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 86
last evening out in Johns Mountain I was walking by the river and when I do so I like to mindfully step into the river and feel the coolness of the passing waters and we all know that you cannot step twice into the same river and in a matter of seconds both you are the river are different.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and Gardens. Another dull morning here and hopefully it won’t rain and I can bale some hay. But time is flying isn’t it? Even in these difficult times. Yesterdays Monday is now meshed into todays Tuesday and the weeks and nearly half the year has passed. Time cannot be cut with over exhausted scissors no more than the names of the days of the week are washed away in the waters of the night and late last evening out in Johns Mountain I was walking by the river and when I do so I like to mindfully step into the river and feel the coolness of the passing waters and we all know that you cannot step twice into the same river and in a matter of seconds both you are the river are different. The river is the ideal of continuity – it holds and preserves the fluency of continual change and yet holds the one form. Just like our experiences of yesterday, the moments, the people we meet and the work we did, all passed just like the flow of the river. That is why we must appreciate the time in “The Now”, become just like the river, our moments are flashing past and we must enjoy every moment and be mindful and kind to people that we meet as we may never meet again. Hold that thought very firmly today and every day.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 85
When you think about landscape it is not just there, it took millennia to come here. Landscape is the first born of creation and it was here long before we were ever dreamed of. It was here without us and it watched us arrive and invade its privacy but we all know that the world would be impossible without landscape.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. The weather is improving and looking good for my hay crop this week. I know you may think “will this hay season ever end” but it goes on always for a while every year but it is a very important part of my life and farming. This morning as I was out in Johns Mountain I could not but notice and inhale the landscape of this farm and area. When you think about landscape it is not just there, it took millennia to come here. Landscape is the first born of creation and it was here long before we were ever dreamed of. It was here without us and it watched us arrive and invade its privacy but we all know that the world would be impossible without landscape. Then the question I ask you this morning is why do so many of us not notice or pay attention to landscape and its display and array of natural beauty? Why do so many of us abuse, raid and rape it? Is the answer ignorance or greed or blindness or a combination of all three or do we believe we own it? I believe landscape is too shy to answer us as it has lived so long and so elegantly without us it always holds a watching eye but never intrudes. It is always so still and silent and beautiful. So the next time you are out for a walk or a drive, pay attention to the landscape around you as it will hold your mind if you ask it to.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 84
Yesterday as I was out in the meadow I was being mindful and noticing all that was going on and all the birds alighting onto the bare cut fields and digging for worms and singing as they went along. I was also noticing the fragrance of the sweet scented meadow as it was alive and breathing softness in my direction.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Still a little dull here and not good for my crop of hay so I am praying hard for fine weather so all of you out there help me out here. Yesterday as I was out in the meadow I was being mindful and noticing all that was going on and all the birds alighting onto the bare cut fields and digging for worms and singing as they went along. I was also noticing the fragrance of the sweet scented meadow as it was alive and breathing softness in my direction. It was refreshing to my heart and kept me reminded that I am a child of Mother Earth and she was breathing life into the nature all around me. Soon my animals will be able to consume the gift of the hay and its sweetness and richness that flows from Mother Earth. So as we pray for fine weather to save this golden crop I hope my eyes with desire will fill the barn and what a beautiful sight it is to see a full barn at harvest time. But this sight can sometimes be lost because it is a simple, usual and annual sight that may seem worn by our usual and casual eyes. We should not take such wonder for granted and indeed all other wonders like life, happiness and health.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 83
This morning I would like to talk to you about “gratitude”. Yesterday I must confess was an exceptional day. The people I encountered were all so kind and helpful with a problem we had on the farm and it certainly made a huge difference to my day and to those around me and since then I have been sending gratitude and prayers to them for their kindness.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm. It is cold here and very windy. This morning I would like to talk to you about “gratitude”. Yesterday I must confess was an exceptional day. The people I encountered were all so kind and helpful with a problem we had on the farm and it certainly made a huge difference to my day and to those around me and since then I have been sending gratitude and prayers to them for their kindness. When people are kind to you it creates a very positive feeling in your heart. It creates a ripple because it encourages you to do something kind to the next person you meet. In our modern and present world, gratitude can be like the discovery of a fresh well. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could all re discover our power to show gratitude to all we meet and help us along our way from this day forward and show it in a meaningful way.
