BEEHAVIOUR

I accidentally stumbled into the one-way portal of honeybees. On paper, the trajectory of my life would have been mind-numbingly working up the ranks of the superficial, corporate ladder. Well, I scrunched up that piece of paper, threw it over my shoulder, straight into the trash and embarked on what evolved to be a beautiful, reciprocal journey with the bees. An unpredictable path embedded with lessons that have transcended into all aspects of my life.

I would not label myself as an instinctive keeper of bees. I envied those stories of fellow beekeepers that described their experience as ‘love at first sight’ and that ‘it was meant to bee!’ Nope - not me.

My confidence grew as I started assisting my partner on all of his apiary errands and hive inspections. I did what I was told, absorbing all the information thrown my way, keeping my mind busy while I secretly panicked that I didn’t have a job because I threw away that piece of paper!

I was never scared of honeybees but I always feel a surge of adrenaline sweep through me when I take the roof off the first hive. The same buzz of energy I see during our beekeeping workshops. The instant the hive lid lifts, everyone’s inner child comes to life when they meet the bees and a collective gasp follows. The joy is contagious.

Admittedly, I was also an easily distracted apprentice. I was in constant awe of them and could watch them indefinitely if they let me. Honestly it took me some time and a lot of patience to find my own rhythm working with the bees. I eased through the practical and theoretical aspect of tending to the bees but I only truly began to resonate with the frequency of these complex creatures when I started to dissect the inner workings of a colony on a behavioural level. Something that can’t be taught, only observed and felt.

During the Spring and Summer seasons, bees have a short life-span of only about 4-6 weeks. Though their existence is fleeting, they live each moment fully, diligently fulfilling their duties. I’m a guardian simply to help them thrive and flourish in a world we continue to destroy. Keeping bees is an exercise in humility, but it also brings immense joy. I find myself constantly drawn to the enchanting parallels between the beehive and the human experience.

The complexities of these creatures demonstrate endless examples of how we can learn from the hive and navigate our daily ups and downs. Truthfully I found the bees at a time when I was neither happy nor healthy. However it was through a process of understanding, interpreting and adapting a ‘bee's behavioural blueprint’ to my own outlook on life that I started to unravel the lessons we can learn from their innate wisdom.

LESSON 1 - BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

In a beehive, a strong foundation is fundamental for survival, stability and future growth. Bees start by carefully drawing out wax comb, building hexagonal cells that will hold their brood, pollen and honey. It takes an enormous amount of time and energy—foraging for nectar, converting it into wax, and meticulously shaping each cell. Bees must consume about 8 pounds of honey to create just 1 pound of wax. In our own lives, the foundations we build—our habits, values, knowledge and relationships—shape everything that comes next. Skipping steps weakens the structure. Growth takes time and patience - a solid base isn’t built overnight. Be mindful of what you’re constructing. Strong foundations support big dreams.

Lesson 2 - COMMUNITY

The honeybee tribe is one of the most organised and super-efficient societies on Earth. Every bee has a role to ensure the continuation of their lineage. Together, they build, care for each other and raise the next generation in perfect harmony. They instinctively share resources and communicate clearly. They are selfless creatures, working without ego. This collaboration has allowed them to thrive for over 100 million years!

💛Bees don’t compete - they uplift their hive. What if we did the same?
💛Bees communicate and collaborate. They hold hands to measure and build comb. What if we worked together with the same unity?
💛Bees care for their home, keeping their hive clean and nurture the ecosystem around them. What if we treated our communities and planet with the same care?

We aren’t meant to go through life alone. The people you surround yourself with are truly deterministic. Strong communities create resilience, sustainability and success for everyone involved. Build something greater together.

LESSON 3 - A SISTERHOOD

In a beehive, the unbreakable bond of sisterhood is everything. Worker bees - who are all female - spend their lives caring for the colony, nurturing the young, feeding each other, and ensuring the hive thrives. There is no competition - only collaboration and care, as they lift each other up, work in harmony and share resources equally. Their strength and survival lies in unity. Imagine if we brought that same energy into our lives:
💛Support each other selflessly – When one bee is weak, others step in to help. We thrive when we do the same.
💛 Create spaces of empowerment – When women come together, the energy is unmatched.
💛 Celebrate collaboration over competition – Bees instinctively work together because they know survival depends on it. Imagine what we could build if we embraced that mindset.

There is nothing more powerful than women uplifting women—a sisterhood that nurtures, heals, and grows together. Sit together and raise a glass of Mead or share a honeyed cake. It took me a long time to find my own hive - my coven of sisters who never judge, only support. Sisterhood isn’t just about friendship - it's a safe space where we can heal, grow and thrive together. The hive is only strong because every bee shows up for each other. Feminine energy is unstoppable.

