The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary 317
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 27 of our latest lock down. This morning the neighbourhood is cold with the winter freeze but soon we will experience the death of winter and the birth of spring, but also this morning in Ballinwillin we mourn the death and passing of Joe Mulcahy our neighbour, a legend in the music business and a founding member of the famous Maurice Mulcahy Band. A band that gave huge enjoyment to thousands of people worldwide. This morning our prayers are with his family, friends and neighbours. Now destiny calls Joe to a place of music where his trumpet will sound again for all our spiritual enjoyment, where his heart will always remain generous, all heavenly doors will open to his musical light as you now quietly befriend your death and you have no need to fear. You are among your own orchestra in the big band with your pure white suit you are now equal to your destiny and nearer to Earths heart. Rest in peace Joe. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 156
Last night I was sent a Whatsapp video of my grandson JJ humming/screeching to Pavarotti singing in the background and he kept going for the entirety of the song and even when the music had finished. This little fellow and all little ones like him are only blossoming into their creative little hearts and we must encourage them and the message I got from the magic little man was his performance may not have been amazing or dynamic but with him or any child a little encouragement could flicker a wick of creativity that could make all the difference in their life and ours also.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 51 out of lock down. Last night I was sent a Whatsapp video of my grandson JJ humming/screeching to Pavarotti singing in the background and he kept going for the entirety of the song and even when the music had finished. This little fellow and all little ones like him are only blossoming into their creative little hearts and we must encourage them and the message I got from the magic little man was his performance may not have been amazing or dynamic but with him or any child a little encouragement could flicker a wick of creativity that could make all the difference in their life and ours also. Without creativity all the lights will go out so anyone you meet today of any age say a few nice words of encouragement towards them and it will boomerang back to you many fold. What I witnessed from JJ was a spiritual action and all children are capable of doing this where they forget about themselves and move outside of themselves absorbed by spirituality. Continue to encourage, continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 155
This morning I was thinking about the creativity of nature and the power of nature, as I walked the fields the grass growth is phenomenal, all plants and trees are flourishing and to experience nature each day as I do, flourishing, is a reminder to me that we should all flourish each day and live our lives to the fullest and expose our creativity and power of expression because if we don’t, what other avenues of expression do we have?
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens at the beginning of another new day and new week and day 50 out of lock down. It is a wet and warm morning here this morning and this earlier I checked on my stag after yesterdays episode but he is fine. This morning I was thinking about the creativity of nature and the power of nature, as I walked the fields the grass growth is phenomenal, all plants and trees are flourishing and to experience nature each day as I do, flourishing, is a reminder to me that we should all flourish each day and live our lives to the fullest and expose our creativity and power of expression because if we don’t, what other avenues of expression do we have? When the creative spirit within us is released and given full expression, our lives are more relaxed, convivial and more joy filled. Creativity is one of our most richest sources of answers to many questions in our lives. So for today, do something creative that you have wanted to do for many a day or even years. Continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 154
One of our stags entangled himself in wire and it too Michael and I until 5pm to get him freed, risking life and limb but it was worth it and all’s well that ends well. It certainly changed the colour of my Sunday but in the end the stag ran off prancing towards his herd and Michael and I sat in the field and laughed out loud with exhaustion and it proved to me that we are all capable of living each day with joy and happiness no matter what the circumstances.