Continue to bless, pray and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 82
I am well surrounded by the company of my animals but I really miss the company of our guests at Ballinwillin House and I really look forward to having them all back once lock down is over. The company of our guests from all over the world gives us all energy and warmth at Ballinwillin House.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. It is quite cool here this morning and not good weather for my hay. This morning I am going to talk to you about “company”. The company of people because I am well surrounded by the company of my animals but I really miss the company of our guests at Ballinwillin House and I really look forward to having them all back once lock down is over. The company of our guests from all over the world gives us all energy and warmth at Ballinwillin House. We all lived in one anothers company when the guests stayed with us for their duration and reasoning. Each one of them brought their own stories to our breakfast table and our dining room table. Many of them might be burdened for some reason but we always shared with them our help, advice or comfort, sharing is caring and is very important. Also our own growth and knowledge and development was greatly improved by their contributions. I believe we all lead better lives when we share in the presence and talents of others, just as our guests did benefit from our positive involvement in their lives by our warmth, soul, heart and hospitality. I believe we are all shaped and fashioned by the hospitality and love we shine on others. We have a sign in our reception saying “enter as strangers, leave as family”. But it is not just an ordinary sign - “we live it and they absorb it”. So from today on all of you there live up to legendary hospitality that we are famous for.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 81
Today I am going to talk to you about the gravest. Our harvest commences each year in the first week of June, weather permitting. We usually cut and save hay as it suits our organic type of farming and my father always said “hay is warmer in the winter time for all animals” and I believe this to be right.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another beautiful morning thank God. Another of a day in our life. Today I am going to talk to you about the gravest. Our harvest commences each year in the first week of June, weather permitting. We usually cut and save hay as it suits our organic type of farming and my father always said “hay is warmer in the winter time for all animals” and I believe this to be right. In the winter time when I roll out a bale of hay for the animals it is always exciting as there is a burst of flavour, wild herbs, flowers and grass. It reminds me of the opening of a nice Sauvignon Blanc and the aroma bursts out of you. That’s farming in my opinion and the excitement is the same for every bale of hay. So yesterday we cut our first crop of hay. It will take about 5 days or so and we turn it every day to dry it out then we bale it into big round bales and place them in the barn for the winter. How nice that we can bale this June flavour to be consumed over the winter months. That’s what makes Ballinwillin House Farm so special – only the best for my animals on the farm that bring me so much joy.
As I walked the fields yesterday of freshly cut grass there was a gently flow of fresh air and sun but as well as having to harvest the hay I was always mindful that I was harvesting the sounds, the moments, the history and the memories of the farm. I have been so lucky to have been taught that my first lesson for a home through the medium of nature and I was taught to walk lightly and naturally and mindfully along the land. I always say to visitors at Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens when they come to stay in the Bed and Breakfast that “The interplay between farmer and the elements is a poem without words”.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 80
. There are many trials and tribulations along the way but if one tries their best to include some mindfulness in their day just like what we did yesterday. This simple exercise could make a huge difference to your life and to those around you. In meditation we try and let go of the past, you try and stop being anxious about the future, you focus and enjoy the time that you have now.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another beautiful day beginning not so hot so far as the last few days but still very pleasant. For the past 80 days I have been giving you an idea about life at Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens and how I cope and how I practise mindfulness during Covid19. How I cope and how I endeavour to help my family, friends and team to cope also. It is not easy as I am sure you all know. There are many trials and tribulations along the way but if one tries their best to include some mindfulness in their day just like what we did yesterday. This simple exercise could make a huge difference to your life and to those around you. In meditation we try and let go of the past, you try and stop being anxious about the future, you focus and enjoy the time that you have now. When you are stressed and being over burdened by things it is liberating to tune into the present and enter into the deep rhythm of your being. The art of breathing is how you will achieve this state of now. We all breathe in the same air. It is in the medium of interflow between all people. There is spirit in the air. Inhale it and claim it and come alive by being still and in the “now”. I look forward to joining you today on the final step of our 3 day mindfulness challenge and today the subject will be forgiveness so join in with me at 2pm.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 79
