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I keep files and files of weathered articles and clippings and letters that have inspired me through the years. There’s even more inspiring files kept in my computer. This is one that I recently re-discovered as I was sorting all my boxes of stuff from one box into another while preparing for a major move (I simply cannot throw STUFF AWAY! Hellllpppp meeee!) But this is one I’m glad I saved. It’s a copy from a long ago Ann Landers column in the paper.  A reader had asked her to reprint it from something called the “Dick E. Bird News.”  I loved it then and I love it even more now as it offers yet another example of the power and grace of Nature Teachers.

What We Can Learn from Geese

Fact No. 1: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift draft for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds a greater flying range than if one bird flew alone.

Lesson No. 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and more easily because they are traveling on the strength of one another.

 

Fact No. 2: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson No. 2: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation and be willing to accept help when we need it and give help when it is needed.

 

Fact No. 3: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies in the point position.

Lesson No. 3: Geese instinctively share the task of leadership and do not resent the leader.

 

Fact No. 4: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson No. 4: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.

 

Lesson No. 5: When a goose gets sick, is wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to earth to help and protect it. They stay with their disabled companion until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson No. 5: If we have as much sense as geese, we, too, will stand by one another in difficult times and help the one who has dropped out regain his place in the formation.

 

My husband, Pete and I, have always had a special affinity for geese—the wondrous birds who mate for life. Their honking above our heads as they fly so magnificently across the sky always moves us; we see them as a “sign” that we’re heading in the right direction, that life is good. After reading how geese live their lives with such equanimity and caring for each other, I love them even more.

For years now I’ve been receiving continuous online wisdom from “DailyOm” (www.DailyOm.com). There’s something in just about each one of these wise words that offers a quiet “aha moment.” I want to share this one in particular with you, entitled “Squirrel Medicine.” Squirrels are delightful Nature Teachers who can teach us about abundance and stocking up for the future, while still taking time out to play. What a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed concept for living well!

 Affirming an Abundant Future

Squirrel medicine reminds us to set aside a portion of our most precious resources as an investment in the future.

“Native Americans considered all living beings as brothers and sisters that had much to teach including squirrels. These small creatures taught them to work in harmony with the cycles of nature by conserving for the winter months during times when food was plentiful. In our modern world, squirrels remind us to set aside a portion of our most precious resources as an investment in the future. Though food and money certainly fall into this category, they are only some of the ways our energy is manifested. We can conserve this most valuable asset by being aware of the choices we make and choosing only those that nurture and sustain us. This extends to the natural resources of our planet as well, using what we need wisely with the future in mind.

Saving and conservation are not acts of fear but rather affirmations of abundance yet to come. Squirrels accept life’s cycles, allowing them to face winters with the faith that spring will come again. Knowing that change is part of life, we can create a safe space, both spiritually and physically, that will support us in the present and sustain us in the future. This means not filling our space with things, or thoughts, that don’t serve us. Without hoarding more than we need, we keep ourselves in the cyclical flow of life when we donate our unwanted items to someone who can use them best. This allows for more abundance to enter our lives, because even squirrels know a life of abundance involves more than just survival.

Squirrels use their quick, nervous energy to enjoy life’s adventure. They are great communicators, and by helping each other watch for danger, they do not allow worry to drain them. Instead, they allow their curious nature to lead the way, staying alert to opportunities and learning as they play. Following the example set by our squirrel friends, we are reminded to enjoy the journey of life’s cycles as we plan and prepare for a wonderful future, taking time to learn and play along the way.” – Link to original article

Just another reminder to time out and time into play. Leave the worry-demons alone. They’ll always be there. But if you just sit for a moment and watch squirrels chattering up and around the branches and let yourself breathe in a little fresh air, let go of all the extra baggage that’s weighing you down physically and mentally and say “Nuts to worry!” I promise you you’re going to feel a lot better.

Here’s a great article by Caroline Myss, that reinforces the Nature Teachers philosophy so beautifully. If we all just stepped back for a moment and watched the natural world do its thing, you’d be amazed at how so many answers arrive at our question’s doorsteps. Whether it’s watching a bird building a nest, or a rock being solidly counterpoint to the pounding waves surrounding it, there is something of us within it all. Take a moment and you’ll see it too…

 

Building nests instead of walls.

I spent yesterday afternoon wondering when the seasons were going to change. The weather is so cold and spring is so late. Floods are penetrating the home areas of many people along the Mississippi. I cannot help but think how I would feel if I had been given the message to pack up my home, because in four days, it would be underwater. My God, how my heart hurts for these people. If ever you needed a reason to pray for the people you will never meet, you have it now.

While wondering about these global events, I noticed a bird beginning to build a nest on the lattice work that frames my porch. If I stand up, I can easily touch her nest. I never watched a bird build a nest from start to finish. I could not stop watching this unbelievable, exquisite, determined, strategic task. With each flight, she brought back a twig, a leaf, or something else, and wove it into her growing nest. Rarely have I sat in such stillness so effortlessly, as I did not want to disturb her.

I could never build such a nest, something so solid that it would withstand all the upcoming storms of the summer and the Midwestern winds. How is it that these small creatures know how to perform their tasks so perfectly? And how is it that we don’t?

What is it about our nature that makes us stray from our essential center point—the task at hand? I wonder…

Read the complete article here.

I hope you enjoyed this article by Caroline Myss as much as I did.