“I Want A Revolution”

A conversation with Brigidine elders about the future, with 15 minutes of mindful movements at the beginning. This special event took place on 1 February 2024 when we enjoyed an open conversation with 3,000 years of life experience. As you will hear, we approached the opportunity with some references, including elements of our recent timescape …
Continue reading “I Want A Revolution”

Book of Leaves – a big picture story

Ceara knows things aren’t right, that they can be better for everyone. Like most, she doesn’t have all the answers. But she’s courageous and takes a step in the right direction. She contributes to the emerging future by sharing her passion with thousands of listeners from all walks of life around the world. She curates …
Continue reading Book of Leaves – a big picture story

What is a system change entrepreneur? : in conversation with KCLR

KCLR’s spoke with us for their Ours to Protect series.   In November, KCLR producer Ethna Quirke spoke to Tom Butler about his retreat from the corporate world, a return to nature and his work with the Carlow County Environmental Network and their upcoming “Feast upon the Earth” event. The programme was released in two broadcasts: …
Continue reading What is a system change entrepreneur? : in conversation with KCLR

Feast Upon The Earth – The Book

Back in April when we sat down to brainstorm over a coffee and dreamed up an installation exploring the human relationship with nature we had no idea it would lead to such wide insights and wonderful feedback from visitors. Feast Upon The Earth was a powerful experience and the resulting timescape brought out new understanding …
Continue reading Feast Upon The Earth – The Book

Spring Notes: St Brigid, Gardening, Trees, Horse, Furniture Design, History

Spring in Ireland launched with a new festival: St Brigid’s Day!  It was a timely reminder of the strength of the feminine and the human sense of justice and care for nature. As you know, we love nature here at Ballin Temple and we took the opportunity to reflect on the changes in Ireland since …
Continue reading Spring Notes: St Brigid, Gardening, Trees, Horse, Furniture Design, History

Reflections on Activism

We attended a protest outside the Irish Parliament to object to the deal that Coillte, a State company, made with a UK venture capital company. In this Big Picture Conversation, we reflect on why we went to the gathering and whether activism works.

Happy St Brigid’s Bank Holiday

Happy St Brigid’s Bank Holiday. It is a great step to establish a holiday to honour Ireland’s matron saint. This is a meaningful day in its recognition of the feminine; an embracing of the qualities of compassion, nature, nurture, inclusion and collaboration that are so urgently needed in the world today; with Brigid’s fire to …
Continue reading Happy St Brigid’s Bank Holiday

Brigit: From Goddess to Saint via the Patriarchy

Happy – and historic – St Brigit*’s Day: Today marks the first time an Irish national holiday is established in honor of a female saint. Why is this important? Establishing a national holiday in Brigit’s name is a recognition of the feminine. Today’s world is run as a patriarchy, or as the late bell hooks …
Continue reading Brigit: From Goddess to Saint via the Patriarchy