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 360
I pray a lot when I'm gardening and it reminds me that the dawn of the year is nigh and brings hope. We will have longer, brighter days, more growth, more colour, more fragrance. It all symbolises hope and hope is beyond what we can imagine because we all know that spring always comes around.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 70 of our latest lock down. The Mindful Farmer is doing a bit of work in the gardens these days. Shovels, rakes, hoes and hedge trimmers are all coming out of storage. The soil needs to be nourished, the plants need pruning and looking after, seedlings need to be planted and so on. In Ballinwillin we have a lot of mature hedging and this requires a lot of work, some of my signs in the Thinking Path need repair after the winter storms, but March and April, with our help, allows all that is beautiful in the garden to fall back into shape again. I pray a lot when I'm gardening and it reminds me that the dawn of the year is nigh and brings hope. We will have longer, brighter days, more growth, more colour, more fragrance. It all symbolises hope and hope is beyond what we can imagine because we all know that spring always comes around. Do we realise that it is always different? Always more beautiful? So today, let us bless and celebrate the coming and the imagination of spring. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your Wednesday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 359
Each day we become older, do we become wiser? I have my doubts at times. You are who you are and if you live life through your heart in my book that's living. We are always in a constant state of growth irrespective of our age. Growth comes from the mistakes we make, the challenges we face, the people we meet, the risks we take, the setbacks we experience, the opportunities we take.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 69 of our latest lock down. Each day we become older, do we become wiser? I have my doubts at times. You are who you are and if you live life through your heart in my book that's living. We are always in a constant state of growth irrespective of our age. Growth comes from the mistakes we make, the challenges we face, the people we meet, the risks we take, the setbacks we experience, the opportunities we take. How we grow depends on how we receive what comes our way. It is important for us all to live in the now and be like we are meant to be and laughter always breathes joy through our souls. 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 358
It is another beautiful and sunny morning here at Ballinwillin House and this beautiful morning sun is with us to celebrate a great day - International Women's Day and speaking from a male perspective we all owe a great gratitude to our mothers. There was a heading in this week's Farmers Journal "there would be no farming without women" and this is true. The women on the farm were always the back bone of the farm. In life our mothers voice was the first home sound we listened to before we could see.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 68 of our latest lock down. It is another beautiful and sunny morning here at Ballinwillin House and this beautiful morning sun is with us to celebrate a great day - International Women's Day and speaking from a male perspective we all owe a great gratitude to our mothers. There was a heading in this week's Farmers Journal "there would be no farming without women" and this is true. The women on the farm were always the back bone of the farm. In life our mothers voice was the first home sound we listened to before we could see. Her nearness always filled the air, always nurturing and fostering. We are all formed from the depths beneath a woman's heart. They know us inside out - we could not grow anywhere else and her presence was always a sheltering tree where our tender hearts could rest. So for today think of all the women out there who have helped us and shaped our lives and say a little prayer for them. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear a smile for all women.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 357
The open fire was the counselling centre and we all had our say and issues were dealt with and we got on with life the following day. Nowadays many houses have no fireplaces, no counselling centre, no cinders to remind us in the morning that our problems had been dealt with and many of them were not real problems just built up images of nothing.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 67 of our latest lock down. Last night as a family we sat around an open fire and had a good old discussion about many things but in particular the present health condition of The Mindful Farmer and I could not help remember that this was how we always dealt with issues and problems in the old days back home in West Limerick. The open fire was the counselling centre and we all had our say and issues were dealt with and we got on with life the following day. Nowadays many houses have no fireplaces, no counselling centre, no cinders to remind us in the morning that our problems had been dealt with and many of them were not real problems just built up images of nothing. I know people will say "what about fossil fuels" but we only burn fallen trees that a many hundreds of years old and the ashes return to the soil and the flames drink the air and release in us all that is enduring and breathe a new and refreshing urgency into our life where the flames have burnt away all that is false. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your Sunday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 356
