Thanks for writing this, it clarifies a lot. I'm trully intrigued by 'that which gives you balance.' How did the learning journey, specifically from the bees, evolve once the land transitioned to Mi'kmaq stewardship? Did the understanding of balance shift from personal to collective?
An excellent resource on this question is the linked article about the land back initiative. It’s a beautiful commentary on this topic. How a movement that has been largely characterized by institutions and governments issuing apologies for past harms, could actually be generating new realities through personal commitments—sharing land, opening up access, transfers of ownership at the individual level. Systems change begins in hearts and minds.
For the Dreschers, many years of deep spiritual practice, land stewardship, and relationship building with Mi’kmaq leaders formed the basis of this change. Only Jim could say whether the bees provided any additional encouragement. ✨
I would love to know more about how the land in Nova Scotia continues to evolve. The Dreschers continue to live in their home on the property (at last account) and so I’d imagine Jim could still be keeping bees by the lake. Or may tend them alongside new leadership. It’s far from home and has entered a new era, but maybe I’ll get to check back in some day!
In terms of transformation and balance, I think it’s always a body of work at all levels at once. Personal wellbeing reflects the collective and vice versa. I see the bees as models and teachers of this concept. They tend to one another as individuals, they forage alone, they learn on their own, and the wellbeing of any bee often reflects the wellbeing of the colony. Balance may have something to do with walking in both realities at once. Tending to self, family, community, and society as you can in each moment. Drawing on all levels as a compass to guide intentional action.
I’d love to hear whether this resonates for you. Or where you have observed these dynamics.
What’s your take on balance at the personal and collective levels?
Thanks for writing this, it clarifies a lot. I'm trully intrigued by 'that which gives you balance.' How did the learning journey, specifically from the bees, evolve once the land transitioned to Mi'kmaq stewardship? Did the understanding of balance shift from personal to collective?
An excellent resource on this question is the linked article about the land back initiative. It’s a beautiful commentary on this topic. How a movement that has been largely characterized by institutions and governments issuing apologies for past harms, could actually be generating new realities through personal commitments—sharing land, opening up access, transfers of ownership at the individual level. Systems change begins in hearts and minds.
For the Dreschers, many years of deep spiritual practice, land stewardship, and relationship building with Mi’kmaq leaders formed the basis of this change. Only Jim could say whether the bees provided any additional encouragement. ✨
I would love to know more about how the land in Nova Scotia continues to evolve. The Dreschers continue to live in their home on the property (at last account) and so I’d imagine Jim could still be keeping bees by the lake. Or may tend them alongside new leadership. It’s far from home and has entered a new era, but maybe I’ll get to check back in some day!
In terms of transformation and balance, I think it’s always a body of work at all levels at once. Personal wellbeing reflects the collective and vice versa. I see the bees as models and teachers of this concept. They tend to one another as individuals, they forage alone, they learn on their own, and the wellbeing of any bee often reflects the wellbeing of the colony. Balance may have something to do with walking in both realities at once. Tending to self, family, community, and society as you can in each moment. Drawing on all levels as a compass to guide intentional action.
I’d love to hear whether this resonates for you. Or where you have observed these dynamics.
What’s your take on balance at the personal and collective levels?