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 805
All the colours of the rainbow and all the shapes of the large succulent leaves and every time I looked at it I saw a different picture, only the frame remained the same.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. We have had two days of amazing sunshine here and we are very grateful for this as it paints a beautiful picture everywhere. Last evening as I was out for a walk the sun was casting a shadow through the gates at our entrance and the resulting shadow was like a painting drawn by an artist. All the colours of the rainbow and all the shapes of the large succulent leaves and every time I looked at it I saw a different picture, only the frame remained the same. The sun was lending its brilliance in so many different ways and this leaves us undiminished and definitely makes us shine brighter. So today, radiate some of those soaked up rays to those around you and continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Monday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 804
This morning was born quietly from the depths of the night much like John and I. We were demanding nothing for ourselves, only opening up and offering all to each other. All of a sudden we were witnessing a field of brightness. We both know that the depth of love and loyalty between a father and son runs deeper than any river and dignity and trust will always prevail between us.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. What a beautiful morning and day today. I witnessed the dawn chorus this morning in the company of my son John as we sat outside by a log fire chatting about life, the book launch and all the friends who attended. With all the amazing food and wine it was an amazing experience and celebration and brought happenings at the house and farm back to life again. While you are with and at one with someone close to you on a morning like this, the warmth and the wisdom of our souls were one. This morning was born quietly from the depths of the night much like John and I. We were demanding nothing for ourselves, only opening up and offering all to each other. All of a sudden we were witnessing a field of brightness. We both know that the depth of love and loyalty between a father and son runs deeper than any river and dignity and trust will always prevail between us. We then gave thanks for the day, so beautiful, and sent healings, blessings and hope to all who need it. Don't forget to wear your Sunday smile..
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 803
It is the launch date for my book “Hope in a time of crisis”. It is agreat achievement and it will be celebrated in a true Celtic manner with homegrown food, wine and music, song and dance. As Celtic people we have a hugesense of occasion and for celebration it is a time to free our hearts after 803days of isolation.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to our home, farm and gardens. On this beautiful Saturday morning summer has exploded onto the scene. The sun is up so early to encourage all plants, animals and us humans to be at their best. It is so easy with the sun shining on us, today is also a very special day for The Mindful Farmer, family and all at Ballinwillin House. It is the launch date for my book “Hope in a time of crisis”. It is a great achievement and it will be celebrated in a true Celtic manner with home grown food, wine and music, song and dance. As Celtic people we have a huge sense of occasion and for celebration it is a time to free our hearts after 803 days of isolation. It is time to let our intentions and worry stop and to free the joy inside ourselves. This evening we will see friends whose hearts are recognized as friends, whose kindness in near and watchful. It is time to see and appreciate the gifts the years have given which maybe our efforts could not have given or learned. We now pray for health, peace, blessing and hope and we all have the courage today to live the life that we would love, to postpone our dreams no longer, but to do at last what we came here for and waste our hearts on fear no more.
Have a beautiful, mindful, peaceful Saturday.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 802
Many give their life so we can have peace. We also pray today for all who suffer violence and may an unexpected serenity surprise them and when the sun sets may no harm or hurt be done anywhere along this world of ours by mountain, valley or stream.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Recently we made new planters for display in the courtyard area and I planted them up with bedding plants, petunias, and I planted roses as centerpieces. They are all blooming and the fragrance is almost staggering as one guest related to me this morning. The variety I chose at the entrance on either side of the door was peace which always gives off a beautiful scent. In life, peace also gives off an amazing feeling. Not all of us can enjoy it. Many give their life so we can have peace. We also pray today for all who suffer violence and may an unexpected serenity surprise them and when the sun sets may no harm or hurt be done anywhere along this world of ours by mountain, valley or stream. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Friday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 801
This is home to these beautiful plants, animals and family. It is a place where belonging is assured and the adventure of growth for all can begin and flourish with great promise. It is a place of shelter and love and when the wind blows hard it wraps a warm cloak of comfort and happiness around us all.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. You will forgive me if I mention this beautiful morning of May again and each and every day of this month. It just keeps on bringing more and more surprises, new shoots, new blooms, new calves in the fields. The animals are bounding around in the fields to the rhythm of the earth. This is home to these beautiful plants, animals and family. It is a place where belonging is assured and the adventure of growth for all can begin and flourish with great promise. It is a place of shelter and love and when the wind blows hard it wraps a warm cloak of comfort and happiness around us all. So for today, cherish your home, the place of your family, animals and plants and continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Thursday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 800
Today, my wish and prayer is that the light of my soul will bless these trees and my work with love, warmth and a peaceful heart. For the future I wish that these trees will release a wellbeing of refreshment, inspiration and excitement to all who visit them and admire them.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Today, The Mindful Farmer will be spending some time planting trees and not just any old tree, these are great red woods that my son ordered and arrived yesterday, fine plants and potted up in nice root balls. It is encouraging to see the next generation planting trees for the generations to come. It is heartwarming to plant the seeds and plants of kindness for the generations to come. These fabulous, stately trees will be growing for generations to come. I will date them today and see what the future brings. They are living and giving life. Today, my wish and prayer is that the light of my soul will bless these trees and my work with love, warmth and a peaceful heart. For the future I wish that these trees will release a wellbeing of refreshment, inspiration and excitement to all who visit them and admire them. May all our work with the land and Mother Nature never exhaust us. Grow on you beautiful, giant sequoias. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Wednesday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 799
This morning I was out and about before day break and it is true that the darkest time is before the dawn. It was fascinating to watch fingers of light appear on the horizon and slowly they pull the mantle of darkness away from our world.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. This morning I was out and about before day break and it is true that the darkest time is before the dawn. It was fascinating to watch fingers of light appear on the horizon and slowly they pull the mantle of darkness away from our world. There before me was the mystery of a new dawn, a new day, a new Tuesday. I remember as a child back in West Limerick being reminded of this mystery by my Dad as he always had me out of bed at this time. I was too young then and too lamentous for lost sleep to appreciate all this. Is it fair to say that we have lost connection with the mystery of nature and Mother Earth? As Celts it is our longing to remain in rhythm with our inner clay form and our inner clay voice. I fear this voice is no longer audible in our modern world. We may not even be aware of its loss. In our distraction we can forget that we are privileged to live in such a wondrous universe. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Tuesday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 798
Go to your happy place and don't let anyone or anything disturb you when you are there
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. It is the beginning of yet another week. A week of positivity that is so important and I will tell you why. Earlier today I met someone who was feeling really down and depressed and having a very tough day and I asked her if she has a happy place to go to rest, pray and meditate a little. She said she did. She has a lovely garden and when she returns home she will go out and do what I suggested. Around two hours later I got a call from this lady and the pitch of her voice was totally different to that of earlier in the day. She said "I feel I belong now whereas for the past while and earlier this morning I felt I was living in a world that was determined to make me feel like I didn't belong anymore." Maybe we all feel like this sometimes but it is important not to let your mind and this modern world take you there. Go to your happy place and don't let anyone or anything disturb you when you are there and when you are there send prayers, blessings, healing and hope to all who need it and wear your Monday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 797
The rose is an amazing plant and it will bring joy to all entrants right up to November end. The garden really comes to life when the roses bloom. It is as if the breath of life awaits its arrival of colour
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. It is Sunday again and as I gaze through my window of wonder I can see our first rose that opened. What a beautiful and welcome sight. From now on I will have daily delights of perfume and vibrant colour from my 108 rose bushes as I have added three new ones from last year. The rose is an amazing plant and it will bring joy to all entrants right up to November end. The garden really comes to life when the roses bloom. It is as if the breath of life awaits its arrival of colour and from now on the dawn of beauty will award our eyes with beauty. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Sunday best smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 796
Her soft and tender hug is not here anymore but her soft, tender voice can still be heard to soothe and comfort us from heaven. Your nearness still fills the air and you know me inside out.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Today is May 21st and twelve years ago today my dearest mother passed to her heavenly home. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and pray to her for guidance and help. "We only have one mother, so patient, kind and true and no one else in this whole world will be the same as you." This is so true! Mam loved farming, gardening and nature and the gardens here are dedicated to her memory and hard work. When I look at the gardens at this time it is as if the plants bloom especially in her honour. The rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and now the roses. We had our first rose burst open this morning. Her soft and tender hug is not here anymore but her soft, tender voice can still be heard to soothe and comfort us from heaven. Your nearness still fills the air and you know me inside out. No deeds, seas or other can ever erase that. Miss you Mam, look after us all. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Saturday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 795
If you write from the heart and how you feel about what you know then you will lift the veil and we never know then what will yield, something special, something original begins and it will move you towards your senses.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Last evening I had the honour of being invited to Maynooth University to the launch of a book "voices from the land". One of my pieces was selected for inclusion in this beautiful and historic edition and The Mindful Farmer is very pleased. When one writes a piece for a newspaper or a book or a blog we don't know how it will be received. If you write from the heart and how you feel about what you know then you will lift the veil and we never know then what will yield, something special, something original begins and it will move you towards your senses. It will stir your heart into a rhythm not yet heard or written down and then you will move the piece into its own force where it will dwell uniquely in the minds and hearts of the readers. It is important to leave that message that will resonate, bless and heal. So today, continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Friday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 794
Return and rest in the beauty of the here and now, learn to rest, learn how to park our restless minds for a while and feel nature and the earth breathing with us.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. This morning out on the farm I had a wonderful experience - our first baby deer calf was born very early. I always get very excited when this happens and it always happens during this time of year and in the wonderful month of May. It is almost breathtaking when one witnesses such happiness in nature and the immediate bond between Mother and baby. Then all the other mothers gathered around to congratulate her, this was her display and her parade of joy. Animals differ from us as they always seem to be where they are and in the now whereas we seem to spend a lot of time looking out and forward at the here and now. So today, when you have a little time to spare, return and rest in the beauty of the here and now, learn to rest, learn how to park our restless minds for a while and feel nature and the earth breathing with us. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Thursday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 793
As I gaze through my window of wonder I see much beauty and the only gift that is greater than beauty is our awareness of it.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. As I gaze through my window of wonder I see much beauty and the only gift that is greater than beauty is our awareness of it. Our window of wonder is waiting to have the curtains opened on a daily basis but it is up to us to notice what we actually see and appreciate when we look through that window. If we do that then each day will bring its own magic and as my Granduncle Jack would say "Only beauty will save the world." So for today, be conscious of what you look at and be at peace with its beauty and let your eyes be seduced by some unattended glimpse. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Wednesday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 792
Today my message to you all is that you have the courage to live the life that you would love to, to postpone your dreams no longer but to do at last what you came here for and waste your heart on fear no more.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. A voice from the land, through my window of wonder and The Mindful Farmer is feeling relieved and happy after my knee procedure yesterday. It was extremely painful but delighted and thankful all went well. Just two more procedures to follow where I will be moving onto new ventures and onto new ground with eyes wide open, energy to dream and a path of plentitude opening up before me. My aim from today onwards is to hold nothing back and to learn to find ease in risk and a new rhythm will be sensed in my heart and soul. Today my message to you all is that you have the courage to live the life that you would love to, to postpone your dreams no longer but to do at last what you came here for and waste your heart on fear no more. Have a beautiful, mindful and peaceful day and continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Thursday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 791
There are times during suffering when darkness looms but soon we can see the approaching light. My prayer for today and with onward healing is that time will heal all wounds and the meanings bless and protect me.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Today, The Mindful Farmer is back into hospital for a procedure on both knees. I have great difficulty walking these days so I hope this operation will help heal my problem and soon I will be back jumping around the garden again. The Mindful Farmer has had his fair share of injury and suffering over the years but I have always been able to view the eventual gift of suffering when it knocks on my door and I have always survived to receive the fruits of these experiences. There are times during suffering when darkness looms but soon we can see the approaching light. My prayer for today and with onward healing is that time will heal all wounds and the meanings bless and protect me. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Monday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 790
Prayer recreates, prayer is irresistible and it is a lovely, joyous way to go through a day be it in our work, our family time, our meal times. It will lead to love and joy and what a beautiful way to spend a day and every day.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. What a beautiful morning it is here this morning. The sun is up early, the birds singing high in the trees. The perfect setting for a perfect Sunday. A day for rest and a day for prayer which in turn will merge into praise and that is the way true prayer should end, in thanksgiving and praise. Prayer changes all. Prayer recreates, prayer is irresistible and it is a lovely, joyous way to go through a day be it in our work, our family time, our meal times. It will lead to love and joy and what a beautiful way to spend a day and every day. Prayer will help us develop the habit of joy and celebration. It should be a dance of the heart. So today, let your heart dance. Go for a walk into nature and become alive and continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Sunday best smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 789
If I am to learn anything from this day it is that we should never take for granted what beauty nature bestows on us daily and we should be forever grateful. This beauty is divine.
Good evening everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. It was a very busy day today on the farm. We were getting a new paddock ready for our Belgian Blue heifer calves to go to grass, beautiful grass mixed with lots of clover and by the time we had the gates fixed and ready and water troughs installed and then getting the calves out and into their new home the day was nearly done, but not that simple here. I then cut the grass in the orchard area and cut the grass in the three gardens of mindfulness, meditation and forgiveness. It was 7pm by the time I had all my jobs done for the day and before I finished I watered all my newly planted boxes and more to be done tomorrow. It was a beautiful day and I was rewarded at the end by the splendour, beauty and fragrance of my beautiful peony rose. If I am to learn anything from this day it is that we should never take for granted what beauty nature bestows on us daily and we should be forever grateful. This beauty is divine. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Saturday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 788
All human beings like a little praise every now and then and this is an understatement really. The human heart is made for praise, thanksgiving and love. This is engraved in all our hearts.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. All human beings like a little praise every now and then and this is an understatement really. The human heart is made for praise, thanksgiving and love. This is engraved in all our hearts. This morning, this fact was borne out very clearly with my two grandchildren when at 5am they woke up and demanded their cooked breakfast. Things were a little disgruntled with JJ as his sausages were taking a little too long to cook but when I admired his Limerick jersey and how good a little man he was the picture changed and a beautiful smile came across his face followed by a loving hug. It brought it home clearly to me that the human heart is made for praise and joy is in loving with a full heart. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Friday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 787
When you immerse yourself in nature you bring your clay body back to its native realm and home where your heartbeat is in rhythm, with the divine you are in the middle of a great prayer.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, Gardens and RetrEat centre. Forgive me if I refer too much to nature in my daily blogs and particularly so during the month of May. Our ancestors in their wisdom believed deeply that nature had a mind of its own and they believed that nature is wrapped in seamless prayer. Nature does not suffer the separation or distance which thought brings. It lives all the time in the midst of her own unity and I oftentimes think she sympathises with our distraction but when we turn to nature she knows full well how to calm our minds. When we trust ourselves into the silence and stillness of her warm embrace she is always there for us, always at home for us and in the same place. That is why there is great healing outside and in the wild of nature. When you immerse yourself in nature you bring your clay body back to its native realm and home where your heartbeat is in rhythm, with the divine you are in the middle of a great prayer. Today I will spend much time out there and we will all continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Thursday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick
The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 786
Go into nature and revisit yourself, the real you, the person you were born to be and breathe in your soul light.
Good morning everyone and welcome once more to Ballinwillin House Farm, gardens and RetrEat centre. Today, I welcome another beautiful day and give thanks for all that surrounds me in this world and in this life. Yesterday I was asked a question about why we worry so much about issues and I replied "most of our worries are not today's concerns. We seem to borrow worries and concerns from the future, from tomorrow and when and when we do this we take the problem from today and deposit it into the future which we can't foretell and is veiled from our vision. We then replace the problem, the worry, with peace and joy which flows freely as God's gift to us so enjoy it and live it to the fullest." Go into nature and revisit yourself, the real you, the person you were born to be and breathe in your soul light. Continue to pray, bless, power healing, peace and hope to all who need it and wear your Wednesday smile.
The Mindful Farmer
Patrick