Think like a Bee

Life is unpredictable. And it has proven to be even more so in the year 2020 until today. “According to Darwin’s Origin of Species, it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself,” Leon Megginson (1963). In simple terms, Darwin is trying to get across that it’s essential to be resilient if you want to survive. The dictionary defines resilience as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; to pose a toughness: an example would be – the often remarkable resilience of so many British institutions.

Another definition is the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; its elasticity: for example, nylon is excellent in wearability and resilience. Resilience is also the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like. The past two years have tested our human resilience in many ways. Not only do we continue to face the daily challenges of being alive, but we continue the decade-long battles against humanity of modern-day diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. In addition to this, a novel coronavirus that our most innovative minds have not been able to eradicate yet. All of us on this earth are being challenged somehow on either our mental health, physical health, or wealth issues. Some of us have lost loved ones, others have lost their businesses, and others suffer emotional and mental breakdowns. Our only salvation is our ability to tap into our resilience – our internal skills to keep us alive, well, and functioning.

According to experts, resilience is only possible when you live with the following principles:

– Purpose: The understanding that you are active and live with intention

– An open mind & heart: The knowledge that things happen for a reason and you are ok with whatever comes your way. You can either work with it, around it, or through it.

– Self Awareness: Self-understanding of your character. Know your strengths and improve your weaknesses.

– Trust in a higher guiding power: Having faith and trust.

– Live in a community with a healthy support system.

Most individuals may iterate these points in daily conversations and share relevant and inspirational quotes on social media feeds and profiles. The question that comes to mind is: Do we really live by these principles and practice them wholeheartedly? Perhaps we have self-awareness and live with an open heart and mind, but do we live in a community with a healthy support system? Do we each have that group of people that shroud us with unconditional love, giving, and true friendship?

Most living beings thrive in communities. The strong protect the weak, food sources and water are shared, and no group members stand alone. Similar to bees in a beehive. We can learn from bees that living in a supportive community is key to resilience and living a wholesome life experience regardless of our adversities. Through bees, nature has prepared an awesome template from which we can learn.  Bees collect nectar to produce honey. Similarly, the nectar of our collective existence can create life-sustaining programs, businesses, and global projects.

Imagine the amount of good that people could do if we joined efforts like the bees. Imagine if we united forces and eagerly responded to the needs of others. How would the world be if we loyally served those around us: our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our fellow citizens?

The world will be a better place if we embrace our #Resilience and #Think_like_a_Bee

References

Megginson, ‘Lessons from Europe for American Business’, Southwestern Social Science Quarterly (1963) 44(1): 3-13, p. 4.