. What I notice these mornings is that the light is so great and brilliant and I think what we will do this morning is a short meditation exercise and simple breathing exercise whereby we relax, be still, sit comfortably and close your eyes if you are comfortable to do so and now you begin with a deep breath as the morning is the best and perfect time to do so.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful sunny June morning. What I notice these mornings is that the light is so great and brilliant and I think what we will do this morning is a short meditation exercise and simple breathing exercise whereby we relax, be still, sit comfortably and close your eyes if you are comfortable to do so and now you begin with a deep breath as the morning is the best and perfect time to do so. You simply breathe the light into you. You imagine a bright light over your head then visually using your breath you bring that light slowly down through your body. Through your head, neck, shoulders, stomach, legs and out through your feet. You can imagine a refreshing light. This will fill your body with a sense of lightness. When you breathe out slowly imagine you are breathing out the darkness in your life, clouds of heavy, dark, charcoal sadness can leave your soul on the outward breath and now you feel free and now you can go out into a new day a much lighter and happier person. My own belief is that we should not go out into a new day without first grounding, stilling and centring ourselves in the light. I recommend you practise this daily as I do.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and keep smiling.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 78
Another beautiful morning and we are being blessed and showered with dazzling sunshine at this time. It is the beginning of another new month of June which could be a very deciding in our future in Ireland.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another beautiful morning and we are being blessed and showered with dazzling sunshine at this time. It is the beginning of another new month of June which could be a very deciding in our future in Ireland. We all enjoyed a very peaceful, relaxing and mindful weekend at Ballinwillin and I find peace and silence like a homecoming and it transcends all through and intellectual behaviour. Much of our own time and a lot of our mental energy is spent with work and trying to make ends meet and figure things out and when you look into your mind you see thoughts spinning round and round and you are going nowhere and accomplishing nothing. Now it is time to be still a while, control your thoughts, let a slow and warm light soothe into your mind and heart until you find that inner warmth that will spark your smile and ring that bell of being alive and in the now.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 77
I feel I must return to the subject of nature as it is deeply engrained on The Mindful Farmers mind. I feel when I am on nature my deepest prayers are formed here and it being Sunday I believe it is appropriate on this last day of May
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another amazing and beautiful morning – the last day of May 2020. The last day of beautiful May that we never again witness in this year, a year and a month that has brought great sadness and grief to many people but also a month that has brought great beauty and happiness to people and here on the farm, even though times are very difficult we have had great beauty in our plants, flowers, animal births and tremendous joy with our two wonderful grandchildren and again I feel I must return to the subject of nature as it is deeply engrained on The Mindful Farmers mind. I feel when I am on nature my deepest prayers are formed here and it being Sunday I believe it is appropriate on this last day of May. For those of you who believe that prayer is restricted to those only who are religious, pious or spiritual it is not so and neither can it be said that those of you who have no religion or beliefs are not in prayers. Prayer is the activity of the soul and each soul is so different and the Eternal is related to each of us in a unique way but the prayers of the soul speaks itself in each life differently and it is impossible and not right for any of us to judge the other. You may think that you know someone in society or life but we have no idea what is going on through their soul or destiny. We have no idea what narrative God is writing for us on this Sunday, the last day of May. We are all ready and in this drama of life but thank God we have not seen the script and will not and need not.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and keep that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 76
But now we need courage to restart the economy and get peoples livelihoods and lives back on track. It is difficult for a lot of people to see that this darkness has purpose but when we meditate and pray and close our eyes we will gather a warmth around our hearts that we can share with each other and this warmth can create a spark and sometimes that is all we need