Hope is not optimised - it is what we have when optimism fails us. Hope is our ability to see through false optimism of our time. It is the ability to see the reality of despair in the world and yet being able to see that all is in tune with the divine purpose of creation. We all love to pursue knowledge in our life and it is said that every day is a school day and we learn something new everyday. But maybe it is just as wise to drop something every day in the pursuit of wisdom.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 66 of our latest lock down. Hope - we all need hope in our lives to survive and live on. Hope is not optimised - it is what we have when optimism fails us. Hope is our ability to see through false optimism of our time. It is the ability to see the reality of despair in the world and yet being able to see that all is in tune with the divine purpose of creation. We all love to pursue knowledge in our life and it is said that every day is a school day and we learn something new everyday. But maybe it is just as wise to drop something every day in the pursuit of wisdom. At this time of year the hidden bulbs are driving forth with force out of the hard ground to please us with beautiful spring flowers but in time our innate wisdom will blossom for us all too and the good will be visible in all of us. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your weekend smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 355
On this day seventeen years ago and around this time Dad passed away to his spiritual reward but he is always by my side spiritually everywhere I go and every thought I have. It is fitting that his body returned to the clay in March as together we always broke the soil in March and prepared the soil for the planting of vegetables and he would always hold the clay in his hands and get me to smell it. He would say "isn't this beautiful, isn't this magical"
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 65 of our latest lock down. Another beautiful morning again this morning and The Mindful Farmer is feeling a little sombre this morning but in a happy way if the two fits one and I will help you understand why. On this day seventeen years ago and around this time Dad passed away to his spiritual reward but he is always by my side spiritually everywhere I go and every thought I have. It is fitting that his body returned to the clay in March as together we always broke the soil in March and prepared the soil for the planting of vegetables and he would always hold the clay in his hands and get me to smell it. He would say "isn't this beautiful, isn't this magical" and then we would work away and turn the soil together and as I would watch my dribbles of sweat pouring into the soil today I will shed a tear into the soil in warm memory to a great Dad who was widely reputed in his area to be the best workman of his time. I have inherited his genes but could not be fit to tie his shoelaces with regard to determination and work ethic. Today I do not need to weep your passing but my tears may meet yours in our eternal soil where we will meet in our safe place in our hearts where no storm or pain and suffering can reach us and may you always reign beside our family where your smile brightens and your kindness glows. Miss you Dad. Continue to pray, bless and power healing and wear a kind smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 354
It is a form of security for all of us. It can be likened to diving into a sea of cold water but doing it anyway and then suddenly enjoying the experience. It is like a new security as you swim with abandon and freedom. We can now fulfill new voyages so that our new life can awaken and call out for its new freedom that will give way to a new and deeper generosity in all our lives and a new surge in our lives.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 64 of our latest lock down. I firmly believe that we all believe in some God and we trust in that God no matter what and trusting also in the universe. It is a form of security for all of us. It can be likened to diving into a sea of cold water but doing it anyway and then suddenly enjoying the experience. It is like a new security as you swim with abandon and freedom. We can now fulfill new voyages so that our new life can awaken and call out for its new freedom that will give way to a new and deeper generosity in all our lives and a new surge in our lives. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your Thursday smile. Today is World Book Day 2021 and I would highly recommend The Choice by Edith Eger a great Hungarian woman who coined a great phrase "even in hell, hope can flower".