Good evening everybody and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 49 out of lock down. I am coming to you later today on this Sunday but we work daily on a wild animal farm and sometimes the unexpected happens and it did so this morning. One of our stags entangled himself in wire and it too Michael and I until 5pm to get him freed, risking life and limb but it was worth it and all’s well that ends well. It certainly changed the colour of my Sunday but in the end the stag ran off prancing towards his herd and Michael and I sat in the field and laughed out loud with exhaustion and it proved to me that we are all capable of living each day with joy and happiness no matter what the circumstances. Happiness is all about your relationship and friendship of course and it is the by product of pursuing some extraordinary purpose which we certainly had today and in this case contributed to the life of a master stag on our farm and it certainly brought to my mind this great feeling and reminded me that the most important primary relationship is with yourself so continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 153
This day and date will always be held in great reverence in West Limerick going back over the years and it culminated in a procession to our Lady’s well in Castletown Conyers where thousands of people would congregate and pray and receive blessings of Holy water from the well. There was a directional sign outside our house for the well also and every time I looked at the sign it always bent my mind to a little prayer which was lovely and heart warming.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful August 15th morning and day 48 out of lock down. This day and date will always be held in great reverence in West Limerick going back over the years and it culminated in a procession to our Lady’s well in Castletown Conyers where thousands of people would congregate and pray and receive blessings of Holy water from the well. There was a directional sign outside our house for the well also and every time I looked at the sign it always bent my mind to a little prayer which was lovely and heart warming. But always on this date when I looked on at the large crowd of people, men, women and children, all peaceful and all praying, I could not but be moved at the power of all this prayer, all this solidarity and now even in these difficult times how much prayer and standing together can bring great peace and health to our nation. So for today and in honour of Mary our Holy Mother, say a prayer for the peace and health of our nation and continue to send healing and blessings to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 152
Firstly take a deep breath and sit in an upright and comfortable position and close your eyes if you wish to do so. Then slowly whisper to yourself saying “may we be well, may we be happy, may we be free from suffering”, then call to mind somebody else you really care for and about. Bring them into your circle and always remembering to include yourself, only if you wish, and any others you wish to include.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 47 out of lock down. Today I am going to repeat an exercise I practice sometimes and that has been a wonderful calming influence on my life at Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens and now especially during Covid19 that is snapping at our heels all the time. Firstly take a deep breath and sit in an upright and comfortable position and close your eyes if you wish to do so. Then slowly whisper to yourself saying “may we be well, may we be happy, may we be free from suffering”, then call to mind somebody else you really care for and about. Bring them into your circle and always remembering to include yourself, only if you wish, and any others you wish to include. I find this a very gratifying and mindful exercise and as you continue to practice this exercise over time you will find yourself become more complete and full as a person and you will also find people will be drawn into your spiritual circle and will be doing to same for you and leading you further into a happy and peaceful “now”. continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and remember mindfulness is an all day, everyday beautiful way of life and don’t forget to wear your beautiful smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 151
We live in a changing world at the moment and some people say it is the now normal but we cannot believe this and we cannot accept this and we cannot allow our children and grandchildren to believe or accept this situation. If we expect to find nothing within ourselves due to the pandemic all we will find is emptiness and desperation.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful Thursday morning. We live in a changing world at the moment and some people say it is the new normal but we cannot believe this and we cannot accept this and we cannot allow our children and grandchildren to believe or accept this situation. If we expect to find nothing within ourselves due to the pandemic all we will find is emptiness and desperation. If we as a nation do not bring our eyes of creative expectation to the future world that is tomorrow, we will not find anything only emptiness. What we need to do is to look at things as we are the most powerful force, shaping our new world, our new life. In a vital sense, perception is reality. So for today and onwards, be powerful, be mindful, be peaceful and send blessings and healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 149
When I was out on the farm this morning, the excitement of the deer, wild boar and goats were all foraging in the new day and saying thank you to nature. We spend a lot of our time wanting to be in control of everything but animals in nature is nature itself being expressed where it seeks to establish balance and harmony rather than power and control.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on another beautiful morning. Day 44 out of lock down. When I was out on the farm this morning, the excitement of the deer, wild boar and goats were all foraging about with excitement early in the morning and welcoming in the new day and saying thank you to nature. We spend a lot of our time wanting to be in control of everything but animals in nature is nature itself being expressed where it seeks to establish balance and harmony rather than power and control. Nature does not seek glory and power it simply is being itself. When we honour nature we learn wisdom and it is wisdom that allows us to approach every day of our lives knowing that is has meaning and holds within it now possibilities for us. So today all of you out there do something no matter how insignificant to honour nature. Continue to pray, send blessings and healing to each other and wear your smile. Be mindful and thoughtful.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 148
Last night, and every night before I go to bed I always walk outside and look up at the nights sky and say a little prayer for everyone inside the house and people that come to my mind outside. I have mentioned this to you before and I love doing it and it gives me great peace and fulfillment and then I go inside, lock up, switch off the lights and retire but last night before I switched off the lights my mind was called to a framed photo of my Mum and Dad who have passed on for many years now but spirits live with us at Ballinwillin House
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 43 out of lock down. It is the start of another week and we are blessed with the weather. Last night, and every night before I go to bed I always walk outside and look up at the nights sky and say a little prayer for everyone inside the house and people that come to my mind outside. I have mentioned this to you before and I love doing it and it gives me great peace and fulfillment anad then I go inside, lock up, switch off the lights and retire but last night before I switched off the lights my mind was called to a framed photo of my Mum and Dad who have passed on for many years now but spirits live with us at Ballinwillin House. Last night I felt a huge presence of them in the room with me and it was beautiful. Two amazing people who lived their lives with nature and taught me so much about how to live my life in harmony with Mother Earth. But the best parts I remember about them was the best portion of their great life was the little, nameless and unselfish acts of kindness and love they showered on us, their children and their community.
