APICULTURE OR MEDICINE FOR A SOUL

“The bee is domesticated but not tamed.” — William Longgood

When people mention beekeeping, they usually think of delicious honey. That is true and that is the result of good and balanced beekeeping, but the real symbol is special bond between honeybees and people who take care of them. It is not just hobby but passion. It is not just outdoor activity but kind of art. The honeybees are the only insects that produce healthy food for humans, and they keep this Planet, together with other pollinators, alive.

I never thought I would be, one day, beekeeper. I even didn’t think I could do it since this is complex topic with lots of challenges. The bees are sensible and sensitive creatures that suffer silently. If we do something wrong, we see it when it is too late and the colony dies, leaving you with empty hives and empty heart. That’s why it is important to have basic knowledge about handling bees, recognizing their needs and meeting the requirements they might have to lead happy life. Those little insects are holding the future of our Earth, of our future and of our civilization. They are not running to achieve awards, to earn money and to be famous but they are still unreplaceable. Their role is significant and one of a kind, sharing the heritage of pollinator´s duty.

Beekeeping is spiritual practice that requires calm mind, lack of anxiety and being in present time. It is not just working on getting honey but on the whole harmony from the beginning till the end of the bee´s year. This means providing bees with good hives, taking care of their capacity issues, health and mood. I find so cute the legend “Telling the Bees „which  considers sharing all important family news with bees and making them part of the family. In that way, they feel involved and they stay.

The ancient Egypt believed that bees are born from the tears of Sun God Ra  and Celts claimed that the bees are messengers between life and death. No matter which culture, the bees have been always seen and treated like something divine and those who could manage them- were special people – beekeepers, the translator of Gods words and messages.

What is so special about beekeeping? I would say all. From the moment you start doing the work with bees, you are immediately connected with little creatures with big impact. I have never really thought that one insect, actually the only insect that is making or producing food for humans , could be responsible for the future of our planet. We have been all informed that pollinators are importing but not many of us know that bees redirect our life and existence as well as food diversity and environmental perspective. If we don’t have our bees, we would live like in special space shuttle , with basic food and nutrition, pushed to the edge of immune system rebellion. So, the beekeeper you see that is taking care of honey bees is not only there for taking out honey or propolis but also for keeping bee hives alive and on the move, keeping honeybees significant as they really are.

The problem is that those precious fellows wouldn’t manage without our help. Due to the parasitic diseases, like Varroa mite ( destructor ) , habitat loss and pesticides , honeybees aren’t capable to survive on their own. Even the wild colonies don’t know how to deal with diseases, lack of food for winter and harsh climate changes. There is a beekeeper who is jumping in and helps . This person is not greedy as some vegan extreme cults try to show. This person is to guide and lead the colony in difficult time, as outside helper. Inside, the colony know the rules and there is a queen who is regulating the system as long as she can. If not capable, the bee organism will replace her with new and better one and if she isn’t there, bees will create her. Inside mind and soul must go on. On the outside level, bees know that beekeeper is there to give hand of support when all seem to be lost. That is special bond. Not all beekeepers are ethic and focused on well being but majority is pretty much aware that bees are special animals and that taking care of them is sacred job. The bees give us more than honey , bee bread, Gelee Royal or bee venom. They give us trust and form with us the spiritual connection.

When I go to my bees , I talk to them. I tell them if I am upset or worried, if something bothers me. They don’t reply but I know they hear me and I know they understand me . Their buzzing and humming in the background is almost like needed formula for my nerves. It is like calming down mechanism. I see each bee as alluring living form that is contributing to the world, in one way free from egoism. They do all what they can to make beehive better and happier. They support their sisters, brothers and mother as long as they are all for one, for colony. They do fearless job every single day, risking their life to protect that’s what is above them – life of the bee system. Even if they die, the new bee is keeping going , always more and better.

I am still at the beginning of beekeeping journey but my heart is already singing the song with them. I missing my bees even when I see them flying around. I miss their joy and love for community , I try to learn from them how to be better human and better part of the compassion circle we all hope to build on.