I had the distinct pleasure, late this summer, of harvesting honey with a local beekeeper that dances with our BodyMantra community. Though I had some sense of what was in store for me – B-movie-inspired bee gear, complete with space suit helmet, and an afternoon of biceps burning, hand-spinning honey out of honeycombs – I had no idea that my conversation with the bees would continue well after the honey was jarred and sealed.

Since that time in late August, I have reflected numerous times on the power and wisdom of  bee colonies. Particularly, their unfaltering sense of community. Every drone, every Queen, every worker playing a part in the symphony of pollen gathering, egg-laying, honeycomb producing, and, of course, honey making. Without each of these moving pieces, the hive would not thrive.

And so it is with our support systems and communities. As we build the social systems that support and nourish us, it is imperative that we salute what each member brings to the greater whole. On the one hand, by taking the time to acknowledge our own, individual contributions to our circles of loved ones, we strengthen our sense of self and underscore how essential we are to the bigger matrix. On the other hand, as we recognize the skills, talents and offerings made by others, we are giving them permission to assert themselves as individuals while reinforcing the power of community in our lives. Much like the symmetry of a beehive and the honeycomb within, healthy communities embody a symmetry of exchange – as I give to you and recognize you as part of my support system, so will you do the same for me. We have simply to take the time and energy to harvest this great gift of community.