Optimize your Beekeeping Potential
FEATURE
Zen and the Art of Beekeeping
If you are a beginner beekeeper – the journey you are about to take depends on the reasons you want, need or have to keep bees.
You will get stung.
That is an inevitable fact. Furthermore, the start-up process might be costly (hive, suit , smoker, tools) and then the learning process of demystifying the smokescreen where beekeepers are to be found can be a long and possibly expensive one. But these these start-up troubles will also soon be forgotten.
It will become easier over time. Less messy – more calm and considerate towards the bees.
Ignorance of beekeeping will eventually slip away – making you a good companion to talk to – and to learn from about bees.
It is entirely possible to go the youtube way – make your own tools, hives and even remove your first swarm of bees.
But what if there were more to it?
What if beekeepers were born by being in the shadow of an older or more experience beekeeper – witnessing how they express their custodianship over these creatures? What if in that moment in-between the stinging bees, the bee smoke and the beekeepers voice – beekeepers were born?
Off course – these are great what if’s. But a worthwhile pursuit and the sum of a meaningful ponder.
The first time I put on a bee suit and confronted a strong swarm of bees – I honestly though I was going to die.
To make matters worse, the beekeeper made no haste of finishing his hive inspection or honey harvesting.
My bee suit disappeared from my body. Every bee that landed on me was a threat. My ample childhood stings assured me that I was not allergic – but draped in white – I still remained enemy to the bees on my first fateful day as an aspiring beekeeper.
And so, the process came that I donned the character of a beekeeper, leaving behind, at the entrance of my first open hive, and in the shadow of a real beekeeper- the psychological remains of a once fearsome man whose intrigue none the less drove him to the frontline of the bee kingdom.
In Retrospect, was it worth it?
Was it worth taking the risk to propose the woman – whom I though might think too little of me (as I was in needed of greater portion of looks) – to ever accept my proposition for love? Yes it was was worth it. When I uttered my first words of love to her I died like a man – but days later, found the rays of love and life in her eyes.
Never did I know that the idea of a better half would be proven with her presence in my life. Just over 10 years of marriage, she made me into the man I am, and into a dad – a few times over. I love her now more than ever. And although she would not want to be compared to bees – the analogy remains: certain relationships gets better over time. With beekeeping it is no different.
Your knowledge of the honey flows and the unique taste and characteristics that goes with it – makes you a better custodian of nature, a better friend, neighbor, colleague – dad, husband, son and brother – the same applies to a woman beekeeper.
Well, its also nice to be considered a source of sweetness – seems every friendly gesture towards you is an act of bribery, knowing fairly well that they need to be remembered when you have a harvest of honey.
Bees is also a business – but for now, for the purpose of this writing I’ll stick to the art side of it. For even love captures through romance.
Thus, if the idea of beekeeping refuses to let you go – perhaps you have been captured. Bee prepared for the inevitable.
For there will be no other way to restore the balance than to become a beekeeper.
Riaan Hendricks is a beekeeper in the Savannah biome of Limpopo. He was the Founder of the Limpopo Bee Industry Association and the creator of the South African Bee Forage Calendar – a freely available strategic planning tool allowing beekeepers command over major agricultural and nature forage in their localities. Resulting in more sustainable beekeeping livelihood practices.
Great post Riaan! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.
Hi Manrich. You are most welcome!
Well written! Love the passion. Keep going!