Monk and Cat: A Shared Reading Session
CSAReps’ Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr Giulia Scapin, hosted a Shared Reading Session as a part of the “Bealtaine” event at University College Dublin organised by the UCD Innovation Academy on April 22nd, 2026, marking Earth Day with a day full of community and art mini events.
Gathered beneath a tent on a bright, sunny day, participants were invited to slow down, sit together, and experience the quiet intimacy of reading aloud together. The gentle outdoor setting with artsy decorations created a space that felt both contemplative and communal, encouraging guests to listen closely not only to the poems, but to one another.
The session opened with the beloved ninth-century poem “Pangur Bán”, written by an anonymous Irish monk about his white cat companion. The poem sparked lively discussion among attendees. Readers reflected on how the monk, often imagined as a scholarly and solitary intellectual, seems to learn from his playful cat chasing mice. This idea inspired conversation about the value of unexpected role models and how wisdom can emerge from the most ordinary relationships.
Participants also noticed how observant the monk appears. Living in a world with fewer distractions and limited technology, he may have had more opportunities to practice mindfulness to his surroundings, which are qualities many people may find difficult to maintain in the modern world.
Another insight that emerged was the poem’s gentle comparison between creative work and physical work. Just as Pangur Bán patiently hunts mice, the monk patiently hunts for words and ideas. Both pursuits require focus, persistence, and quiet dedication. This parallel resonated strongly with the group, highlighting that creativity can connect with everyday life, and that intellectual work could come from steady and patient practice
The session concluded with a reading of “I Go Among Trees” by Wendell Berry, offering participants a moment of calm reflection to carry with them on their journeys home. The poem’s peaceful imagery for the natural world provided a fitting close to an Earth Day gathering, inviting readers to consider their own relationship with nature and the restorative power of mindfulness.
Overall, the event created a welcoming and thoughtful space where literature became a shared experience. Through poetry, conversation, and quiet presence, attendees were reminded of the enduring power of reading together – an activity that continues to foster connection, reflection, and community.
Written by Maria Olivia Susilo | Research Assistant
