GOOSE MEDICINE

Lessons Of The Geese

In the fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a "V" Formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It is because as each bird flaps its wings it creates lift for the bird immediately behind. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock is able to add at least 71% greater flying range, then if each bird was to fly on its own.

Quite similar people who are part of a team and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling together, and the strength of each other helps to lift up and motivate one another along the way. Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation and share information with those who are headed to the same place we are.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates in the wings and another goose takes over. It pays to share leadership and takes turns doing the hard jobs.The geese in the back honk, to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.Words of support and inspiration helps energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressure and fatigue.It is important that our honks be encouraging otherwise its just well.....Honking.

Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him.They stay with him until he ether is able to fly or until he is dead, then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group.When one of us is down it is up to the others to stand by us in our time of trouble to help and protect us.

We need to stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. It makes the trip easier when we shear the tasks, and burdens along the way.The next time you see a formation of geese. Remember their message that:it is indeed a reward, a challenge, and a privilege to be a contributing member of a team on this road called life.

rewrite by Thad Shouting Bear
from the archives of Bear Warrior