September Newsletter

Killer bees respect Heart Rhythm Meditation

I invited my husband on a relaxed hike Sunday AM (Sept. 26, 2004) in a canyon outside Tucson -- to enjoy time together and take his mind off of his upcoming heart surgery (this Wednesday afternoon).

We were about 45 minutes into the canyon, away from all vehicles and buildings, very beautiful and quiet, when we were suddenly swarmed by aggressive African honeybees. These are a non-native species which have driven out the gentler native bees of this region. We never saw a nest or whatever triggered their fury, but all at once there were hundreds buzzing furiously.

Luckily (given Daniel's heart condition) it was me they focused on, perhaps due to my more colorful clothing or a scent from my shampoo, etc. There was no water to duck into and no place to take shelter and no way to outpace them. I had already been stung about 8 times when I did the only thing I could think of. I simply sat down on the ground and began long slow inhales and exhales in rhythm with my heartbeat.

Immediately, the aggressive swarming, buzzing and stinging switched to more calm activity -- the bees watchfully buzzing around me, with only one more sting as I sat completely still, not even attempting to swish them away.

It was an amazing change! After they had calmed down and many had dispersed, I stood up and walked slowly away from where they had attacked -- escorted by only a dozen bees instead of hundreds. About 50 yards away, we sat down on cool granite boulders and had a picnic, with no bee companions whatsoever. I have always liked bees and have been accustomed to them from childhood, but this new more aggressive variety will take some adjustment to get along with. It was quite an experience, this morning outing. The stings really burned, but I had no other adverse reaction and Daniel DEFINITELY had his mind off his surgery for awhile!

There is NO doubt in my mind that calming our minds and breath and entering into a rythmic state with our heartbeart in Heart Rhythm Meditation DOES have a very tangible effect on the world around us.

love, Zamiat

Dr. Bonnie G. Colby
Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics
The University of Arizona

See our website for more great articles on the Heart.

Consider IAM Teacher Training, October 16-18, 2004, in Ipswich, MA.