In all Things of Nature,
There is Something of the Beautiful!”
-Aristotle
To “bee”, or not to “bee”, that is the question for human and planetary health, as bees vitally support Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. Even before modern scientific understanding of these magical little creatures, their importance for our survival is evident in myth and folklore dating back thousands of years.
These hard-working insects symbolize fertility and life in many cultures around the world, with over 250, 000 species dependent upon bee pollination. The presence of bees signifies a healthy ecosystem as they radiate vitality, positive energy, and abundance, ensuring food security, nutrition, and sustenance of vibrant biodiversity.
Not only are we dependent upon bees for our survival, but we can learn healthy strategies for healing and happiness by emulating the sounds of these wondrous little creatures. When you buzz like a bee, hum, chant, or gargle you naturally stimulate your vagus nerve that is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat.
The vagus nerves are actually a pair of long, critical nerves that wander from your brain all the way down your neck, chest and abdomen connecting the brain to the body. When activated, these powerful nerves have profound effects on your mind-body-spirit.
Try “buzzing” or humming like a bee while exhaling as slowly as possible through your nose. Take long, deep inhalations, and even slower exhalations. Humming, or lengthened exhalation through the nose while making an “mmm” sound, generates positive vibrations—literally! Vocalization is one of the simplest scientific ways to regulate your nervous system.
New research shows that buzzing, humming, or chanting the word “om” wakes up the vagus nerves and helps put the body in a state of relaxation, reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, boosts mind power, provides mental clarity, and produces powerful neurochemicals such as oxytocin, the “love” hormone. Bees remind us that our goal in life is to produce sweetness, and to savor life’s sweet rewards in every moment for optimal wellness, joy, and a beautiful state of mind-body-spirit!
For more empowering strategies to optimize your healthspan, please refer to my book “Master Your Core” and share the buzz!