Lesson from the Geese

As the leaves begin to change color, the air takes on a crispness and nature gears up for the next season – have you ever paid attention to geese flying in formation overhead on a brisk autumn morning beneath a golden sunrise? There they are …just picture them – majestic wonders of nature on an ancient mission to vacation all winter in a sunny climate. Perhaps they are enroute to Palm Springs!!

Notice as they fly over head… they have picked a formation. As you gaze up at them , look closely, although they have picked a formation, they HAVE NOT picked a steadfast leader… the leader intermittently changes as they fly off into the distance. It is as if they are performing a choreographed routine ....one up front… then another....THIS one dropping back to gave way to THAT one.....and all the while it is done with the elegance and cooperation of a beautiful ballet. I don’t think they give much thought to who is leading …who is following…I don’t think they much care. I believe what is important to them is that the entire flock, as an entity, arrives safely and intact to its final destination. There is a sense of oneness, of social responsibility, unity – the individuals working together to protect the safety and well being of the whole. They have created a symbiotic relationship that shares leaders and followers........giving everyone, who wants it, equal opportunity to command the lead. There is beauty in this simplicity, a sense of wisdom to the effort and a true commitment to the overall well being of their micro society.

Perhaps our politicians can take a lesson from the geese.

Picture a congress that actually works together in planning, legislating and decision making. And what if whether freshman or veteran all members had the opportunity to chair and lead on various committees and task forces……based upon their expertise, experience and knowledge…true equality within the common collective in an effort to have a smoother running system of government that can work FOR all of us. It truly would be something to experience a congress that paid attention to you and me rather than the lobbyists or other outside influencers. A Congress that votes on issues along CONSCIOUS lines and not party lines or interest group pressure.

And what if we had a president who could awaken every day with the knowledge that the collective is happy and running smoothly......

Why can’t we work together? Why do we have to fight? Why can’t we recognize that every citizen has rights – gay, straight – black, white – male, female – and those on BOTH SIDES of every issue??? Why can’t we Balance out our ideals and meet in the middle to bring together the best of all of the ideas?


Why is so much time spent on distancing and separating ourselves ……Why can’t we be more like the geese?

The geese have survived for millions of years working together through mutual respect, unity and an understanding that if they don’t look out for one another….they may become extinct.

Will we eventually become extinct if we don’t begin to learn the lesson from the geese??