I have a meditation app that I use off and on called Breethe. One thing it does that I enjoy is relaxing visualizations. The type of thing where they have you visualize your favorite place in nature, surrounded by your favorite things and enjoying the peace- that sort of thing.

I always imagine a secluded flower garden. (The Secret Garden is one of my all time favorite movies).

This secret garden’s seclusion is ensured by the outlining trees- big mature trees full of life. Inside is grassy paths that I can lay on, flowers of all types and colors growing wildly all over. The fragrant smell of those flowers- my favorite smell in the world.

Bandit is always there with me too, wandering the garden then laying on top of me like he does, gotta be close to his Mom.

And of course, what else? BEES.

I watch the bees buzzing from flower to flower in the tree above me and the flowers around me. I hear their soft and soothing buzz along with the birds in the trees. I watch the bees working, hypnotized by their focus and ambition.

This meditative visualization soothes my soul and grounds me. It’s my happy place.

When I lived in Coeur d Alene my favorite tree in my backyard would come alive with bees once a year and I got to experience this zen place. Since I’ve moved I haven’t experienced it again….until recently.

I was at my parents house for dinner and their tree in their backyard was blooming and? FULL OF BEES. My dear mother saw my excitement and told me to skip the dishes and go see the bees instead. I didn’t argue. 🐝 🌳🐝

I first approached the tree to make sure the blooms were indeed being visited by my tiny friends and when I saw they were, I did what I always do: my inner-child jumped with joy and my healthy-adult took a deep breath in.

The tree’s trunk and lowest branches were low to the ground so I decided to climb a few steps to be right in the middle of them.

I got settled in the crook of a couple branches and felt this secluded peace.

The bees were working in the blooms that surrounded me, I could hear their soothing buzz. I took in the experience for several minutes then decided I wanted to attempt to capture it. 🐝 📸 🐝

These girls were a bit camera shy, most didn’t come near me enough to fully capture them. 📸 🐝 But I found that taking pictures of them (or attempting to) was part of the excitement of the experience.

I’ve never been big into taking pictures but being around bees I’ve found I’ve wished for a better camera where I can zoom in and snap shots quickly. Amazing how focused bees are when they’re working- they don’t mind my presence at all- if anything they tolerate me and may be annoyed that I’m not a flower. 👩🏻‍🦰 🚫🌻

This blog is about my beekeeping journey but honestly more than beekeeping, I enjoy bees most when they’re just working in the wild. 🐝 🌳 🌸 🐝

I’m excited to chase down further opportunities this spring and summer to again be zen with the bees! 🐝 🧘‍♀️ 🐝

Pics taken my me in my parent’s backyard tree.

April 20, 2024