Yesterday was a particularly gorgeous day. The distinctly milder temperatures was just the encouragement needed to step outside into the warmth of the rays of sunshine. In the late afternoon, with the sun still high, my camera and I headed out for nature adventures. The aroma of spring permeated the air, just what I needed to widen the smile on my face.

I observed the appearance of water fowl all along the lake and adjacent forest. They too were stretching their legs eager to shake off the previous deep freeze. With camera in hand, I thought of a story I have heard on occasion, that which the message stayed with me. This is the Lessons of the Geese, perhaps you have heard it to. Take away from it whatever feels right. It is all about interpretation..

LESSONS OF THE GEESE

[box]In the fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in the "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Quite similar to people who are part of a team and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the trust of one another and lift each other up 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 in the same way that we are going. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wings and another goose takes over.
It pays to share leadership and take turns doing hard jobs. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed. Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue. It is important that our honking be encouraging.
Otherwise it's just ... well ... honking! Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either 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's up to the others to stand by us in our time of trouble. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough ...We will stay in formation with those headed where we want to go.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.

Author: Dr. Robert McNeish, 1972,[/box]


My story, my lesson learned through the eye of the camera..

A dozen or more geese were sitting in the sun along a hill leading down to the lake. Two of the geese situated themselves closer to the water, looking out with expectancy. I watched them for awhile, having always been fond of geese. A deep humming sound, like that of a swarm of bees with out the frightening association, caught my attention and that of the two geese along the waters edge. They were shouting and carrying on.





These two looked up into the sky and excitedly began to call out to both the gaggle behind them located further up on the hill and also out to the birds in flight, the origination of the deep humming sound. It was the vibration of their mighty wings in flight that I could hear with clarity. The call of the two geese sent the other grounded group into a frenzy. They quickly assembled themselves and began to run down the hill, to meet up with the two alert communicators.




one by one..





reaching the others...




waiting in anticipation..





In moments the geese in flight made their way into view. They were as excited as the ones awaiting their arrival on the ground. Sharing in the joy and beauty of their arrival, I stand quietly in awe. Here they come..








Finally together now, it is a peaceful reunion. The geese walk around, nibble from the earth and simply exist in the present moment. Whether interaction with one another or embracing solitude, it is evident that they are all connected.











These two lovely creatures continue to station themselves near the water, standing close to one another, looking out across the vast lake and into the sky. They appear to still be waiting all the while watching the departure of their kindred. They are patient yet determined; I wonder what their story is? Perhaps this is not their time to fly or the direction they seek to go.






For the rest, it is their time.. and again, I am afforded the gift of watching them taking flight, soaring across the water and back up high into the brightly lit sky.






There are beautiful moments all around us- it is particularly nice when shared..