Becoming Accepting Of Death Through The Lens Of Poetry

Many of us have our own way of expressing ourselves and our life experiences, but some people struggle to find a way to control their own narrative and express themselves in a healthy way. 

In this episode of A Life Of Greatness, Sarah Grynberg chats with poet Pádraig Ó Tuama about how he explores the human connection to our environment, what is means to be human and the end of a human’s life through his writing. 

Pádraig Ó Tuama: Moving from Pain to Joy

Pádraig said that a significant part of his writing is encouraging humans to be accepting of death rather than afraid. 

“There’s something about being part of a tradition that says we’re not frightened of death, especially in the bewilderment of being grieved and bereaved yourself,” he said.

He added that these traditions can allow us comfort and the space to grieve without having to believe in a higher power. 

“Those old traditions, I mean, that’s something, nothing takes away the sting of shock and pain and grief, but small comforts can be big comforts like that,” he said.

“So, I have huge respect for that and in that sense, I’m very religious on a practicing level, but I don’t think you need to believe in God in order to practice those kinds of levels of humanity.” 

Pádraig and Sarah have a deep discussion about what it was like for Pádraig to grow up as homosexual in a nonaccepting environment and how every one of us has the power to change the way we perceive the world. 

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