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 353
It is another beautiful morning here at Ballinwillin House as hope grows, as life emerges from the darkness of Mother Earth and her winter wings. After the long, dark days of winter and waiting our perseverance has been rewarded and what was hidden is now beginning to creep up over ground. From now on we will have colourful surprises everywhere on the land and in the garden. It will be brighter and brighter each day from now on.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 63 of our latest lock down. It is another beautiful morning here at Ballinwillin House as hope grows, as life emerges from the darkness of Mother Earth and her winter wings. After the long, dark days of winter and waiting our perseverance has been rewarded and what was hidden is now beginning to creep up over ground. From now on we will have colourful surprises everywhere on the land and in the garden. It will be brighter and brighter each day from now on. This is the opportunity for us to be brighter and lighter each moment. This beginning has been quietly forming, waiting to emerge. Are we all ready to emerge this spring? I believe so and I pray for the blessing of the coming of this wonderful time and let us nurture the dream of this growth time. Power healing to all who need it and wear your Spring smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 352
My wish for today and every day from now on is, God willing, to make the courage today to live the life I would love and to postpone my dreams no longer but to do at last what I came here for and waste my heart or fear no more. Now there is plenty to think about for us all today and into the future.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 62 of our latest lock down. Another beautiful, crisp, fresh morning here this morning. The birds are in full chorus and you can actually see everything coming alive right in front of your eyes. I can feel my body and mind really coming alive today and I am happy to risk being disturbed and changed. My wish for today and every day from now on is, God willing, to make the courage today to live the life I would love and to postpone my dreams no longer but to do at last what I came here for and waste my heart or fear no more. Now there is plenty to think about for us all today and into the future. 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 351
It was a frightening experience, not for me but for my family but now I must march forward once again with the usual determination and even though my destination is not quite clear yet I have to trust the promise of this new beginning and I pray for the strength and spirit for this awakened adventure where I can hold nothing back and I learn to find ease with new risks in life and hopefully I will be led home to a new rhythm where the soul senses the exciting new world that awaits me and where I will be able to see the kindness in every heart.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 61 of our latest lock down. It is another beautiful morning here this morning and the beginning of a new month - the spring month of March. It is fair to say that February was a difficult month for The Mindful Farmer and it is two weeks today that I was taken away by the heart ambulance. It was a frightening experience, not for me but for my family but now I must march forward once again with the usual determination and even though my destination is not quite clear yet I have to trust the promise of this new beginning and I pray for the strength and spirit for this awakened adventure where I can hold nothing back and I learn to find ease with new risks in life and hopefully I will be led home to a new rhythm where the soul senses the exciting new world that awaits me and where I will be able to see the kindness in every heart. 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 350
Nobody will see today as you do, why? Because each and every one of us is unique, our vision is unique. How we view everything and each day is ours and ours only and it is up to each and every one of us to create and complete our day full of happiness, joy and thanksgiving. On this Sunday get a glimpse of heaven in a beautiful flower, we can hold it in the palm of our hand and eternity in every minute. Let us all bless the imagination of the earth.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 60 of our latest lock down. Another beautiful morning, another beautiful and welcome Sunday and when I look out my window of wonder this morning what do I see? One thing is for sure that no one will see it like I do that's for sure. Nobody will see today as you do, why? Because each and every one of us is unique, our vision is unique. How we view everything and each day is ours and ours only and it is up to each and every one of us to create and complete our day full of happiness, joy and thanksgiving. On this Sunday get a glimpse of heaven in a beautiful flower, we can hold it in the palm of our hand and eternity in every minute. Let us all bless the imagination of the earth. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and continue to wear your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 349
The mind needs blessings to heal and no matter what torments, or what demons haunts us, when we are blessed the fruits of healing ripen within us and suddenly a natural and peaceful serenity awakens within us and surrounds us like a warm blanket to comfort and heal us.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 59 of our latest lock down. It is a lovely, fresh morning here at Ballinwillin House this morning and as I look out my window of wonder this morning I notice that the yard is scattered with crows and they nibble on the small pebbles of the avenue. They have to consume a certain amount of stone each day for their digestive system into their craw. I then think at times that our minds are like crows, they pick up everything that glitters no matter how uncomfortable they get and take it back to the nest. We too fill our minds with an abundance of unnecessary rubbish. The mind needs blessings to heal and no matter what torments, or what demons haunts us, when we are blessed the fruits of healing ripen within us and suddenly a natural and peaceful serenity awakens within us and surrounds us like a warm blanket to comfort and heal us. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and continue wearing your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 349