We can all behave like Mam and Dad and continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that beautiful smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 147
Today I would like to talk to you about the old days and the old ways of my life in West Limerick and this was spurred on in my early morning meditation it was a simple life, simple acts of everyday life, rising and going to rest, the lighting of candles, the keeping in of the embers at night to rekindle the fire in the morning. Other aspects of our simple life like sowing, reaping, harvesting, buying and selling and of course life and death. These were all part of our Celtic ritual and the circle of life.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 42 out of lock down on this beautiful Sunday morning.it is mornings like this that we really appreciate living on the land and being able to meditate and relax in these beautiful gardens and remain close to Mother Earth. Today I would like to talk to you about the old days and the old ways of my life in West Limerick and this was spurred on in my early morning meditation it was a simple life, simple acts of everyday life, rising and going to rest, the lighting of candles, the keeping in of the embers at night to rekindle the fire in the morning. Other aspects of our simple life like sowing, reaping, harvesting, buying and selling and of course life and death. These were all part of our Celtic ritual and the circle of life. Life continuously flows and when we arise each morning and pull back the curtains or open the window, we let in Gods light, air and sun in the form of prayer. All we have to do is allow these gifts to uplift our minds, hearts, souls and spirits and we must always be mindful that if we raise our thoughts to heaven we will always have clear days because the sun always shines above the clouds. So on this beautiful Sunday let todays sun lift your spirits to warm your health of mind and body. Continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that beautiful smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 146
The Mindful Farmer is coming to you in the afternoon today and he is a bit lonely and somber. I have just returned from Dublin airport where our baby Elayne Bears left us for Abu Dhabi again to her teaching job, which she loves, but no matter how old our children are and no matter how old we are that bond between both runs very deep and until we meet again a place in my heart will remain unsheltered and exposed.
Welcome to Ballinwillin House Farm on day 41 out of lock down. When I say 41 days out of lock down for us, last night a new lock down was announced for the counties of Laois, Offally and Kildare and we all should pray for the 400,000 people whose lives are now thrown back into chaos and disarray. The Mindful Farmer is coming to you in the afternoon today and he is a bit lonely and somber. I have just returned from Dublin airport where our baby Elayne Bears left us for Abu Dhabi again to her teaching job, which she loves, but no matter how old our children are and no matter how old we are that bond between both runs very deep and until we meet again a place in my heart will remain unsheltered and exposed. I am old/young enough to remember the American wakes in West Limerick and I heard stories told by my Mum that when her sister Eileen was 14 years old she set sail for America in the famed Coffin ships many never to return, but she did 33 years later but never set eyes on her Mam and Dad again as they had passed during that time. We will hopefully, and God willing, and Covid willing, will see out baby again within 12 months and then with great celebration we will shine the light of our souls on each other as the sun catches us. Continue to pray for all in exile. Continue to pray for all in lock down and send messages and healing their way and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 145
We must always be awake to the ability to be surprised by who we really are deep down and from within ourselves. It is always the capacity for surprise that our inner wisdom will awaken in us if our heart and spirit is rested on the ground of Mother Earth
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm on day 40 out of lock down. Last night I watched a very beautiful documentary on Sean Boylan, the West Meath football manager and herbalist. An ordinary yet very extraordinary man. Have we all this quiet, dormant extraordinary ability and wisdom? Yes we have! We must always be awake to the ability to be surprised by who we really are deep down and from within ourselves. It is always the capacity for surprise that our inner wisdom will awaken in us if our heart and spirit is rested on the ground of Mother Earth and we rest and take peace to our heart. We will then find that the eyes of our eyes will be fully opened but our hearts and eyes will never be fully opened without the explosion of prayer from within. I know as I experienced it again yesterday. Believe me when I say that prayer heal all, so take the time and that is why I devote the gardens at Ballinwillin House to mindfulness, to prayer, to thanksgiving and to God.
Continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 144
Thursday morning is always a very busy and early one but I always take a little time to pray and meditate and prepare for the day and when it is very early and very peaceful your mind ambles always towards something profound. This morning was no different and what came to my mind this morning was the beauty within people and especially the people that I encounter and some people that marked my week so far with their beauty.
