November 1, 2025
If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.
Einstein
When I was a kid, I was terrified of bees. I remember when I was 6 or 7 years old, going to check the mail, opening up the mailbox and seeing a couple bees inside, buzzing toward me. I managed to get the mail but dropped it at the front door as I ran inside. I felt a bee at my legs, near my ankle, and I swatted it away as its stinger was about halfway inside. I cried for a long time. And thus accelerated my fear.
Now I love bees. I think they are one of the most magical creatures in our world. The simplest way I have found to slow down time is to watch them work. To really watch. And when you stop to watch them, you’ll see, there’s nothing to be afraid of. They are doing their job. They are focused. They are working hard. You are nothing to them, unless you try to stop them from their job. Then they must deal with you.
But, if you are still, and kind, and respectful, you can get right up to them as they hover from flower to flower, stamen to stamen. You can see their dance up close. Behold. And be filled with nothing but gratitude and awe, for a creature so small can do so much. There’s inspiration everywhere.