While most homeowners hire exterminators if they see insects around, some people actually enjoy
raising bees. What makes these little bugs so popular? Take a look at the positive qualities of bees and
meditations on how you can develop these attributes in yourself with these meditations inspired by bees.
Meditation on the Honey-Making of Bees
Honey does so much more than taste delicious on your morning toast. It has all kinds of applications for
medicine and manufacturing. Ponder ways you can sweeten your experiences and put your resources to
good use.
- Inventory your strengths. Make a list of the activities that you excel at. Look especially closely at
the ones that you enjoy. Maybe you’re a talented pastry chef or a dynamic public speaker. - Pick a task you avoid. Now, switch gears and focus on your least favorite tasks. Do you dread
vacuuming the stairs or attending staff meetings? - Change your approach. Applying your signature strengths can transform a dreary job into
something more interesting. If you’re a Pilates fan, do lunges while you vacuum. If you love giving
presentations, volunteer to give your colleagues an update on the latest news in your industry.
Meditation on the Busyness of Bees
Bees have to pollinate 2 million flowers to make just one pound of honey. If you want to be more productive,
figure out what’s holding you back and clear the obstacles out of your path.
- Fight laziness. Most valuable achievements require significant effort. Weigh the costs of
procrastination. Compare how you feel after an evening spent watching TV or doing something more
productive. - Encourage teamwork. Bees accomplish so much because they divide up their labor. How can you build
more cooperation at home and work? - Boost your confidence. It’s easier to exert yourself when you believe that your struggles will pay off.
Review your past victories, including those that surprised you. - Aim higher. Set new goals that will stretch your skills. Choose something feasible, but demanding. Maybe
you want to go mountain climbing on your next vacation or return to school to complete a professional
certification.
Meditation on the Gentleness of Bees
Bees seldom fight with other creatures unless they’re feeling threatened. After all, they usually die after
stinging someone, so that’s a big deterrent. While the consequences of losing your temper are rarely so
extreme, they can still be unpleasant. Meditate on keeping your cool.
- Slow down. It’s easier to stay composed when you resist the pressure to rush around. Scale down your
to-do list. Create morning and bedtime rituals that remind you to take care of yourself and appreciate
your surroundings. When tension builds up, stop and take a few deep breaths. - Generate compassion. Notice the challenges that others are struggling with. Forgive them when they
disappoint you. Give yourself credit for trying when you make an error, and learn from the experience. - Negotiate conflicts. Of course, disagreements will still pop up. Resolve to act promptly to talk out
differences and make reasonable compromises. - Set your clock. While it may be difficult to remain calm for the rest of your life, you can set a time limit
that’s within your reach. Decide to remain poised for an hour or an afternoon even if your car breaks down or your child loses their retainer. Gradually, peaceful responses will become a habit.
As the bee population declines, we’re becoming more aware of how much the world depends on them.
According to some estimates, bees pollinate about one-third of our entire food supply, which amounts to
about $20 billion a year in free labor. Let bees inspire you to work hard and give generously