LESSON 4 - WORK IN HARMONY 

In the beehive, there is no ego, no competition, no division. Every bee knows its role, communicates with precision and contributes to the well-being of the hive. 
💛 What if we valued teamwork over individual gain?
💛 What if we communicated with clarity and intention instead of assumptions and judgment?
💛 What if we saw success as something to build together, not something to win alone?

Bees don’t waste energy fighting over who’s more important. They trust each other, rely on each other and move as one super organism.  Humans, despite all our progress, still struggle with rivalry, division and ego-driven competition. But the truth is, we thrive when we lift each other up, not when we tear each other down.

Collaboration over competition. Connection over division. Community over isolation. This is what the bees teach us.

If we worked in harmony- like a hive, like a sisterhood, like a true team - imagine what we could build.

LESSON 5 - DANCE

For honeybees, dancing isn’t just movement—it’s communication, collaboration and survival. Bees perform the famous waggle dance to share vital information, guiding their sisters to nectar-rich flowers with pinpoint accuracy. A rhythm of trust, constant connection and shared resources. If we embraced this wisdom in our own lives, we could communicate with clarity. If we shared knowledge and resources freely, we could help each other excel.

Dancing energises my body and mind - it’s about expression, connection and energy exchange. It breaks down barriers, fosters unity and reminds us that we are meant to move together, not apart. Just as bees use dance to navigate their world, we, too, can use it to find our rhythm in life. Waggle like a bee - dance to your heart's content.

LESSON 6 - PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES

Honeybees protect, nurture and care for each other. They groom one another, defend their home from intruders and even use a special plant-based resin (propolis) to keep everyone safe from disease. 

When danger strikes, a bee’s sting sends out an alarm, calling for backup. No one is left to fend for themselves. They show up for each other, no questions asked.
💛 What if we truly looked out for our loved ones, beyond just the occasional text?
💛 What if we made sure no one in our circle felt unprotected, unheard, or alone?
💛 What if we built a home, a “hive,” where everyone felt safe and supported?

A strong community is built with love, effort and a little bit of bee-like loyalty. Protect your people. Stand up for them. Find your hive. Keep them close. Defend them fiercely.

LESSON 7 - ADAPT

Life will throw curveballs. Plans change, challenges arise and sometimes we find ourselves in situations we never expected. But if there’s one creature that has mastered the art of adaptation, it’s the honeybee.

Bees don’t cling to one role forever—they evolve. A bee starts life tending to the hive, working as nursemaids, caretakers, cleaners, honeycomb builders, pollen packers and hive repairers. By the end of her life, she’s out in the world as a forager, gathering resources to sustain the colony. They will begin the public work of collecting water, pollen, nectar and propolis, then working with the house bees to appropriately store and utilize their goods. Bees are incredibly adaptive, responding to changes in their environment with resilience and innovation. When faced with new diseases, food shortages, changes in climate or natural disasters, bees adjust their behavior and hive management practices to protect their colony. This adaptability is a crucial lesson for us humans. It emphasises the importance of being flexible and responsive to external challenges. We too can use strategy to find innovative solutions to ensure resilience in the face of change.

💛 What if, instead of fearing change, we leaned into it?
💛 What if we saw new challenges as opportunities to grow?
💛 What if we trusted that even when life pushes us in a new direction, we’ll find our way?

Life is unpredictable. The job you thought you’d have forever might change. The relationships you built might shift. Who you were yesterday might not be who you need to be tomorrow. And that’s okay. The key isn’t to resist—it’s to evolve.

When you’re faced with an unexpected challenge, channel your inner bee. Be resilient. Be resourceful. Be ready. Trust that no matter what, you have the power to adapt.

LESSON 8 - WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

Every bee, from the forager to the nurse, the guard to the builder, plays a role in keeping the hive thriving. No one works just for themselves. Their survival depends on the success a carefully orchestrated team of workers.

💛 The bee that finds food doesn’t hoard it - she brings a droplet back to nourish her sisters before returning for more.
💛 The younger bees care for the larvae, ensuring the next generation is strong.
💛 The hive’s guards protect their home, knowing that safety isn’t just an individual privilege

Individualism, greed and ego has broken communities and countries. We need to be more selfless and work together. The diversity of roles within a hive ensures the efficient functioning of the colony, reminding us that individual strengths are essential for collective success. 

LESSON 9 - LEARN FROM OTHERS

Knowledge is power. In a beehive, wisdom isn’t kept - it’s shared. Every bee learns from those before her, ensuring the survival and success of the colony. From birth, young bees observe, absorb and apply knowledge passed down through generations.

💛 They learn from their sisters—watching how to tend the young, clean the hive, and store food before venturing out on their own.
💛 They communicate discoveries—when one bee finds nectar, she doesn’t keep it a secret, she dances to tell the others exactly where to go.

What if we shared knowledge instead of competing?
What if we learned from those who came before us and connected with our ancestral instincts.
What if we mentored, taught and uplifted others, knowing that collective wisdom is the key to progress?

