Be Part Of A Flock

As I was driving to drop my wife someplace this morning, I noticed some migratory birds (flamingos, I think they were) flying in a V formation.

I remember seeing a national geography feature long back about why long-distance migratory birds fly in the V formation.

As each bird in the formation flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird flying right behind it. Thanks to the flapping wings of the bird in the front, the birds behind experience lesser air resistance and expend lesser energy. And by flying in the formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Some of these flocks fly up to 1500 KMs a day.

When the bird at the head of the formation gets tired, it drops back to benefit from the upward thrust provided by the bird in the front, thereby saving its energy for the long distance.

As people, we are always a part of some flock- It could be family, workplace, or community. People who share a common vision and a sense of community can get to where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling in the thrust of one another.  

The trust we have in one another is the thrust that helps us move forward, reducing drag and resistance. We all need to be like birds, taking the lead to fly in front, to provide thrust and support to those who need it. When we need help, there will be others to provide support. The pandemic has shown us the virtue of being part of a community where people come together to support one another. The community is the source of strength for everyone.

Just like it is for the birds in the flock.