Ever wonder what it would be like to fly? Do you ever just sit and watch Geese fly overhead? There is much wisdom learned from these feathered friends. For one they unite no matter what. No judgment, no excuses…just unity. Next they look to share space with other geese, allowing them to lead the way or drift behind. Milton Olson does a nice job explaining these lessons…

Lessons from Geese by Milton Olson

As each bird flaps its’ wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the 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: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership—with people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: By learning from the example of our winged guides, all of us can feel empowered to feel the strength of others moving alongside you, as their presence lends power to your wings during this journey across the sky of life. When buffeted by unexpected gusts, we can choose to find refuge in the loving shelter of co-workers, friends, family and the Holy One. We may even marvel as an otherwise difficult day passes by like a swift wind, as a kindred spirit charts a way for us through the clouds and rain ahead. If your wings begin to ache on your journey, look around for somebody else to fly at the front for a while. All of us move faster when we move together. Let your ego drop earthwards as we all soar ever higher.

When I asked my son what geese meant to him, this is what he said, “I think of poop, green and white poop. Everywhere, having to watch my step when I am at the park.” Such wise words from our children. Lesson from my son: Step with Care.

Stepping into the Canvas “with Care.” As my son reminds us, we all benefit from his wisdom. When we are mindful of our actions fully in the moment, we instinctively react like that of our Brother and Sister geese. We instinctively work together, share together and extend collaboration in every aspect of our lives. When we collaborate we become One.