LESSON 10 - EXPLORE

Every day, scout bees leave the hive in search of new food sources, flying up to 15 miles to find nectar-rich flowers. They don’t know exactly what adventure they will embark on, but risk their lives everyday. Curiosity fuels their survival. Exploration is essential to avoid starvation. A scout bee ventures out alone, searching for the best resources to bring back to the hive.

As humans we should also embrace exploration, not just in travel but in ideas, opportunities and personal growth.
We need to step outside our comfort zones - every new experience will help us grow. The bees remind us: staying stagnant and sheltered means missing out. Whether it’s discovering new skills, meeting new people, or chasing new dreams, exploration is how we blossom.

So be the scout. Step into the unknown.

LESSON 11- DEMOCRACY

Bees don’t just follow orders blindly. They debate. They vote. They decide - together.

When a bee colony needs a new home, the future of the entire hive depends on making the right decision. Scout bees explore different options and return to the hive to present their findings. They then engage in a kind of democratic debate—a waggle dance election—where the best location wins based on collective agreement, not dominance.

Even when choosing a new queen, it's not about power—it's about survival. The strongest contender emerges not through dictatorship, but through a process of natural selection.

Bees don’t silence dissent. They listen, evaluate and make informed decisions. Consensus leads to stability and every voice has value. Even the smallest worker bee plays a role in shaping the hive’s future.

💛 What if we valued debate over division?
💛 What if we made decisions based on facts, collaboration, and mutual benefit?
💛 What if we saw differences as strengths instead of threats?

Bees remind us that true leadership isn’t about control—it’s about listening, learning, and working together. In a world that often feels divided, their example shows us that democracy—real, functioning democracy—isn’t about one voice ruling over others, but about many voices weaving something greater together.

LESSON 12 - SAVINGS

Bees don’t live paycheck to paycheck. They plan, prepare and store resources to ensure their survival.

During the warmer months, bees work tirelessly to gather nectar, process it into honey, and store it in the hive. They don’t consume everything they collect—they save for the colder months when food is scarce. Without this instinct to prepare, the hive wouldn’t survive the winter. By nature, honeybees are resourceful.

💛 Are we setting aside what we’ll need for the future?
💛 Are we building security for ourselves and our communities?
💛 Or are we consuming everything as soon as we get it?

In a world that promotes materialistic spending over saving, bees remind us that true security comes from preparation. Just like a hive thrives because of its careful planning, we too can create a stable future—one small step at a time. Bees teach us the importance of living within our means, working consistently, and setting aside resources—not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of our community.

LESSON 13 - FOCUS

Laser-focused like a bee. Bees don’t multitask. They focus on one job at a time, diligently working—whether it’s gathering nectar, building honeycomb, or protecting the hive. Every movement has a purpose, every action serves the greater goal of survival and success.

💛 Constantly distracted?
💛Jumping from task to task without finishing anything?
💛 Procrastination problems?

Purpose drives productivity and discipline leads to success. Bees don’t waste time. They get the job done, no excuses. In a world full of distractions, work mindfully with intention. Be like a bee and find power in purposeful work.

LESSON 14 - SELFCARE

Bees are some of the most industrious workers on the planet—but even they understand the importance of rest and renewal.

💛 They groom each other to stay clean and healthy.
💛 They rest between flights to recover energy.
💛 They feed on the honey they create, ensuring they stay nourished.
💛 They huddle together for warmth and comfort.

What We Can Learn From Bees:
✨ Take breaks—rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity.
✨ Nourish yourself—physically, emotionally and mentally.
✨ Surround yourself with support—lean on your tribe when you need it.
✨ Carve a little time for yourself - a little self-care goes a long way.

LESSON 15 - SACRIFICE

Every bee is born to work. They are the ultimate workaholics. Though their lives are short, they are deeply meaningful. A LESSON IN PURPOSE + DEVOTION.

The Final Flight: As bees grow older, their roles change. Around a bee’s 41st day they become foragers—facing the harshest conditions and greatest risks to ensure the hive thrives. They push forward, knowing their work will feed and sustain future generations.

In a world that often glorifies individual success, bees remind us that true fulfilment comes from serving something greater than ourselves.

What We Can Learn from the Bees:
💛 Give where you can. Whether it’s time, love, or effort, what you contribute to others makes a difference.
💛 Lead with purpose. Every action—big or small—can serve a meaningful role in someone else’s life.
💛 Understand when to step up. Sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is put others before ourselves.

Sacrifice is not about loss—it’s about legacy. Like the bees, we have the power to leave the world a little sweeter than we found it.

If you enjoyed reading this blog, share it far and wide. If you want to learn more the rich folklore, history + timeless connections between humans + bees, check out our Magic of Bees Rituals Workshop!