We all plant our gardens in hope and anticipation and accept that while we can anticipate problems, even disasters, we cannot control them as Mother Nature is controlling larger forces than we can comprehend and understand. When I plant a tree I am always stricken by the age of the clay, the ancient soil that holds the secret and memories of generations.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 58 of our latest lock down. As I look out my window of wonder this morning and gaze out at my newly planted orchard and grandchildrens playground I feel a huge sense of happiness and gratitude. We all plant our gardens in hope and anticipation and accept that while we can anticipate problems, even disasters, we cannot control them as Mother Nature is controlling larger forces than we can comprehend and understand. When I plant a tree I am always stricken by the age of the clay, the ancient soil that holds the secret and memories of generations. I am warmed by the feel and smell of the earth and as I now wait for the warmth of spring I pray that the combined dreams of The Mindful Farmer, grandchildren, children, family and the sacred earth will all combine and together remember within us the ancient clay and hold our memories for all seasons. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and continue to wear your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 347
I now understand that I have travelled fast and hard over the ground of life and now the time has come for me to rest up and time for my soul to take me back. It is time to stay clear of those with vexed spirits and learn to live more with people who respect and understand human nature and stay in a safe place where calmness can claim me.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 57 of our latest lock down. The Mindful Farmer is not feeling great this morning. You really notice when the rhythm of your heart becomes hectic. There is only a time before the strain will snap and then all unattended stress falls in on the body and the soul like an endless weight. I now understand that I have travelled fast and hard over the ground of life and now the time has come for me to rest up and time for my soul to take me back. It is time to stay clear of those with vexed spirits and learn to live more with people who respect and understand human nature and stay in a safe place where calmness can claim me. It is time for me to be excessively gentle with myself and that is my advice for all of you out there today. 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 346
It is another windy morning here at Ballinwillin House as I gaze out my window of wonder and I see a sign on the Thinking path "when it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for stars". No day is ever the same, thank God, no day stands still .Each day moves through a different territory awakening new beginnings. Every day moves forward in moments and once that moment flickers into life it vanishes and is replaced by the next.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 56 of our latest lock down. It is another windy morning here at Ballinwillin House as I gaze out my window of wonder and I see a sign on the Thinking path "when it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for stars". No day is ever the same, thank God, no day stands still .Each day moves through a different territory awakening new beginnings. Every day moves forward in moments and once that moment flickers into life it vanishes and is replaced by the next. Therefore it is very important to live in the now and for the now and be thankful for all we have in this life and may all our thoughts be blessed with true and pure light. 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 345
When I spend this time alone I realise that the shape of all our souls is unique and that we all have a special destiny here and behind the facade and falseness of everyday life that we will come to realise that there is something beautiful and eternal happening to all of us.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 55 of our latest lock down. This morning as I look out my window of wonder and as I am all alone I feel the silent intimacy of solitude. In silence we begin to hear the voice of our intuitive heart which is a voice we never hear in the noise and bustle of daily life and strife. What also comes to mind is that this time I spend alone and in silence can dissolve and shorten the distance between us, the outside world and the other people and even the whole universe. When I spend this time alone I realise that the shape of all our souls is unique and that we all have a special destiny here and behind the facade and falseness of everyday life that we will come to realise that there is something beautiful and eternal happening to all of us. 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 344