Good morning to you all and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 39 out of lock down. Thursday morning is always a very busy and early one but I always take a little time to pray and meditate and prepare for the day and when it is very early and very peaceful your mind ambles always towards something profound. This morning was no different and what came to my mind this morning was the beauty within people and especially the people that I encounter and some people that marked my week so far with their beauty. Some people try to stultify beauty by modelling themselves on others and maybe false people set by them or fashion, looks etc, but we should not torture ourselves with those false outer body images, we should nurture our own particular and unique beauty. We must nourish our bodies with healthy food and drink, nourish our minds with literature, art, good company and prayer, nourish our soul and spirit with silence, stillness, meditation and blessing. In this way we will rid ourselves of anxiety, anger and negativity and replace them with peace, joy and positive energy.
So for today, radiate peace and joy to all around you and continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 143
This morning as I sat in meditation I could not believe how quiet the morning was, even the birds were silent and I thought to myself how beautiful “quiet” is. The farm and gardens here at Ballinwillin House renews itself with gust consistently so that is does not become barren. We are all aware of the rush of the present life “the hurrying life”.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. This morning as I sat in meditation I could not believe how quiet the morning was, even the birds were silent and I thought to myself how beautiful “quiet” is. The farm and gardens here at Ballinwillin House renews itself with gust consistently so that is does not become barren. We are all aware of the rush of the present life “the hurrying life”. It is times like these in the quiet of early morning that I take time to reflect on who I am, do I live in the now? Do I lead a mindful life? And we must keep reminding ourselves to do so and not to stray onto the busy motorway of life and its stresses. When we came into this world we should help make it a good place to live in. So from today on rest by the wayside and when you rush you forget who you are and where you are.
Continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear your lovely smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 142
We must be very careful with our words. Words have great power to help, to bless but also to offend. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage a piece of yourself and the ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, so respect it!
Good morning everyone and welcome to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on day 37 out of lock down. Yesterday saw the passing of a great man, John Hume who brought about peace to our island. He convinced leaders across the world to support our peace process and with words not violence. We must be very careful with our words. Words have great power to help, to bless but also to offend. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage a piece of yourself and the ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, so respect it! Our modern world is a world of instant response and quick witted retorts are the order of the day now. But as you grow older and wiser it is important to do the following:- be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. The benefits of this discipline can help us all greatly. So today, choose your words carefully and kindly.
Continue to pray, bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 141
Earlier this morning when I was in the fields it was very quiet after all the excitement of yesterday and as I wandered through the fields a very beautiful butterfly caught my eye and called my attention to other beautiful wild flowers in the headland. This shared experience this morning and the beauty and happiness of yesterday teaches me how the shared experiences that I am so lucky to have in my life and on the farm and gardens intertwines with my life and my work.
Welcome to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on a beautiful Monday morning and day 36 out of lock down. It is the start of another week but a relaxing start as it is a Bank Holiday Monday. We had a beautiful day yesterday and relations came from all sides to Ballinwillin House Farm to celebrate JJs birthday and he looked amazing, resplendent in his beautiful suit and set off with his wine dickie bow. A truly wonderful occasion. Earlier this morning when I was in the fields it was very quiet after all the excitement of yesterday and as I wandered through the fields a very beautiful butterfly caught my eye and called my attention to other beautiful wild flowers in the headland. This shared experience this morning and the beauty and happiness of yesterday teaches me how the shared experiences that I am so lucky to have in my life and on the farm and gardens intertwines with my life and my work. When people and nature work in harmony they hold their heart together and never apart. So today, wander in your gardens, your fields or the woods near you and live with nature in the “now” and continue to pray, to bless and send healing to each other and wear that smile as it is full of sunshine today.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 140
Normally on this August Bank Holiday weekend we are celebrating our music festival on the farm but instead today we have two different and beautiful events to celebrate. 1 we are having our beautiful grandson JJs first birthday party and 2 we are celebrating the birth a few hours ago of a beautiful male baby deer born to Mary Anne, a mother who had been very sick all year and is now fully healthy again so today celebration is rafting through our veins at Ballinwillin House Farm
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this very beautiful morning and day 140 out of lock down. Sunday is always beautiful as it is our day of rest when the mornings work on the farm is complete. Normally on this August Bank Holiday weekend we are celebrating our music festival on the farm but instead today we have two different and beautiful events to celebrate. 1 we are having our beautiful grandson JJs first birthday party and 2 we are celebrating the birth a few hours ago of a beautiful male baby deer born to Mary Anne, a mother who had been very sick all year and is now fully healthy again so today celebration is rafting through our veins at Ballinwillin House Farm but also with these celebrations we must take time to appreciate what we have been gifted, these most precious commodities. In this action addicted society we must take time to live in the now and sit quietly in Gods presence and for those of us who do, blessings will flow like streams of living water through us. So today I am looking forward to having some quiet, blessed time together with my family. We should not try and fathom out the wonderful blessed things and occasions that happen to us. Instead, glorify and be delighted by what you have. So have a lovely, happy Sunday and give thanks for all the beautiful nature that has been gifted to us.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that Sunday best smile today.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 139
Today we are looking forward to having all the family together for a lovely weekend to celebrate JJ’s birthday tomorrow. It will be great having all the family together again since coming out of lock down. I really feel blessed that we have occasions like this to celebrate and as we are all aware, blessings are shared and passed onto each other every day in our group.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful Saturday morning and day 34 out of lock down. Today we are looking forward to having all the family together for a lovely weekend to celebrate JJ’s birthday tomorrow. It will be great having all the family together again since coming out of lock down. I really feel blessed that we have occasions like this to celebrate and as we are all aware, blessings are shared and passed onto each other every day in our group. When we bless, we share and put something of ourselves out there to someone in need and this allows change to happen in someones mind, heart and soul and it is very powerful so today be a channel of blessings to all you meet. It is very powerful and beautiful and we all have the power to bless - so do it.
