Every day I feel like I am learning how to be a human. Where are the Cliff Notes versions or cheat sheets on living that we can scan through quickly and learn everything there is to know about our human existence? Life's tricky. Just as we think we are mastering one aspect of our life, we are gently reminded that this journey is riddled with mystery.
I love the Portugese Proverb, 'Live to learn and you will learn to live.'
Speaking of learning...I think there can be a lot to be learned from other species.
I love geese.
This time of year geese are flying south to warmer climates for the winter in the Pacific Northwest. (How brilliant is that?)
It's been raining here lately...but at least these beautiful rainbows appear as a result.
Last fall, Miss B's teacher sent home a little list of Lessons from Geese with her from school. It was meant to be a tool demonstrating how the classroom would function cohesively. It resonated with me on many levels and I felt the need to share.
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Things to Live By - Life Lessons from Geese
Milton Olson is the original author of the non-italicized points below. Authors of quotes are noted.
This fall when you see geese heading back south for the winter, flying along in a “v” formation, you might be interested to know what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way.
- As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in this "V-formation", the whole flock adds 72% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going the quickest and easiest because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. 'Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily.' - Sally Koch
- When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going. We are willing to accept help and give our help to others. 'We are here to help one another along life's journey.' - William J. Bennett
- When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies point. It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership with people. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents and resources.
- The geese honk from behind to encourage those up-front to keep up their speed. We need to be careful what we say when we honk from behind. Let's be encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. 'Enthusiasm is the electric current that keeps the engine of life going at top speed...'-B.C. Forbes
- When a goose gets sick or is wounded or falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is either able to fly or until it is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group. If we had as much sense as geese, we would stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong. 'What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other.' - George Eliot
- Geese fly South for the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. What a great reminder to take a break from the cold winter to rejuvinate ourselves where its warm. But love this journey more than the destination. 'Take time to marvel at the wonders of life.' - Gary W. Fenchuk
- Geese mate for life. A goose must have companionship. Geese seek true lifelong love. Make a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love and who love you back, and love you for who you are with all your imperfections. 'To love and be loved is the greatest happiness.' - Sydney Smith If we have the sense of a goose, we will realize that relationships are what matter most.
Special thank you to the Hubs and Miss B for taking these pics!
