Reasons: How nature shapes our lives
By Jena Ball
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” - William Shakespeare
As someone who once went into anaphylactic shock as a result of ingesting bee pollen (on the advice of a healthcare professional no less) I have great respect for the bees who brave the reproductive tracks of flowers to obtain it. For those who have never heard of Anaphylaxis, it’s a severe allergic reaction that causes the body to go into shock. Within minutes after eating the pollen, my eyes were swollen shut, my lips had ballooned out past the tip of my nose, and my airways had begun to close. Only the quick response of a friend - who got me to the emergency room in record time - and a very good nurse who found a vein the top of my hand - saved my life.
I mention all this because I’m someone who believes that things happen for a reason. Once I could breathe again I had to ask myself, “So why was a life and death scenario necessary to get my attention?” Honesty and a good therapist forced me to admit I was in over my head on many levels (Triathlon training, a full college course load, two part-time jobs, and a co-dependent relationship). An intervention was in order and nature obliged.
Fast forward some 40 years and I can now say that my near death experience was the start of a new career. I became fascinated with how, when, and where our lives intersect with and impact the natural world, and went on to study deep tissue work, acupressure, and color and sound therapy. I often encouraged my clients to take long walks in nature as a way to calm their bodies and minds.
I also worked as a copywriter for a company that sold bee-related products. At that job I learned that in addition to being essential pollinators, bees produce a variety of substances that enhance our lives. Below is a short, and I think fascinating, list.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced in the abdomens of worker bees. It’s secreted as scales, then collected and used to build honeycomb where honey and larvae are stored in the hive. Beeswax is used by humans as a lubricant, glaze, polish, and as a waterproofing gel.
Bee pollen is one of two kinds of food bees eat. It’s a mixture of plant and flower pollen and is a source of protein. Bee pollen is sold as a dietary supplement is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can cause allergic reactions in patients with asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergies to pollen.
Honey is the second source of food for bees. It’s made from nectar - a sugary liquid produced by plants. Enzymes in the bees' stomachs break the nectar down into two kinds of simple sugars - glucose and fructose. Honey contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and compounds from the flowers. Humans use honey as a sweetener in foods and as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial agent.
Propolis is a natural resinous product that is collected by bees from various plants and mixed with beeswax and salivary enzymes. Propolis is hard and breakable when cold but soft, flexible, and sticky when warmed. It is used to fill gaps, close holes, and build the beehive. Propolis protects the hive from microorganisms, spores, and mold. Propolis has been used by humans topically for treatment of wounds, skin ulcers, and rashes and, in oral form, to treat a variety of conditions.
Royal jelly is a milk-like secretion from the mandibular glands of worker bees that is used to feed larvae of workers and drones and, when given in larger amounts and for extended periods, for feeding and development of queen bees (fertile females). Royal jelly is frequently used in alternative and traditional medicine. Click HERE for more.
I also met and spent time with a beekeeper who believed that bee venom can be used to treat arthritis. Since I don’t have arthritis (thankfully) and had no desire to risk another bout of Anaphylaxis by allowing myself to be stung, I can’t offer a firsthand report. However, you can learn more from this article by the National Library of Medicine, and there are literally dozens of books on the subject. Just please be sure to consult a doctor before giving it a try.
Finally, I wanted to wrap up this venomous piece by sharing a delightful story from poet Andrea Gibson who had a remarkable experience after being stung by a wasp! Just click on the image below to see and hear her tell you about it.
About Jena
I am a writer, illustrator, and passionate advocate for both kids and nature. If you’ve heard of me or my Substack, Whales in My Backyard, you know that I have lots of stories to share about my adventures in the natural world. Some of my favorites include encounters with whales and dolphins (hence the title of the stack), owls, turtles, skunks, and a very sweet opossum. I am currently working on a serialized story (also on my Substack) entitled, “We Stand in the Middle.” I’ll let you guess what that is about ;-)
An Invitation
Many thanks to Jena for sharing her reflections on the role nature - particularly bees - has played in her life. We’d love to have you join us by sharing some of your own experiences in nature as a poem, Chat Walk, photo or a short essay.
We also invite you to join our AMP community. You can learn how to take part by clicking HERE. There is no obligation to share, but if you’d feel the urge, please email your submission to AgelessMindProject@gmail.com.
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Music Infused with Nature by Joshua Berrett
Curiosity and Love by Kate Morgan Reade
When I Die by Audrey Roth
Chat Walks by Jena Ball and Ginger Caldwell
Walking Meditation by Maria Brown
My Roots by Audrey Roth
Exploring Nature with Beethoven by Joshua Berrett
The Zen of Floofles by Lorraine Evanoff
Corresponding with Nature by Phil Youngblood and Lynne Berrett
True Synchronicity by Lorraine Tillbury
A Magical Beethoven Experinece by Joshua Berrett
Parallel Walking by Sheila Webber
Luminosity by Jena Ball
Chenonceau Castle by Lorraine Tilbury
My First Experiment by Lynne Berrett
Nature Journaling with Phil by Phil Youngblood
Rhythm as Old as Time by Gloria Horton-Young
Sing the Song of Your People by Jena Ball
Cultivating and Ageless Mind with Nature by Phil Youngblood
A Life Shaped by Nature by Phil Youngblood
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