As you look at this stunning picture and marvel at the teamwork of the Red Arrow pilots, do you wonder just how they do it?
One slight mistake and the lives of their fellow pilots are in serious danger. And yet for so many years, the red arrows have thrilled crowds all around the world.
Their skill, aptitude and teamwork are all things that epitomise human greatness.
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power but in character and goodness. People are just people and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness”.
In case you have never heard of Anne Frank, then you must find out more about her and read her diary.
The above words were written by Anne Frank in her diary, dated 26th March 1944. If a young girl hiding in a cupboard for years can see the basic goodness in other people, surely so can we all.
Anne’s diary continues to be one of the world’s most inspirational books and is a universal plea to humanity to demonstrate humanity.
It is clearly up to us all to start by showing more consideration, compassion and humanity towards all those people in our life, and also to those people who we interact with everyday and who make our lives so rich and worthwhile.
This is Day 25 of our “28 Day Relationships Adventure (DRA)” in February.
You can read all 28 articles which are listed at the bottom of this post.
Today, as well as the example of the Red Arrows, I would like to share with you a super example from the world of nature about working together in unity and harmony for the greater good.
Having already learned from the “ugly duckling” that was really a swan, today we turn to the humble goose.
Have you ever seen geese fly in a perfect V shape formation?
Next time you see a flock of Geese in the ski, just stop and marvel at the way they fly in a “V” formation.
As so often, nature offers us a key lesson in teamwork, sacrifice and community spirit.
Scientists have studied flying birds at length and have made some significant findings:-
1. By flapping its wings, each birds creates as uplift in the atmosphere for the bird immediately behind. Flying in a “V” formation allows the whole flock to fly around 71% further than if each bird was to fly on its own.
2. If a bird ever falls out of the formation, it would suddenly need to exert that much more force and realises the futility of going it alone
3. The birds taking it in turn to be at the front of the “V”. As it tires, another one takes over and the leading bird goes to the back of the flock.
4. If a goose gets sick or is wounded and has to fall out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They will then stay with their buddy until he is able to fly again or dies. Only then do they launch out once again on their own, eventually rejoining the original group.
What can we humans learn about relationships from the humble geese?
Here are the lessons we can apply from today in our own lives:-
1. Have a Common Goal and Focus
By working together as a community, you can get to where you want to faster and more efficiently.
You will be refreshed and ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour by working together.
2. Focus on One Purpose
Make sure that you stick together with those people who are heading in the same direction as you.
There is strength in unity and having a common purpose.
3. Give and Take
You will always get much more back by giving to others. So be open to offer others your help, and also be willing to receive help.
4. Pull your Weight
Do you noble best for your crowd. So pull all your weight and take it in turns to take on demanding jobs.
Remember that you are all interdependent on each other. And you are all one.
5. Encourage Others
Positively encourage the people at the front to keep going and support them with their and your joint mission.
Look for opportunities to help and support those weaker and less able than you.
6. Stick Together No Matter What
You must stand by each other during the good times and the challenging times.
Remember the greater good.
There you are – six some simple relationship lessons from the humble goose.
Remember to apply these lessons – otherwise your life will just be a “wild goose chase”. Ouch!
Also, make Anne Frank proud of you.
28 Day Relationship Adventure
Postscript – Here are the complete 28 articles in this series from February 2011.
Please do check them all out:-)
1 – Become Aware of Your Relationships
2 – Love Yourself First Before Loving Anyone Else
3 – Love Yourself Without Becoming Full of Yourself
5 – 9 Simple Tips To Create Energising Relationships
6 – Why Decluttering your Friends is Good for You and Them
7 – Stop Bending over Backwards for Other People!
8 – 14 Key Strategies to Help You Become Special Too and Find the Special One!
9 – 10 Key Secrets for Becoming Likeable
10 – Don’t Fall in Love – Create Love
11 – Why You Should Create a Soulmate Relationship Rather Than Waiting for Your Soulmate!
12 – Open Your Heart and Find the Special One
13 – Create your ideal Valentine’s Day
14 – Make it a Fun Valentine’s Day Every Day!
15 – Make Your Relationship Even More Special
16 – Learn to Love Unconditionally
17 – 11 Strategies to Instantly Improve ALL Your Relationships
18 – Why the Human Touch is Key
20 – Share Your Love with Your Loved Ones Everyday
21 – Stop Judging, Start Loving
22 – Simple Trick to Instantly Improve All Your Relationships
23 – Why No One Is Ever An Ugly Duckling!
24 – Why World Compassion Begins With You
25 – Why Teamwork Always Begins with YOU
26 – How to Let People Go From Your Life
27 – Thank the Divine Every Day
28 – Stop Being An Approval Seeking Machine
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Top image courtesy of wwarby
Arvind, you are the most generous man. You give so much (of yourself) in your posts.
I love the analagy of the geese. Mind you, I’m Canadian, I may be biased. Hey, take a look over to your left, the goose with the long legs…why, I think it’s me…we must be heading in the same direction…
Thanks Christopher for your kind words. I am doing the best I can.
It takes one goose to know another:-)
Wishing you all the best.
Nice topic, teamwork is so important if you want to get anywhere! The geese flying in a perfect V shows that you need commitment to the cause, as well as unwavering focus, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice yourself (if only temporarily) for the good of the team 🙂
Stuart, we can learn a lot from the humble goose – they also do not get hung up if their V is not “perfect” as in the image above:-)
Thanks Arvind for writing 28 articles on Relationships… done a wonderful job 🙂
Thanks Savi – I really enjoyed writing the 28 articles. It’s the most fulfiling blogging I have done:)