This is something I nicked off another website a long time ago and posted here. I'm restating it because it summed up the way this board has helped me and I don't want us to lose that helpfulness.
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 direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.
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.
Fact 3:
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 is the quality of honking we seek.
Honk, honk... honk, honk, honk...... honk, honk... honk, honk, honk...... honk, honk...