Ancient Motifs for Modern Life

In this two-hour online gathering, the brothers Owen and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin invite you into a richly woven experience of Irish traditional song, poetry, reflection, and story.  

Drawing on ancient sources and contemporary creativity, the brothers explore how belonging emerges through attention, balance, and deep listening. The brothers have a repertoire of Irish traditional song, sacred song, and poetry that unlock deeper themes. These “lads” are as hilarious as they are insightful. This session is not to be missed for those with or without a direct interest in Ireland. The theme of belonging is universal.

In this online experience, you’ll encounter:

• Sacred Irish songs associated with harvest, praise, and thanksgiving
• Original songs that carry ancient motifs into modern emotional life
• Irish poetry that reflects on balance, ripening, and human responsibility
• Reflections on how traditional culture encoded wisdom for living well
• Simple contemplative invitations to help you sense what you are harvesting in your own life 

Owen and Mícheál ‘Moley’ Ó Súilleabháin’s artistry stands out as something truly exceptional. They are musicians and poetic reciters of rare emotional intelligence and insight. They bridge their dynamic partnership with depth, generosity, and poetic presence. They inherited most of their repertoire from their mother, Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain and are long-time collaborators with poet David Whyte. Beloved returning presenters at Kripalu, the Ó Súilleabháin family brings a rare combination of intimacy, excellence, and grounded wisdom.