Have you ever heard of a sound bath? No, it’s not a soak with some music or a tub with good personality. It’s a relaxing meditative experience where participants are ‘bathed’ in sound waves and vibrations.

When it comes to meditation, I usually find myself memorising my to-do list for work, rather than focusing on my breath. But last year, I attended an event in The K Club to celebrate St Brigid’s Day, and part of it was a sound bath.

Sceptical at first, the experience with its sounds and vibrations of the chimes, led by Audrey O’Connor, helped me to be as chilled as the recent cold snap.

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The event was organised by Santina Kennedy (see page 8). Santina has been one of the many ladies leading the celebration of St Brigid – long before we had a bank holiday or the massive Brigid 1500 celebrations.

St Brigid is a patroness of many things including poetry, dairy, livestock and brewing and her connections to these areas were celebrated at the event.

Her link to dairy was acknowledged with Catherine Kinsella from Saltrock Dairy on Tara Hill in Gorey, talking about reviving traditional dairy with forward-thinking sustainability. Brewing was discussed by Ronan Kinsella from Drop Drew Brewing in Kill, Co Kildare while a more modern twist on alcohol was celebrated with Anna and Orla O’Carroll from Valentia Vermouth, who told their fascinating story about celebrating the botanicals, salt and wild winds of their beloved island.

And there wasn’t a sound when Áine Budds, poet and chef, hosted a poetry recital in her captivating manner.

The afternoon was inspirational and good for the soul, and Santina will be hosting more St Brigid’s events this year. You can also check out events happening nationwide on page 19.

Between Bluetongue and Mercosur, it has been a period of uncertainty for farmers and this can weigh down on people. But don’t go it alone, talk to family and friends

Many people are really embracing this new bank holiday of ours. St Patrick might have all the parades and the mighty craic but St Brigid’s Day has more of a chilled vibe. Embrace it – a busy spring is ahead for many.

This is especially relevant given the recent confirmation of the identified cases of Bluetongue disease in Co Wexford last weekend. Honestly, many farmers knew this news was coming.

When a case was identified in Northern Ireland last November, it was only a matter of time before one would be identified in the Republic – it’s not like midges have any concern for the border.

But this news is of course, a source of concern for many farming families, not forgetting the Wexford farmer dealing with the cases. While there is no human health risk, or food safety risk with Bluetongue, farmers will be concerned about their livestock and livelihood. Anxiety can rise when animals are being tested and uncertainty can bring anguish – there is no denying that. Throughout the news pages and on ifj.ie, there’s plenty of advice on how to limit the spread of the disease, what to do if you suspect an animal is infected and the movement of animals.

Here in Irish Country Living, we want to stress the importance of minding your mental health. There is only so much you can control and while it is important to remain vigilant, try to focus on the here and now, and not the what ifs.

Between Bluetongue and Mercosur, it has been a period of uncertainty for farmers and this can weigh down on people. But don’t go it alone, talk to family and friends.