When we truly notice things and take notice of their shape, smell, colour and form they can create resonant memories for us that we can carry with us to other occasions that are not so pleasant or hopeful. It is up to all of us to reach inside ourselves and find our own power sources. A courageous heart will go forth and engage with life despite confusion and fear. A forgiving heart has learnt the art of liberation.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 54 of our latest lock down. On this Monday morning as I gaze from my bedroom through my window of wonder I notice life in the plants and trees that wasn't there last week. They are preparing for growth and we can too if we allow silence and solitude nourish us which can prepare us for all types of adversity. When we truly notice things and take notice of their shape, smell, colour and form they can create resonant memories for us that we can carry with us to other occasions that are not so pleasant or hopeful. It is up to all of us to reach inside ourselves and find our own power sources. A courageous heart will go forth and engage with life despite confusion and fear. A forgiving heart has learnt the art of liberation. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and a very special thanks to all of you out there for your messages of good wishes and health emails, mass cards, phone calls - it is very comforting and healing. Thank you and bless you all. Wear your smile from an emotional, mindful and grateful farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 343
Today I hope to visit the garden. I don't have enough strength to work the fields yet but please God it will come. Today I am even more grateful for its gift than I ever was but a new day is not a gift we produce for ourselves. At daybreak a new light comes and a whole day is born and it is always different because of our reception of it. The daily routine may be the same as every other day - it is how we face it that makes all the difference.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 53 of our latest lock down. We all know that The Mindful Farmer always loves Sunday as it is a special day and a partial day of rest after a busy week on the farm but now that I have to slow down I am really looking to more days of rest where I can devote more valuable time to my family, great friends and even myself. Today I hope to visit the garden. I don't have enough strength to work the fields yet but please God it will come. Today I am even more grateful for its gift than I ever was but a new day is not a gift we produce for ourselves. At daybreak a new light comes and a whole day is born and it is always different because of our reception of it. The daily routine may be the same as every other day - it is how we face it that makes all the difference. Today is totally new and a totally new morning where we can feel the rush of light flow slowly into our hearts and may we all feel the colour and feel the stillness and calm of a new found world. Later today I hope to show you something amazing in my garden - watch this space. 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 342
At times like this it really warms my heart and soul to think back on the precious time spent with my grandchildren planting these trees. It always amazes me how intrigued they were at such a young age to get their hands dirty and "help" plant everything. They were full of delight and enjoyed their spins in the wheelbarrow too.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 52 of our latest lock down. This morning as I gaze out my window of wonder I see my freshly planted orchard and I feel a great sense of happiness and warmth. At times like this it really warms my heart and soul to think back on the precious time spent with my grandchildren planting these trees. It always amazes me how intrigued they were at such a young age to get their hands dirty and "help" plant everything. They were full of delight and enjoyed their spins in the wheelbarrow too. It helps me to look back at these happy times while I am recuperating at home after my hospital stay. I always think that it is very important to acknowledge the tough times but not to dwell on them. It is the happy memories that will get me through this tough time. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and continue to wear your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 341
Today as I lie here in my bed I look out my bedroom window and today I am looking at different mountains, the Galtee mountains, and I ponder on my dark invitation to my present illness. It was a frontier I was not expecting and suddenly my old life seems distant. I must start a new life and I pray I will be given the chance. Nothing before this has left me so isolated and lost. I know when the volcanic shock subsides in me my spirit will return to balance and create a space in my heart and will learn to embrace this illness as my teacher who has suddenly arrived to open up my life to a new world.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre on day 51 of our latest lock down. Well The Mindful Farmer is back at home under strict medical conditions and medications. It is lovely to be back in your own bed but I must say that the team at Clonmel hospital were amazing. What particularly shone through was the kindness and sincerity. These people aren't trained this way. It is natural for them. What a wonderful vocation they all have. They will always be in my prayers. Today as I lie here in my bed I look out my bedroom window and today I am looking at different mountains, the Galtee mountains, and I ponder on my dark invitation to my present illness. It was a frontier I was not expecting and suddenly my old life seems distant. I must start a new life and I pray I will be given the chance. Nothing before this has left me so isolated and lost. I know when the volcanic shock subsides in me my spirit will return to balance and create a space in my heart and will learn to embrace this illness as my teacher who has suddenly arrived to open up my life to a new world. Continue to pray, bless and power healing to all who need it and wear your smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick