The world seems momentarily peaceful – the autumn gales have been horrendous.
My body is grateful for this temporary respite – a gentle wind is such a welcome change from the cold icy blasts that have beseeched the prairie lately. I exhale calmly. The windy onslaughts seem to be unleashed on the world when the urban inhabitants are uneasy – their angry fearful outbursts unbalance natural order with dissention. It is not global warming that beseeches the land; it is heated rage or callous icy innuendos that extricate the gales.
I breathe in clean fresh air as I follow a curvy path that leads south. It is the same direction the snow geese are following. The sun hits their feathery bodies and they shine silver in the calm fall air above me. I can clearly hear their calls as they fly above me in a familiar “V” pattern. Each member of the flock has their view unimpeded. All can see what lies ahead on their path. There are some geese that are falling behind. It is communicated to the leader. The leader adjusts its pace so that the flock remains together but it is still moving too fast and the flock honks out their distain.

snow geese photo cbc.ca
I observe in amazement as that same leader falls back and takes another position among the “V” pattern while another who adjusts more readily to a slower pace takes the lead. The transition of leadership was smooth and order within the flock was maintained. Some of those who were falling behind have now blended with the flock. Others who were struggling have moved higher up where they caught a powerful draft. It propelled them forward at a great speed and conserved their energy. They too have now melded in with the flock. These birds know how to share leadership, I think wistfully as they disappear from my view. This is wisdom. It has been imprinted in their DNA. The leaders will ensure the entire flock arrives at their Southern destination.
I take another small step and then another along the southern path. Before long I hear a sound of dismay above me. It is a lone goose. It trails far behind the original skein. Its wings are flapping furiously in an effort to catch the flock. I am a little gob smacked at the mistake I have made in assuming that the geese leave no member of the flock behind. But, just as this fleeting thought enters my mind, the goose is hit with a brilliant shot of sunshine. It glows with such brilliance that I must shield my eyes from its silver reflection. And, then I hear it. It’s like music to my ears. The song I’m hearing is another flock of snow geese entering the horizon from the north. They are gaggling loudly to the lone goose letting it know that it is not alone.
The lone goose slows its pace and joins the new flock on the right wing of the leader. It could have just as easily chosen the left wing. But, it’s DNA is engrained with tradition. Tradition will have these geese following a route that is tried and true. Tradition will get them to their destination safely whereas, a more radical route may have them lost, abandoned and fighting for their life during the winter months on an icy plateau. I understand now. This is trust. When trust and wise leadership are available, all recipients arrive safely at the destination because even the lost will find their way in an accepting flock.
Radical leaps forward are not for everyone. If the leader doesn’t listen to their flock or tries to out flank them, members are left behind. Everyone must travel forward at their own speed when questing but there is something to be said for tradition. A good leader knows when to fall back and let another more qualified move forward. Other groups may journey at slower pace but everyone is working reach the same destination.
A good leader considers the whole not just themselves. They lead with open minds that leave room for possibilities through the mirroring of each individual group member because each member is as an asset to the whole.
Life is a journey.
A southern quest is about movement and growth. These experiences lead to wisdom and are valuable lessons which can lead us towards warmth or serve as a helpful reminder that the world has a silver lining if we choose to see it.
As a color, silver is the balance between black and white. Silver has a bright and clear appearance and therefore represents qualities such as purity, clarity, and vision. It also symbolizes subtle strength. Silver is very versatile, strong, yet malleable. It can withstand abuse, weathering, and even heat. Silver is the metal of the moon and is influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides. It is considered a feminine metal and is also connected to the moon’s feminine energy. Silver has a soothing and calming effect. Like a mirror, silver will reflect negativity away from you providing protection and security. With silver’s ability to enhance the powers of the moon, it is known to help energize stones during the full and new moons. Like the moon on water, silver is a mirror to the soul.
I feel peace regardless of the leadership and situations that have been causing such chaos on our planet and breathe deeply of the crisp calm autumn air. The color silver has worked its magic.
As I step forward, I am blinded by a silver glare on my path. It is a small piece of clear quartz. I bend and pick up my trophy.
Quartz is the most powerful healing and energy amplifier on the planet. As master healer, it can be used for any condition. Combined with the attributes of silver it enhances subtle strength.
“The message here is that we ourselves can be flexible enough to be molded into something better — but strong enough to keep our core integrity intact.” Avia Venefica
Remember, the world is literally at your fingertips. They say it has a silver lining. Be a leader but be flexible. You have the strength. Take the first step. Start small. Start with yourself.
Be sure to Follow, Like, Comment and Share – The Trefoil Muse
Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for reading Olivia! 😊
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I’ll try to remember this if I ever run for political office. But I like the idea of being flexible, and allowing others to lead from time to time. I agree that it’s possible to do this while maintaining one’s integrity.
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I’m hoping someone I our Canadian parliament reads it and tries it out! Lmao!
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This is amazing! Truly and deeply beautiful! And wonderfully profound.
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What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much Nico! 💓
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Blessings.
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Have a wonderful day! 😊
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🙂
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Very good Nadine! Love the illustration of the lone goose and about being flexible, great lessons!
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Thanks! I’m so glad you liked it! 😊
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You are welcome, your words flowed so well.
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Awwhhh… you are always so kind! ❤ 💙 💜 💖
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☺💕
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