Continue to pray and send healing to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 138
Today I would like to speak to you about caring. Yesterday I was visited in the gardens at Ballinwillin House Farm by some very caring people and later in the day on my Neighbour Food visits I again met some wonderful people who really care about others and me and I thought to myself “wouldn’t it be a wonderful society if all of society would adopt this wonderful attitude but adopt it naturally
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful morning with the sun shining brightly between massive showers and day 33 out of lock down. Today is a very exciting day in our family. Today, one year ago, our beautiful grandson JJ was born. An amazing and very beautiful little man full of energy and life thank God. Celebrations will be held over the weekend when work quietens down. Today I would like to speak to you about caring. Yesterday I was visited in the gardens at Ballinwillin House Farm by some very caring people and later in the day on my Neighbour Food visits I again met some wonderful people who really care about others and me and I thought to myself “wouldn’t it be a wonderful society if all of society would adopt this wonderful attitude but adopt it naturally, where service wasn’t a duty but a way of life, a way of love, compassion”. Such a society is possible. All we have to do is to wish for it and mean it. God pours the love and the life into all of us and all we need to do is be available and open to it. Today, show this simple attitude to all you encounter and be caring. It can change the world.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 137
Yesterday I was lucky enough to be in the company of two very compassionate people. We all know that giving with compassion is not easy to some people. It is not easy to know the pain and feel the hurt of another. Sometimes compassion asks us only to sit and be with someone, to wait patiently, to understand and experience their helplessness.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this very wet morning and day 32 out of lock down. This morning I am going to talk to you about compassion. Yesterday I was lucky enough to be in the company of two very compassionate people. We all know that giving with compassion is not easy to some people. It is not easy to know the pain and feel the hurt of another. Sometimes compassion asks us only to sit and be with someone, to wait patiently, to understand and experience their helplessness. Other times we need to show our compassion by doing things, to go that extra mile. Sometimes compassion asks us to receive graciously from another who is in need of our receptivity and our vulnerability. What is important in our lives is that we do not live in vain and to learn to be unruffled by loss, gain, joy or pain. Today, show some compassion to someone out there and for many days to come.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 136
With so many of our ancient traditions now in ruins it seems that the customs of fostering the home and community has been lost. Consumerism has ravaged us and propels us towards lonely and isolated places especially mentally. Technology pretends to unite us but what message does it really send us? It distances us from our real lives and homes and speeds us towards this so called “Global Village” that has no roads or neighbours.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this very wet morning and day 31 out of lock down. Today I would like to talk to you about our worlds and our world pre 2020 and the so called new world post 2000 and now. This subject was prompted during a RetrEat yesterday at Ballinwillin. In the new world there seems to be a huge hunger to belong. With so many of our ancient traditions now in ruins it seems that the customs of fostering the home and community has been lost. Consumerism has ravaged us and propels us towards lonely and isolated places especially mentally. Technology pretends to unite us but what message does it really send us? It distances us from our real lives and homes and speeds us towards this so called “Global Village” that has no roads or neighbours. It is a faceless, impersonal landscape from which all individuality has been wiped out. Are we this type of people now in the midst of this pandemic? The traditional Celtic Irish Island people or are we Hollywood, plastic and false? It is time to stand up and be who we really are, true celts who worship all this is good and sacred.
Continue to be mindful, continue to pray, bless and send healings to each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick