When we see ants and bees out in the world, we often see just one. However, this belies the reality of their situation. More than any other species, ants, and bees function as parts of a whole. They cannot survive as individuals. They survive as members of a group. The group’s survival is the implicit goal of each individual’s life. There is no concept of life outside the group.
Humans, on the other hand, often strongly value individuality and negatively associate ants and bees with a lack of independence. And yet, we can learn valuable lessons if we look closer at these amazing creatures. Ants and bees can teach us a lot; from the lessons learned, we can band together with others to work for a higher purpose.
Most ants and bees have highly specified roles within their communities. Some are biologically dictated and work within their roles’ confines without complaints and blame games. They never wish to be something else other than what they are. In this way, they symbolize self-knowledge, dedication, and humility. They also display selfless service as they work for the common good. In many ways, they are like the individual cells of one body, living and dying as necessary to preserve the integrity of the whole body, not to protect themselves as individuals. In this way, ants personify the ability to see beyond one’s small self to one’s place within the greater whole, and the ability to serve this whole
selflessly.
Ants and bees can inspire us to fully own what we have, feel contented, and offer our resources for the betterment of those around us. Let’s imagine that, we put our time and resources in the pursuit of a goal that will benefit all of humanity, whether it be
raising consciousness about the environment, feeding the hungry, or raising a
disadvantaged child. Each child has a certain talent, and may simply need a helping hand for nurturing reasons. Some have the skills we have acquired, Others have special gifts. When we bring all these together, we become one part of a greater organism working to better the whole world. By doing this, we honor and implement the wisdom of ants and bees in good spirits.
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