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful May morning. While I was meditating this morning my mind bent towards the courage of all the Irish people who are doing such great work in keeping Covid19 at bay and minimised. It is not gone away but we as a nation are doing a great job in all sectors. But now we need courage to restart the economy and get peoples livelihoods and lives back on track. It is difficult for a lot of people to see that this darkness has purpose but when we meditate and pray and close our eyes we will gather a warmth around our hearts that we can share with each other and this warmth can create a spark and sometimes that is all we need – a spark to get us going, to nourish and feed the flame that will cleanse and clear the dark of its weight of festered fear. So from today on feel a new confidence, a confidence that will come alive in all of us and this confidence will lead you up on higher ground where your imagination will learn to engage difficulty as its most rewarding threshold and down through the ages we, the people of Ireland, this beautiful island, have proven that we are always able to find that demand flash of light and bolt of courage to survive any outer attack on our ways and lives. We must always remember to believe that the Irish hunger to survive and belong is at the very heart and core of our nature.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and wear that smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 75
This morning I would like to talk to you about “two worlds”. World no. 1 old world prior. Prior to Covid19. Busy from dawn to dusk. No time to focus on life, family, friends and who we are meant to be or where we came from. World no. 2 lock down Covid19. Now many of our ways are in ruins. Our work, our social life, our family structures are all in ruins. Society has almost broken down.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful May morning. Yesterday was a beautiful day with sunshine all day as the team at Ballinwillin House and I were delivering all over the country to Neighbour Food outlets and the great and lovely people hosting the various venues again a sincere thank you! This morning I would like to talk to you about “two worlds”. World no. 1 old world prior. Prior to Covid19. Busy from dawn to dusk. No time to focus on life, family, friends and who we are meant to be or where we came from. World no. 2 lock down Covid19. Now many of our ways are in ruins. Our work, our social life, our family structures are all in ruins. Society has almost broken down. Families in particular are totally disjointed. Families torn apart by loss, bereavement and separation. What if from this day forward we reshape, we rebuild our communities, we go back to the old ways, ancient, traditional. Consumerisim has failed us and left us empty and cold and very ill in some cases and in the most devastating way with loss of life. I believe, and again it is a personal belief, that technology, although it pretends to unite us, but where are the global villages now? Who delivers food to your door? The global village has no roads or neighbours. It is a faceless, impersonal landscape from where all individuality has been erased. If we are to learn anything from this pandemic we must be mindful to the fact that when all outer cultural shelters are in ruins we need to explore and reawaken the depths of belonging in the human mind and soul that will lead us once again to beautiful possibilities of community and friendship. We must return to who we are really meant to be as a race of beautiful island people and who we are meant to be with as communities.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 74
This morning, my mind diverted to thoughts of “solitude”. There are times in my life when I like to live in solitude, where I take time to recognise the presence, power and light of my soul. During this time I realise the shape of my soul is unique and I have a special destiny here and behind the facade of my life.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm on this fabulous May morning. This morning as I was meditation and bending my mind back to our session yesterday which I really enjoyed and thank you for joining me and I apologise again about the technical glitch at the end. I hope you got enough out of the session and I will do it again on Wednesday next. But getting back to my thoughts this morning, my mind diverted to thoughts of “solitude”. There are times in my life when I like to live in solitude, where I take time to recognise the presence, power and light of my soul. During this time I realise the shape of my soul is unique and I have a special destiny here and behind the facade of my life. There is something beautiful and eternal happening and that is my wish for all of you also, that we will all learn to see ourselves with the same delight, pride and expectation with which God sees us in every moment. That is the real purpose in life in my opinion and irrespective of our differences in religion, language or concept, there is no heart that is without this inner divine reference.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 73
I love talking about May – it is a fabulous month of energy, growth, flowers and birth on the farm. Even during this pandemic it performs in general with consistence in the midst of change and knowing itself through nature since time immortal.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful May morning. I love talking about May – it is a fabulous month of energy, growth, flowers and birth on the farm. Even during this pandemic it performs in general with consistence in the midst of change and knowing itself through nature since time immortal. This prompts the question that I am going to ask you this morning. How well do we know ourselves? Do we go through life like an aimless pedestrian not knowing the difference between delight or troubles? Does life happen on the surface? Is your mind separate from your life? Is there an unknown self breath and within your heart do you prefer the patterns of the dark and entangle yourself in unworthiness and misjudge what you do and who you are. One of the main aims of our mindfulness, meditation and forgiveness exercise is to bring us into the now. Know and recognise who we are and who we are really meant to be to see what we can do to the beauty of our souls and may our continued commitment to mindfulness release wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May every down find hope in your hearts and may every day fill the cup of your dreams and may every evening find you gracious and fulfilled and may you continue your lives blessed, sheltered and protected and may your soul calm, console and renew you and guide you safely home. Home to “ourselves”. Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and looking forward to joining you all at 2pm.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmer Daily Diary Day 72
Today Home doesn’t have to be modern, stately, state of the art, new architect designed building – for many, 4 walls is enough. I remember as a child our home was a very simple home but it was a home full of warmth and love. we have many fancy houses but how many qualify as homes? A real home is a place of shelter and love, warmth and I mean spiritual warmth.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another beautiful fresh morning here this morning and it was beautiful and fresh out the fields earlier. Today I would like to talk to you about “home”. It came to me yesterday after our time together on the Mindfulness challenge that I am so lucky to have a beautiful and happy home. Home doesn’t have to be modern, stately, state of the art, new architect designed building – for many, 4 walls is enough. I remember as a child our home was a very simple home but it was a home full of warmth and love. Today we have many fancy houses but how many qualify as homes? A real home is a place of shelter and love, warmth and I mean spiritual warmth. We always said at home that after a journey “there is no place like home”. I think this is one of the sweetest phrases in any language “níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin. The home is the nest where intimacy and belonging faster identify and individuality. The home can also be considered a continuation of the human body which is our original and primary home on earth as it houses the mind, heart and spirit. To be who we are meant to be we need to be home. When a place to belong is assured the adventure of growth can begin with great promise.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other. Prayers are working – no Covid19 deaths yesterday. Keep the prayers going and thank you for joining me yesterday on the Mindfulness Challenge. Continue to be mindful and we will all meet again tomorrow at 2pm.
God bless you all
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 71
We set up in the mindfulness garden of all places with slides, pools, pergodas, tables and chairs and the sunshine of course and the highlight of the day was the two main characters and actors, Ada Beth and JJ.
Good morning everyone and welcome to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. A beautiful morning here this May morning and speaking of beauty and a beautiful experience we had yesterday and a very restful and respectful peaceful Sunday. We set up in the mindfulness garden of all places with slides, pools, pergodas, tables and chairs and the sunshine of course and the highlight of the day was the two main characters and actors, Ada Beth and JJ. They played all day and entertained us all day with their unconditional love and playfulness and to me this is a beautiful life. We were witnessing the lineage of our ancestors being acted out right in front of our own eyes in 2020. Each one of these incredible little characters are mirroring the essence of God through our ancestors we must never lose an opportunity to witness and appreciate these moments, for seeing such beauty is Gods handwriting and a special gift to us. It was a special day in a special way and we did in the sunshine what we were created to do – To Be Ourselves.
Looking forward to joining you later on our Mindfulness challenge.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 70
As usual we will do our garden tour – on a Sunday morning it is my way of expressing thanks for those beautiful gardens even though the wind and rain have blown away all the lovely blossoms. That’s natures first strike against this week
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another wet and windy May morning. As usual we will do our garden tour – on a Sunday morning it is my way of expressing thanks for those beautiful gardens even though the wind and rain have blown away all the lovely blossoms. That’s natures first strike against this week. Nature hit at us again during the night as a group of foxes attacked our young baby deer and killed 3 of them. It is horrible to see even though John and I took turns walking the fields during the night they were too clever for us. This happens every year. We take turns doing 4 hour shifts. It is tough going for the next 4 – 6 weeks. Once more I am taught another lesson about nature. It has beautiful and gentle moments but nature also has incredible power to harm just as we say last night, what can I learn from it? I must learn to recognise that this river and this gentleness and beauty are part of the same nature and we must all learn to face the paradox of our own potential for greatness and destructive power too. But today we must rise up and feel part of nature even with all her tempestuousness and learn to live in harmony with her. It is just like family living, it will always test you.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 69
. I noticed all the animals in a very joyful mood, dancing and bounding around in a playful manner. They say the animals see and feel good weather before we do and also when bad weather is approaching you see them gather and shelter and retreat into themselves.
