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P��� 46 LESSONS FROM GEESE “Lessons from the Geese”, was written in 1972 by Dr Robert McNeish of Balti- more. However, it turns out that I may have had a part in disseminating incor- rect information about the “Lessons” be- ing attributed to Milton Olson. In 1991 I listened to a cassette tape of a seminar of Angeles Arrien reading the “Lessons from Geese”. I spent hours transcribing it from the tape. That was in the days of play, rewind, play again, and handwriting it on paper. I was inspired to design a flyer and circulated it around Ashland, Oregon. I even put on the flyer a disclaimer, “LESSONS FROM GEESE” was tran- scribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Devel- opment Network and was based on the work of Milton Olson.” (now those exact words are all over the Internet) I also inserted “The Lessons” in my publica- tion, “The Wellspring Journal” in the mid 90’s. Since then, a flyer was circulated to Outward Bound and it went from there. I was originally shocked to find my exact disclaimer attributed to the flyer, but grateful when I learned the actual author had been tracked down by Sue Widemark who has since posted the correct informa- tion for all to read on http://suewide- mark.com/lessonsgeese.htm. She writes a wonderful history about the amazing journey of “The Lessons of Geese” story. Enjoy, Shanana “Rain” Golden-Bear 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 direc- tion and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. FACT 2: When a goose falls out of forma- tion, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into forma- tion to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immedi- ately 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 out help to others. ���.D�����M��������.��� 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 other’s skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources. FACT 5: 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 encour- agement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek. When a goose gets sick, wound- ed 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 dif- ficult times as well as when we are strong. CAN‛T FIND A PAPER? READ IT ONLINE! Sign up for VIP alerts when the next E-edition of the DESERT MESSENGER is available www.DesertMessenger.com From Nov. 22, 2010 - Dec. 22, 2010 There has been 16, 173 page views PUZZLE PAGE (page 42) ANSWERS Honk, Honk J������ 5, 2011