Goose Lessons

During fall cross country practice we often see flocks of geese passing overhead. We can learn from close observation of their behavior.

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 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the 'lifting power' of the bird immediately in front.
Lesson:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson:  It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing the leadership - interdependent with each other.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson:  We need to make sure our own cries are encouraging, not something less helpful.

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or catch up with their flock.
Lesson:  If we have as much sense and compassion as the geese, we will stand by one another in the same manner.