Chai, cosy rugs and the courage to talk about dying: Five quick questions with Brigid Lowry

Brigid Lowry’s A Time of Living Graciously is a gentle, unflinching look at ageing, dying and what it means to live mindfully through it all – both a conversation starter and a source of comfort.

Brigid shares her thoughts on writing through the heavy topics, and the importance of humour. Listen to a conversation between Brigid and Fremantle Press publisher Georgia Richter on the Fremantle Press podcast.

How did you go about the process of writing about mortality, ageing and dying? Did you sometimes wish you weren’t?

This topic really interests me – as a Buddhist, as an aging person and as a human being. There were moments when if felt heavy, but mainly I enjoyed writing this book. I felt I had things to say, so I said them. In the process I learned a lot about myself, and also the wider scope of old age, sickness and death, which are part of the human existence.

How important is it to maintain a sense of humour as one grows older?

Absolutely crucial.

Do you have any thoughts about growing older and relying on others more? Acceptance is all. It is humbling to be the older person. It is also part of the cycle of life. I trust my son to take care of what he must take care of regarding my ageing. I hope I will be gone before it becomes too hard and burdensome for him, and I try not to ring him too often with computer hassles.

Do you see reflections of your parents in different stages as you age?

My father died in his fifties, and my mother died in her early sixties, so no. Their journeys were very different to mine.

What gives you solace?

Buddhism. Granddaughters. Family. Friends. Cosy rugs. Chai. Toast. Walking. Music. The ocean. Flowers. Trees.