your part today, and every day!

Wishing you joy in all seasons,

Dorothy



(In attempting to properly acknowledge the author of the above, I found Lessons from Geese attributed to a number of different people:  Dr. Robert McNeish, Milton Olson, Angeles Arrien and Ryugen Fisher.  I thank them all for their contribution)