I learn a lot from watching nature. Take geese for example. They have no complex language (as far as well know) and yet they seem to have the ability to maintain social cohesion. Maybe not as perfectly as some other birds but they do seem to function as a single unit. What’s more is that they seem to take turns at being the leader with relatively little conflict. If you watch closely as that V formation flies over or swims by they shift position with the leader creating a wake for the rest of flock to cruise in. I know the science of how it helps them to travel farther but it amazes me how there’s cooperation. I think that the secret is that each bird knows that their own well being is dependent on the well being of the flock. In turn, the well being of the flock depends on the well being of the individual. If the flock loses a member that means that the unit can’t travel as efficiently during migration. I think it’s the interdependency between leadership and followers that maintains the balance. That’s a lesson we should all learn.
Tag: inflection
A Peaceful Day On The Lake
Sitting on the bank in the warm August sun last year. Small birds swooped down and skimed the surface of the lake as they picked off insects. Dragonflies and Damselflies dart around and occasionally hover to check out the large creature in a fedora that had wondered into their hunting grounds. A large carp lazily floats up to surface and rolls back into the murky depths. Small feet scurrying across the forest floor. The dry leaves make it sound like a bear romping but it’s only a squirrel. He runs up the trunk of one of the trees so he too can get a good look at me. Then disappears with the flip a bushy tail. A shadow zips across my field of vision. It’s a red tail hawk. “That’s why the squirrel left in such a hurry ” I tell myself as I shade my eyes from the sun’s glare. The busyness of every day life melts away from my soul in the warm summer days by the lake.
Finding Home
It’s not about the size of room.
It’s not about the paint on the wall.
It’s not about the leaky roof or the creaky gate.
It’s being here with you that makes it home.
The Memory Of A River
From foundation of the world I came forth. Yes, I know the voice of God Almighty.
I remember the time before your ancestors came. And the time before those who first walked here.
As the ages passed this bounty was my joy to provide. My purpose in creation was providence.
I remember your laughter along my shores.
I know the names of every young boy who laid aside his responsibly to draw a fish from my waters.
I remember when your young maidens played and danced here.
I have worked without rest to deliver the boat and it’s cargo. My strength is yours to command.
I remember your struggles and the days when brother killed brother.
I remember the hard times when you had very little money and yet so much joy.
Today, I weep with you for I remember the things which you have forgotten.
Perhaps, if you can just put away your little black gazing box for a little while. Put it back in your pocket and pull the wires from your ears.
Gaze on my shores instead. Listen to the songs of birds and insects in the day. And, the frogs and crickets by night.
Do your legs remember running? Can you still feel the joy of racing the wind along my shores?
The melting ice will soon give way to a blanket of moss.
The warm sun will awaken the bloom and color will return.
Awaken yourself. Return to me. Come and play in my waters.
I am the River.
The Last Game
One of my private clients had me to follow his last season of high school football (American football) last Fall. After the last touchdown of the last game between rivals was over I was left with a bittersweet feeling. This was my home team and I played the same game in front of the same fans thirty years ago. As the crowd left the stands I gathered my camera equipment and prepared to catch the emotions outside of the locker room. I looked up and there was something iconic about the bag of popcorn left behind by a fan. I began to think about how important the game was when I played. Memories of “glory days ” gone by began to fill my mind. I had based my entire sense of self worth on the approval of the crowd. When it was over I was left with an emptiness and doubt. That’s the problem with depending on the crowd for validation. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sports team or a job or anything else. When the crowd leaves they take their approval with them and when there’s no more games or someone else is more skilled comes along all your left with is an empty stadium. But, if you base your self worth on what you have accomplished and your ability to take on the next challenge the approval of the crowd makes no difference. Your self worth comes from inside you and while there will still be disappointment and things that you wish had been different the crowd can’t take that from you. I think something that Bruce Lee was once credited with was the thought, Paraphrasing,”A trophy is just a hunk of metal. It’s what’s inside you that counts and if you know what it is then it doesn’t matter if the judges approve”. (As best as I can remember). And, it’s not success that determines what’s inside you. Sometimes the other person is just better. But, if you give your best efforts and try to improve then you’ve got good stuff inside.
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