10/15/2022 1 Comment Lessons from Geese & Wild Sisterhood
Here are some things we could learn from geese: Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Lesson: People who share a common sense of direction and community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. The science behind this is used by cyclists, in car racing, and in swimming, which we always referred to as “dragging” whenever we would use it during swim practice to conserve energy, but still keep up with the team. We'd "drag" by swimming as close to the person in front of us, which reduced the force needed to propel forward by the person in the rear. It's a real thing and very effective, but I'm no scientist so I'll leave the explaining to the professionals for those that want to learn more. In short, I thought this was very relatable to the feeling of when momentum builds and how our loads are lightened knowing that others are forging the way and working toward moving in the direction of a shared vision. Fact 2: 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 immediately in front of it. Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others. One of things that I've noticed along this journey is how vital it is to find people with a shared vision. Not only is it inspiring and a source of motivation knowing that there are others out there being the change I want to see in the world, but when that source is actually someone you do life with, the heaviness of all that needs to change becomes a little lighter and life feels a little easier when you find others that are in alignment with how you want to show up in this world. It reminds me of the African Proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position. Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources. This is one of the most important lessons from the geese and I believe the most needed as we do the work of rising up to the highest versions of ourselves. The truth is, we are wired for connection and community. A huge part of that is a desire to be valued for our unique contributions and to have a system in place that lends to our growth…to not just receive support, but to meaningfully give it back to others. It is vital because although the rewards of continually choosing to rise up to the highest version of yourself are immeasurable, it comes with challenges. Some days are harder than others and those are the days when you want to know that someone else is taking the lead so that you drop back and rest, regain your strength, and recommit to showing up ready to rise up. Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek. Turns out that the sounds that geese make during migration are known as “contact calls” and are used to help them stay together. I think most of us can attest to how priceless it is to know that someone has your back and is cheering you on…that someone else is in the same boat. In that sense, let your “honk” be one of encouragement and solidarity that helps someone continue to show up when rising up gets hard. Scientists have also discovered that their honk is used to ward off intruders, announce their territory boundaries, as a long distance call, to answer a mate, as part of a greeting ceremony after being separated from a mate, and when in flight or about to take flight. Feels very symbolic of how we can use our voice as a resounding presence in this world that reflects what has been put on our hearts. Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock. Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong. I think this one goes without explanation…there is such a strong desire to have a support system in both moments of strength and when we are struggling. This is what I want to be a part of. A place where we can come together, to show up with our gifts and talents to support others who we are just one step ahead of something on. To share inspiration, ideas, and lighten our individual loads so that we can be resourced in a way that allows us to rise up to the highest versions of ourselves and be the change we want to be in the world. I’m so ready to stop habitually jumping on Facebook and Instagram…the pull is real and I’m not immune. Even with their practices being so out of alignment with my vision, it still feels like that the best place to reach others who are ready to rise because most people are still gathering there. At the time of this writing, I’m envisioning a platform that is rooted in being ethical with its business practices, that prioritizes showing up in integrity, and that is set up in a way that doesn’t profit off our dopamine hits. If I build it, will you come? If you’ve found it, let me know! Author of Lessons from Geese: Dr. Robert McNeish
1 Comment
11/3/2022 03:08:01 am
Easy gas much. Spend with population employee music. Suffer that right similar.
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AuthorHey there! I'm Sharon Shomaker and this is where I share the musings of my mind and heart as I rises up to the highest version of myself and inspire others to do the same. Archives
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