Good morning everyone and welcome to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. A wild, wet and windy May morning. Very unusual weather here at the foothills of the Galtee mountains, normally it is mild at this time of year. I noticed all the animals in a very joyful mood, dancing and bounding around in a playful manner. They say the animals see and feel good weather before we do and also when bad weather is approaching you see them gather and shelter and retreat into themselves. So I am going to talk to you this morning about “joy”, inspired by my animal friends. Joy is playful with their parents and children. Joy is light hearted like deer calves ballet dancing. Joy is lively like a stream flowing down the side of the mountains, spilling and splashing our rocks and willows but joy is also being one with the moment. Like our retriever Marley, fully stretched out in a patch of sunlight, or to see a bee buzzing busily around the fragrant flowers. The quiet and ultimate joy for me, my family and friends and all you out there is that inner joy radiating out from your heart to indicate all whose acquaintance you meet and greet. So for today I want you to radiate out joy to the world.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 68
Today I would like to talk to you about “lost friends”. As life moves along and stands still for no one, we lose great friends who leave a huge void in our lives.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens. Another nice morning here, yesterday was a very busy day. We were on the road delivering to our Neighbour Food friends and a big thank you to my team and to the wonderful and friendly host people. It is a pleasure to work with you all.
Today I would like to talk to you about “lost friends”. As life moves along and stands still for no one, we lose great friends who leave a huge void in our lives. We lose some within the dark weight of the night, many of these friends we journey through life with, we holiday with them, we socialise with them and some we go on a very, very deep journey with deep, deep below time with, in that eternal weave where nothing unravels. It is always very difficult when we lose friends we love from the shelter of our hearts. I always pray during and after meditation for lost friends but I always celebrate the gifts that they have brought to my life. May we learn and grow from the pain of such loss and we wish them peace where spirituality can summon beauty from a wounded space. You may feel at this time that I am very melancholy but deep within my heart and soul I am very much at peace and I hope this is evident to all who know and encounter me.
Continue to pray, bless and heal each other and keep smiling.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 67
I learned so much from this great woman. On her mortuary card the words inscribed are “ you laboured hard for those you loved and left us to remember”. I got my love for plants and gardening from her also and a section of the gardens at Ballinwillin House Farm is devoted and styled to her dream.
Good morning everyone and welcome once again to Ballinwillin House Farm and gardens on this beautiful May morning. Today, and around this time for a while, The Mindful Farmer is poignant, reminiscent and a little sad as it is the 10th anniversary of the passing of my Mum, Elizabeth, a great, kind, humble and beautiful woman and a very hard working farming woman, knew nature, the land, livestock, a wonderful pudding and sausage maker and a master cook. I lived by her side you could say for my first 12 years especially in the morning times and then I would go with my Dad in the afternoons. I learned so much from this great woman. On her mortuary card the words inscribed are “ you laboured hard for those you loved and left us to remember”. I got my love for plants and gardening from her also and a section of the gardens at Ballinwillin House Farm is devoted and styled to her dream. I hope and pray Ireland continues to breed pure bred “Irish Mothers” as I remember them totally dedicated to the family cause. It is another question I am asking you out there, is Ireland producing such mothers nowadays? It may be a very controversial question but one I feel I have to ask. Sure all mothers love their homes and family and children - is it the same? My heart tells me no. It is obvious something has changed the way we would answer this question but is society and its trends and tail wagging the dog for future Ireland. Enough about that now or Mam will be giving out to me and sometime when you are all here on retreat I will tell you of the horrific ordeal I had to endure on Mams passing. I was at the vineyard in Hungary in another lock down, “the ash cloud” and couldn’t get a flight home but it is too long a story and one for later. For today and for all mothers who have passed I want to remember them in our prayers and for my own Mam. I just want to say I remember most of your words and deeds, your soothing leaning voice, you were the first sound before we could see, your nearness always filled the air and still does at Ballinwillin House. You nurtured and fostered us in your space, formed from the depths of your heart, you knew us inside out. We will always remember you.
Today is World Meditation Day so be sure and take time out on your own in peace and meditate for a while. I am really looking forward to next Monday, May 25th when you will be joining me on the 3 day Mindfulness Challenge. We are getting a fantastic response and it is not too late to join us on my Facebook Private Group. So that is it for today. Pray for all Mams. Pray also for an end to Covid 19. continue to bless and heal each other.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick