Of all the benefits of beekeeping, one aspect that isn’t always discussed among keepers is the sense of calm a keeper can experience during a hive inspection. Mindfulness is possible in all tasks in life, but to bring mindful practices to beekeeping helps the keeper as well as the bees.

Mindful Methods

The following are EASY ways to create a sense of mindfulness while working with bees.

1. Ahead of a hive inspection, a keeper may clarify their reasons for entering the hive. They may name their goals and imagine what success would look like. They may rehearse the movements they will use to inspect each hive body, and plan in advance where the woodware, hive tool, smoker, and frame hanger will be placed.

2. After gathering the necessary supplies and tools, a keeper may slow down to verify that they are properly protected and have a plan to escape potential dangers.

3. Lastly, a keeper may use techniques to put themselves in a calm state of mind. Methods may include simple breathing techniques, aromatherapy, a body-scan visualization, or a simple pause to sit with eyes closed.

Benefits

These activities help transform beekeeping into a meditation. which can enhance the moments of connection between keepers and the bees. Typically, fewer bees are injured or killed when the keeper feels calm and has the resources they need to handle surprises during a hive inspection. When fewer (or no) bees are killed during an inspection, guard bees are not alerted to the presence of the beekeeper through pheromones and less conflict may occur.