“Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway.” ~Mary Kay Ash
A group of scientists from Oxford University conducted a study in 2009 to look at how bumblebees are able to defy gravity with their undersized wings. The study found that brute force rather than aerodynamic efficiency is the key to bumblebee flight. Dr. Bomphrey explains:
“Our observations show that, instead of the aerodynamic finesse found in most other insects, bumblebees have a adopted a brute force approach powered by a huge thorax and fuelled by energy-rich nectar.”
Those of us who are fighting injustice, extending compassion, and resisting status quo so that others can have dignity and hope have a lesson to learn from the bumblebee. This broken world will tell us that our wings are too small. But by pushing ahead we can continue to fly anyway.
The key we must remember is our fuel, our “energy rich nectar.” What is your fuel? What gives you energy? Where do you go to recharge? In what or who do you place your hope?
Suit up!
Bumblebee photo credit: Nick Layton Photography
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