To Bee

A beautiful costume jewellery bee pendant sits around my neck as a reminder of how to be. Like the bee this way of living is finite and fruitful.

According to aerodynamics the bumble bee is not built to fly. But nobody told the bumble bee so she frantically flaps her wings believing she can fly and is airborne with positive self belief. Bees, like us, live in an interconnected community where each individual contributes to the survival and success of the group. Buzzing words of constructive encouragement can give flight to individuals dreams – this positive example can inspire a community.

How often are we told it cannot be done? Until that barrier is broken. What courage it takes to leap into the unknown to stretch ourselves to fly without compass or bearing to create a precedent. My Nana Queenie was my example of flying to create a new life. On her bowling ball there sat the picture of a bee.

To be, the capacity to hold a space, to embody being, to not move around like a swirling tornado of doing. Frequently I get caught in the habit of scurrying in doing mode attending to do lists. Not heeding the now, living in the future missing the present. Fatigue, frustration and fallout follow. Being, not doing, is the simple solution. The art of stillness, of tuning into the breath and coming home to my body, hush, motionless, calmly holding the present. Sensing the nature that surrounds me; warmth of sun on skin, flight of butterfly, shrill of wattle bird, smell of gumtrees – all lost in the peak hour of to do.

The bee does buzz around busily … and … it sits still on a flower petal enjoying the sweetness of life to make honey. In yoga and meditation we have the opportunity to follow the bee’s example to be present and still.

To get to the point of stillness sometimes we need tools, assistance and to give ourselves permission. Creating rituals to let go of daily stress – whether a long shower, walking the dog or lighting a candle – helps us to be. Boundaries that protect this space enable one to reboot, undisturbed. Receiving body work such as Bowen therapy lets the body and mind attune back to harmony. The stress that has tied your body into a pretzel of pain may still be there after a session. The difference will be you are in a space to negotiate this and have energy available to think of choices.
The movement of bees is with purpose and focus providing a service to the environment in pollinating the flowers they come into contact with. This energising deliberate movement is an example to us in how to be singular in our task orientation. To stop enjoy the flowers and sweetness of life. Our nectar can be in many forms: friends, food, nature and complimentary therapies.

So let us Bee