The "V" Formation

 

The "V" Formation

On one recent weekend evening, I was in my backyard doing some work, when I heard the honking sound of geese. I stopped and looked about and there overhead, you can see in the picture above, were a group of geese in formation! I was immediately reminded of a story that I read years ago, that many of you may have already heard; but I don't want to make an assumption. I am sharing the story below because I believe it is an incredibly important message that is very timely for the environment we are in.

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 bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. 

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone — and quickly gets 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 people who are headed the same way we are. 

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally — and this is important — when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. 

Not long ago, I heard a phrase that was new to me and jotted it down. The phrase was, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  This is an example of how this phrase is demonstrated in the natural world. I believe the same is true for us as well and generates some questions for reflection.

What actions do I take that creates an uplift or helps to increase others’ capacity? All of us have a circle of influence over which we can impact. Random acts of kindness and simple gestures of grace go a long way in our often divisive current environment. Create a culture of paying kindness forward to someone for no reason and see the impact your action makes. 

  Are the people that I choose to surround myself with traveling in the direction that I am trying to go and accomplish the same goals? The well known motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, has a saying that we are the average of the five people with which we surround ourselves. If we desire to reach a different destination it may be as simple as choosing different peers. I often would tell my own children that the people they chose as their friends are like an elevator. They can take you up or take you down. If you are not in a situation where you can choose your peers, then the next best thing is to choose what you put into your mind. This can be in the form of books, podcasts or other productive outlets that stimulate your soul. 

  What message am I giving when I honk from behind? We are in a period of time when we are surrounded with lots of honking/noise! Not all of it is motivating. It is important that the messages we deliver to those we serve make the people feel valued. There are times when the message that is delivered is not one that an individual desires; but still feels valued because of the words that we choose and how it is delivered. The filter with which one receives a message is often determined by the strength of the relationship.

  Do I have a support group that I can count on to help me through the struggles of my work and life? If there is anything to be learned in this pandemic, it is that we are wired for relationships. We can do lots of things through technology, but putting an arm around someone when they are down or giving a fist bump when they have something to celebrate is not one of those things. Life is meant to be experienced in the context of others... The ups and the downs. We operate at our optimal capacity connected together!

I am grateful for the flock I get to fly with! Thank you for the lift that you provide me everyday; you are changing lives! Lets see how far we can travel in these uncertain times, together! Honk Honk!

Blessings