The Spiritual Lessons of an Echelon

10/16/2022

What is the Spiritual lesson of an Echelon, a formation of birds?

They work together and use the path that others have carved out through the wind so that they don’t have to figure it out all by themselves and waste energy for the journey. They all do that for and with each other. If I had to figure out everything alone I’d be very worn and make constant mistakes. But when people have shown me God's way it’s like a boost (it even feels like a rush of fresh air) that I can “fly” up onward and then maybe even help those around me, too.

“Spiritual lift” through positioning close and through an awareness of those nearby. “Drafting.”

Conservation and efficiency of spent energy as a result of our shared Life and helping keep each other correctly oriented and facing the Right Direction.

“Going it alone” doesn’t get you south in time for winter.

Yes to all that. I’m considering and I am reminded that the “lead bird” has to do a lot of the primary work, which is something to be deeply appreciative of, respectful of, and responsible toward for the sake of the others behind in the echelon.

I don’t know exactly how the physics works. But it seems like the middle birds are both benefitting greatly from the bird in front of them, while simultaneously helping those behind.

I looked up echelon and v-formation. The echelon also hugely increases our Vision and (due to less effort required) greatly increases our Range.

“According to a 1970 paper, in a V formation of 25 members, each bird can achieve a reduction of induced drag and as a result increase their range by 71%. In a 2001 Nature study, researchers used trackers on pelicans and yielded the results that pelicans flying alone have higher heart rate and flap their wings more frequently compare to those flying in V formation.

(This referring to all branches of the military...) Tactically, echelon formations are used because of the excellent range of vision offered to each participant in the formation. In particular, it is commonly employed by armored cavalry because of the large, overlapping fields of fire that it gives to each tank in the formation, and by combat aircraft, allowing them to communicate visually and maneuver as a single unit.

One article said the research was, “Showing that birds care about syncing their wing beats.” That feat surely “requires careful flight and *incredible awareness of one's neighbors*.”

So another way of saying that is that I can go 71% further in life by doing it TOGETHER with others who will protect me and help guide me, while I am also doing the same for others? And, if I want to “go it alone” and leave the echelon, the chances are heightened considerably that this arrogance or negligence or rebellion will damage my potential, or make me a target for a predator as their meal. My range or ability is absolutely diminished by 71%, while increasing the chances of getting totally lost and never reaching the intended destination.

Yes, that. I have experienced both sides of that. TOGETHER is BEST!

So for those who seem to always want to do everything their own way, and have their own opinions and judgments about everything... they should consider the photo and thoughts above.